Silver Spring, Maryland- Director of Communication--International Partnership for Microbicides

Director of Communication

Education: Bachelor (BA, BS, etc.)
Location: Silver Spring, Maryland, 20910, United States
Posted by: International Partnership for Microbicides
Job Category: Communications
Language(s): English
Job posted on: March 12, 2009
Area of Focus: Health and Medicine, Media and Journalism, Network of Nonprofit Organizations, Women's Issues
Type: Full time
Last day to apply: May 11, 2009
Last updated: April 21, 2009



Description:
Job Summary

The Director for Communication will be responsible for managing the daily operations of IPM’s global communications team and for implementing IPM’s global communications and advocacy strategy.

The Director will manage IPM’s relationships with the media and broader public, develop and train a talented communications staff, help represent IPM at public events, and oversee production of IPM publications, presentations, and documents. S/he will seek opportunities to advocate on behalf of IPM and build support for the microbicide field at the national and international level. The Director will also manage the organization’s response to communications challenges in both industrialized countries and the developing world.

As the Director gains comfort and experience within the organization, s/he will assume a broader role in developing IPM’s global communications and advocacy strategy. The successful candidate will be a superior writer, an exceptional manager, and a skilled diplomat with outstanding experience in media relations.

Job Responsibilities

To be successful, the Director must be able to perform each essential duty:

Strategic Management of IPM’s Communications Department:

* Implement IPM’s global communications strategy, including external communications with partners, stakeholders, and the media
* Provide strategic guidance to IPM’s leadership on critical messaging and media-related issues
* Work closely with IPM’s R&D and clinical programs to ensure the full integration of the communications strategy with these programs
* Manage the development and implementation of systems and tools (such as an intranet) to support the work of the communications team
* Lead an organization-wide branding initiative, including redesign of IPM’s website, publications and “look,” and educating staff about these changes
* Develop and lead a team of experienced communications professionals – both staff and consultants – responsible for IPM’s media relations, website, publications and materials, and participation at key domestic and international events



Materials and Message Development and Communications:

* Ensure clear and consistent communications about IPM and its mission with key audiences, including advocates and champions, the scientific and academic communities, NGOs, major multilateral organizations, government officials and policymakers, corporations, and the media
* Develop messages for key audiences that are consistent with IPM’s overall communications strategy and that clarify the goals and priorities of the organization and the broader microbicide field
* Serve as primary liaison for journalists and direct media inquiries to appropriate spokespeople. Conduct ongoing outreach to journalists and editors to build organizational relationships with key media around the world
* Manage production of IPM documents, including brochures, annual reports, press releases, and issue briefs
* Oversee the development of IPM’s visual representation, including photographs, videos, and graphic arts
* Manage external relations programs at key events, including scientific conferences, development meetings, and other major national and international events



Communications Support for Clinical Trials in Africa and Other Regions:

* Work closely with IPM’s external relations and clinical teams to support communications activities in Africa and around the clinical development program
* Provide guidance as needed to clinical trial site staff on communications and media training, communications related to community and stakeholder involvement, developing appropriate crisis communication plans, work plans and materials
* Manage regional journalist workshops/trainings and other events as requested
* Work with IPM’s senior management team to develop and implement crisis communications plans for clinical programs



Qualifications
Candidates for this position should have the following education/experience and demonstrate mastery of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities:

* Bachelor’s degree is required. A Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Health or other closely related field would be preferred.
* Extensive experience managing national or international communications or advocacy campaigns in the public, private, or non-profit sectors
Proven ability to manage a successful communications team
* Working knowledge of issues related to women and HIV/AIDS
* Work experience in or involving Africa is strongly preferred
* Strong interest in microbicide R&D and clinical research in developing countries



The successful candidate will have demonstrated leadership and networking skills, including the ability to think strategically, to delegate where appropriate, to prioritize competing demands, and to influence a peer group. S/he must possess excellent interpersonal and listening skills to interact with external and internal individuals, organizations, and networks. S/he must also possess a sense of humor, a strong cultural astuteness, and humility. S/he should possess well-honed diplomacy skills and be able to deal with conflict productively.

Exceptional and effective written and verbal communications skills in English (and preferably French) are necessary, including the ability to respond clearly, creatively, and decisively to inquiries with a strong attention to detail. A Master’s degree or equivalent in Communications, Journalism, International Relations, Public Health or other closely related field would be preferred.

Terms and Conditions
International Travel will be required.
How to Apply:
Please Apply online at http://ipm-web.ipm-microbicides.org/careers/ and click on Career Opportunities.