Communications Officer – Europe and Central Asia (m/f/d)

Competitive rates of pay apply

Do you want to help make the world a better place with your strategic communication and media relations skills? We’re seeking Communications Officer based in Berlin to develop and implement strategies and coordinate communications projects, working closely with Open Society—Europe and Central Asia. The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights. Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world. The department focuses on campaigning, media outreach, content development and messaging, creative and digital strategy, and internal communications to support the Open Society network worldwide.

As a Communications Officer at Open Society, you will:

• Develop and implement communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our work on priority areas in Germany and across the Europe and Central Asia region
• Manage executive communications and media relations for the Executive Regional Director
• Identify opportunities and implement strategies to position key messages, spokespersons, and grantees in print, broadcast, digital, and other media
• Manage communications challenges or identify risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them
• Draft and edit Op-Eds, letters-to-the-editor, pitches, press releases, blogs, and social media content
• Manage the production of digital and print content, events, and campaigns on key Open Society issues, managing projects through from beginning to end
• Develop and conduct communications and media trainings for program leadership, staff, and grantees

What we are looking for:

• Educated to degree level in a relevant field
• In-depth knowledge of key open society issues in Europe and Central Asia
• Over eight years of relevant communications experience including as a communications professional in the not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist
• Excellent English and German-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills. Working knowledge of French, Spanish, or additional European languages preferred.
• Proven skills in the development and project management of communications strategies and plans
• Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media
• Social media and digital expertise
• Interest in and experience with developing communications in support of advocacy campaigns or objectives

Desirable (but not essential):

• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
• Willingness to travel extensively for work
• Substantial knowledge of organizational and project management
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently or collaboratively a needed
• Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with colleagues at all levels
• Experience in dealing with sensitive matters and ability to maintain confidentiality
• A commitment to team working and a willingness to contribute to cross-departmental initiatives

What we offer:

• Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts
• Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance. With some variability according to location, this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more
• A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world

If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV; we look forward to learning more about you. Deadline: 10/12/2022
We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.