Associate Director - Strategic Communications

Purpose of the Role

Strategic Communications is crucial for the organisation to achieve its mission. The Associate Director will work closely with the Founders Office to plan and implement stakeholder communications and outreach initiatives, managing all communication channels and positioning the organisation as a thought leader in the public policy and social inclusion space.

Areas of Responsibility

The list, not limited to, as below provides more detailed descriptions of the role.

• Develops communications strategies to raise awareness of the organization's work.
• Implements the organization's communications plan that includes design and dissemination of the organisation's knowledge collaterals and key accomplishments.
• Preparing editorial calendar and managing content and outreach for th organisation's digital properties including the website updates, blog, newsletters, videos, and social media channels
• Managing the brand assets and brand toolkit and updating the same on a regular basis
• Writing blogs, articles for internal newsletters & opinion editorials for external media outlets
• Manages external relations and partnerships. Coordinates advocacy campaigns.
• Networking and developing strategic relationships with media, public and key ecosystem influencers to build support for the organization's goals.
• Evaluate and apply relevant and innovative communication tools and dissemination methods to maximize content engagement and increase key message efficacy.
• Coordinate with outside agencies for website design/ development/ maintenance and marketing materials for the organisation
• Provide guidance and support to staff members and volunteers regarding communication strategies, messaging, and media interactions.
• Stay current with industry trends, best practices, and emerging communication technologies, and incorporate them into the organizations communication strategies.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• 10+ years of work experience with demonstrated success in strategic communications, influencer outreach, public relations, preferably in the social sector, non-profit, or government relations. Exceptional candidates with 8+ years of experience will be considered if they demonstrate a strong alignment with the organisation's mission.
• Language Proficiency: High level of fluency in English, medium fluency in Hindi.

Skills Required

• Technical Skills: Proficiency in digital communications, content management systems, social media platforms, and familiarity with website design/development/maintenance.
• Industry Knowledge: Familiarity with the public policy space, educational schemes, and social enterprise sector in India.
• Collaboration & Networking: Ability to build and maintain positive collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholders, including regulators, foundations, researchers, and more.
• Result orientation, effective leadership, strong communication skills, influencing skills, stakeholder management, strong interpersonal skills, and the ability to work with people from varied backgrounds and levels.
• Management: Experience in growing and managing team members, ability to lead meetings, and ability to deliver impactful presentations.
• Planning & Organisational Skills: Strong planning, ability to set priorities, plan timelines, and meet deadlines. Experience with project management tools is a plus.
• Ability to work independently and proactively, without support staff.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, strong presentation skills, and experience in writing for various media channels.
• Ability to think strategically and implement innovative solutions to complex problems.
• Strong strategizing, planning, and organizational skills, and an ability to be able to set priorities, plan timelines, and meet deadlines.

Desired Qualities & Personal Attributes

• Entrepreneurial Spirit: A get-it-done attitude, coupled with innovative thinking and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced, small-organisation setting.
• Leadership: Excellent leadership skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and mentor team members.
• Alignment with the organisation's Vision and Values: Passion for social inclusion and a strong alignment with the mission and values of the organisation. A proven track record in community engagement or policy advocacy is a plus.
• Adaptability & Resourcefulness: Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and an ability to utilise resources effectively.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Understanding of the diverse cultural landscape of India, with an ability to navigate and connect across various communities.