Communications and Outreach Specialist, USAID/CVP

As a member of the CPS/CVP Program and Operations Support Division, the Specialist will manage the Center’s communications and outreach functions in collaboration with CVP colleagues. She/he will be responsible for planning, designing and executing a program to inform and educate the public, media, and other specified audiences about CVP activities and accomplishments. She/he will also work with CVP specialists to design and execute outreach activities that further increase the outcomes and impact of CVP products and services.

Responsibilities

The Specialist is responsible for managing strategies and procedures for CVP communications and outreach functions, including but not limited to the following:

• Develop or adapt CVP’s Communications and “Outreach Strategy and Action Plan” within the first 90 days of onboard, with updates as needed, to account for newly emerging Center priorities and needs.
• Develop communications and outreach materials for specific audiences and stakeholders, including for missions and bureaus, the U.S. Government inter-agency, USAID policymakers, and the public.
  • Create talking points, briefing materials, briefing books, and information packets for presentations as required by CVP staff, CPS management, and USAID leadership.
  • Draft press releases, media advisories as requested.
  • Develop social media content as requested, including blogs and more extensive compositions for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube sites, in coordination with other parts of USAID.
  • Develop visual materials, including infographics and video content.
  • Strategize and develop content for CVP events, including conferences, internal USAID presentations, and public fora.
  • Prepare materials for visits by high-level officials; as requested assist with advance work for event planning including scheduling and material production.
  • Manage online, print, and other communication campaigns to promote USAID work on peacebuilding or other related campaigns on conflict prevention.
  • Develop content and help oversee quality control of CVP’s external-facing and CVP’s internal-facing websites (USAID Pages and Google sites).
  • Produce materials for Congress and package information and materials for USAID Missions, in conjunction with Knowledge Management staff.
  • Provide quality control, including proofreading for print and electronic public information produced by CVP colleagues.
• Provide input into CVP statements of work and program descriptions, as requested, on ways that public outreach activities could further increase the outcomes and impact of CVP projects and activities.
• Ensure compliance with USAID marking and branding guidance and procedures, and work with CVP staff on adherence to the guidance and procedures for CVP implementing partners.
• Build and maintain a network of contacts with other communication specialists — including from CPS, the USAID Legislative and Public Affairs Bureau, other bureaus, missions, other U.S. Government entities, media outlets, and international organizations — to ensure consistent messaging and best practices in communications and outreach.
• Assist with the development and maintenance of records and files of communication and outreach content — for CVP institutional memory and quick staff access.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be results oriented, with demonstrated ability to engage in collaborative problem-solving. They will have excellent writing, listening, communication and interpersonal skills. Strong presentation skills are also required. They will have the ability to work collaboratively across offices and departments, and with Senior Leadership to advance a shared mission. They will have exceptional written, oral and interpersonal skills.

Minimum Requirements:

• Must be eligible to receive a SECRET clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a relevant field such as communications, marketing/business, international development/relations, public administration. Master’s degree is preferred.
• 6 to 10 years years of experience working in strategic communications.
• Demonstrated experience in digital communications, communications strategy development, editorial, and social media experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications and skills in developing and delivering presentations required.
• Proven ability to develop effective working relationships with key internal and external contacts required.
• Ability to produce thorough, high quality work within a tight timeframe.
• Experience with office technology and software with high proficiency (Adobe Creative Suite preferred)
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing a branding strategy.
• Ability to transform technical jargon into communications messages for a variety of audiences, including the public, Congress, and other Agency stakeholders.
• Experience writing, editing, and placing pieces in a variety of print and social media channels.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience and leadership in developing, implementing, and evaluating a comprehensive strategic communication, media relations, and marketing program to advance agency mission and goals preferred.
• Knowledge of conflict mitigation or peacebuilding is helpful.
• Demonstrated problem-solving, decision-making, and good judgment skills.