Sr. Communications Specialist – Remote

Position Description

The Sr. Communications Specialist produces and coordinates communications across platforms to a wide array of audiences and ensures that communication products and technical deliverables adhere to the project and client style and quality standards. This person will support all levels of writing, synthesizing, editing, and document formatting. The ideal candidate has experience in strategic communications for global development programs.

FLSA Status: Exempt

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

• Designs, develops, and/or maintains communications products, platforms, and materials that facilitate the awareness, accessibility, and application of knowledge and solutions related to USAID water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) priorities.

• Works closely with the project lead to select messages, products, and events that contribute to USAID’s objectives for knowledge sharing in the global WASH community

• Provides high-quality, audience-focused writing and editorial services (drafting original content, summarizing, editing, and proof-reading) and document production (formatting) support for a variety of client and project needs (e.g., newsletters, blogs and articles, resource round-ups, social media toolkits, quarterly and annual reports) in compliance with EnCompass’ and client’s branding and marketing standards

• Collaborates with other project team members to manage incoming client requests, assess individual and team workload, and prioritize tasks

• Create and update project templates for reports and other materials, and orients project team on how to effectively use them

• Engages fully as a member of the EnCompass staff team, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass events

• May supervise or mentor staff

• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

• Minimum BA degree and 6 years’ experience, or MA and 4 years’ experience, or Associate’s degree and 8 years’ experience, or High School Diploma and 10 year’ experience in professional editing, writing, communications, or a related field

Required Experience and Skills

• Strong writing, editing, and synthesis skills; ability to convert technically complex concepts into plain language and able to communicate to a variety of audiences with a high degree of cultural sensitivity

• Flexibility, openness to change, and proven ability to manage multiple priorities/tasks and meet tight deadlines

• Experience collaborating effectively with writers, editors, visual designers, knowledge management specialists, and technical subject-matter experts across sectors and geographies

• Excellent critical thinking, decision-making, and English writing and speaking skills required. Proficiency in a second language (e.g., Arabic, French, Spanish, or Portuguese) desired

• Exceptional thoroughness, heightened attention to detail, and commitment to consistency

• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback, and receive feedback from colleagues

• Strong work ethic with a commitment to excellence

Desired Experience and Skills**

• Advanced skills in working with templates and formatting materials using Google Suite and Microsoft Office programs; experience in basic graphic design

• Familiarity with the water, sanitation, and hygiene sector

• Demonstrated thorough knowledge of USAID branding and marking and other communications-related policies and procedures

• Understanding of compliance with Section 508 of the Americans with Disabilities Act and/or copyright law