Communications Officer

This job posting was opened on 3/27/25. Please note that we will be prioritizing candidates who are current IRC (and recently employed by IRC) staff before other applicants. If necessary, we will extend the opportunity to external candidates.

This role may work remotely in the United States), hybrid, or in-person full time. Some occasional travel may be required. If remote, applicants must have a home or alternate workspace they can effectively complete their work during regularly scheduled hours.

Background:

A global leader in humanitarian assistance, the International Rescue Committee works in more than 40 countries offering help and hope to refugees and others impacted by violent conflict and disaster. During crises, IRC teams provide health care, shelter, clean water, sanitation, learning programs for children and special aid for women. As emergencies subside, the IRC stays to revive livelihoods and help shattered communities recover and rebuild. A tireless advocate for the most vulnerable, the IRC is committed to restoring hope, dignity and opportunity.

Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) is a dynamic team that is tasked with building the IRC's global profile and brand, increasing private revenue from deeper donor engagement and partnerships, and influencing our target audiences. The team is responsible for all of IRC's brand, communications, creative and content and digital engagement efforts. Global Public Affairs, a part of the Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) team, targets priority IRC markets and audiences to advance and protect our policy goals, brand and profile. It's a key part of external messaging and product development, distribution and coordination for External Relations. The team uses proactive and reactive earned media (broadcast, digital & print) to support policy and income objectives, while also using frontline storytelling to advance our cause.

Job Overview:

As a key member of the IRC's Global Communications Team, the Communications Officer, U.S.will develop and execute communications strategies fostering support for and protecting the IRC's services supporting vulnerable populations with a focus on IRC's local/state US office network. The Communications Officer will lead communications across the Refugee, Asylum, and Integration network portfolio, convening and leading multiple teams and stakeholders to deliver breakthrough multi-disciplinary communications results.

Major Responsibilities:

• Develop and Implement Communications Strategies: Convene, collaborate with, and lead IRC US programs teams to create and execute communications strategies that drive awareness of IRC's impact and advocacy at local and state levels. Protect IRC's reputation, support fundraising objectives, and influence target audiences.
• Collaborate with Internal Partners: Work with communications team members, field teams, advocates, fundraisers, and technical specialists to build and support dynamic communications tactics, including innovative media outreach, op-eds, press products, creative digital content, and social media output.
• Media Relations: Engage in strategic proactive and reactive media relations, showcasing IRC insights and expertise in both traditional and unconventional media outlets to tell IRC's story to strategic audiences, especially at local and state levels.
• Content Creation: Deploy excellent writing skills to deliver captivating pitches, high-level IRC messages, op-eds, press releases, and talking points for spokespeople. Respond to media queries by providing accurate information, arranging interviews, preparing staff, and facilitating media visits to field programs, including during emergencies and breaking news.
• Leadership and Management: Manage communications officers across the RAI US network, providing prioritization and technical guidance to team members. Lead on local issues management, navigating difficult news stories, and expanding IRC's communications network at state/local levels.
• Capacity Building: Build capacity among local RAI US offices for media through training and fostering the Communications Community of Practice (CoP). Guide and coach RAI US offices on proactive and reactive communications.
• Digital Content Coordination: Partner with Digital Content and Communications teams to produce, coordinate, and measure digital content. Ensure timely and strategic dissemination of content, including for high-profile visits.
• Reporting and Metrics: Be responsible for quarterly reports on coverage and communications results using industry-standard metrics and benchmarking. Deliver annual RAI US Network communications strategy and report on progress towards goals.
• External Representation: Act as an IRC representative to external and internal audiences through media interviews and contributions to digital content.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Communications Director - US
• Other Internal and/or external contacts:
  • Internal: Work with global communications colleagues, RAI programs leadership and communicators, content creators, advocates and fundraisers
  • External: Work with journalists, media producers and editors, strategic influencers and sister humanitarian organizations

Job Requirements:

Education and Work Experience:Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, international affairs OR equivalent 3-4 years of professional experience in communications, preferably with a focus on refugee, immigration or humanitarian affairs, or issues that cross with the refugee resettlement sector

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• The Communications Officer demonstrates a flexible approach and ability to navigate ambiguity, as well as multiple projects and priorities at once
• Ability to work effectively, efficiently, diplomatically and calmly in a fast-paced environment on issues that are often sophisticated and sensitive.
• Deep knowledge and experience of working successfully with US media covering international and humanitarian issues and shown track-record of results.
• Experience working with journalists on negative stories
• Experience in producing and editing, under tight-deadlines, accurate and dynamic communications materials including press-releases, op-eds, talking points and digital content.
• Record of creativity in developing compelling content, and creative pursuit of targets in achievement of communications objectives across different channels (media, social, web etc.)
• Experience of management and track record of fostering a positive team culture

Compensation: Posted pay ranges apply to US-based candidates. Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.
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