Communications Specialist I

Job Description

NOTE: This is a remote position; CRS will only consider candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

About Strengthening Families for Thriving Children Strategic Change Platform 5 (SCP5) and the Changing the Way We Care initiative

As part of its Vision 2030 strategy, CRS is investing in six strategic change platforms, including Strengthening Families for Thriving Children (SCP5). SCP5 is a bold initiative aimed at helping vulnerable children thrive in safe, nurturing families by building resilient communities and influencing policies and systems that support family strengthening. A key component of SCP5 is collaboration with Catholic partners to advance these goals through advocacy, resource mobilization, and community engagement. The flagship global initiative of SCP5 is Changing the Way We Care (CTWWC), which promotes family-based care for children at risk of separation or transitioning from residential care facilities (sometimes referred to as orphanages). CTWWC is implemented by CRS, Maestral International, and other partners, with funding support from USAID and the GHR Foundation.

Job Background/Summary

The Communications Specialist will support the Program Manager II, Communications in the review, editing, packaging, and dissemination of learning products from various teams (SCP5/CTWWC/Social Services) and partners. This role involves creating, updating and managing communications products for various audiences and channels. This includes collecting and organizing case studies and stories, developing newsletter content, and supporting regular internal and external reporting efforts. Additionally, the Communications Specialist will help to maintain and update the SCP5/CTWWC/Social Services websites, internal/external social media platforms, along with a social media content calendar and international days of recognition. The Communication Specialist will coordinate with the CRS Marketing and Communications Department (MarCom) and external vendors on communications projects, support the creation and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy, and create and disseminate promotional materials for in-person and virtual events and seminars.

Responsibilities

Communications Products: Completion and Dissemination

• Support the editing, design, branding review and packaging of all learning products/materials (videos, stories, technical manuals, etc.) produced by the various teams from conception through to final dissemination.
• Coordinate/consult with the CRS Marketing and Communications (MarCom) department, editing and design consultants, translators and members of the global SCP5/CTWWC teams to complete high quality products/materials in a timely manner.
• Consult/coordinate with the teams responsible for producing learning materials to determine appropriate dissemination channels for each product.
  
  

External Communications

• Create and update content for the CTWWC website and external social media platforms (Twitter and Facebook) in close collaboration with the Program Manager II, Communications.
• Liaise with the CRS MarCom social media team on communications campaigns and the planning/promotion of special events.
• Submitting and tracking communications requests to the MarCom team through their online portal (WorkFront).
• Send photos, captions, and consent forms to MarCom for their online image filing system (Story Lens).
• Support the collection and editing of case studies and stories showcasing SCP5/CTWWC for various audiences and channels.
• Support the creation and dissemination of promotional materials at in-person and virtual events and seminars.
• Create simple designs and visual aids for event announcements, social media posts, etc.
• Edit short videos (adding captions and branding, for example).
• Research media opportunities and upcoming events/activities in the care reform sector.
• Support learning synthesis activities by sharing events via communications channels to practitioner audiences.
  
  

Internal Communications

• Create and update content for internal communications channels and events, including social media platforms (Viva Engage), in close collaboration with the Program Manager II, Communications.
• Maintain and update a social media content calendar and identify/track international days of recognition.
• Maintain and update the SCP5 SharePoint page with the Program Manager II, Communications and Program Manager, SCP5.
• Support the training of internal staff and consultants on branding standards and adherence to the CRS/CTWWC branding guidance.
• Support the creation of internal newsletters.
• Schedule meetings, webinars and other internal communications events and activities.
  
  

General Program Coordination and Knowledge Management

• Support the planning of content gathering sessions and other activities by scheduling interviews and pre-planning meetings with interviewees and vendors.
• Work with the CRS procurement team to ensure design and copyediting projects are funded and completed promptly. This includes creating scopes of work (SOWs) for vendors, sending invoices and tracking spending inclusive of SCP5/CTWWC and Social Services.
• Contribute to regular reporting (quarterly donor reports and departmental reports, etc.).
• Store and track communications-related information such as photos and videos, and aid in the creation and updating of a “story bank” for the platform.
• Liaise with the CRS media relations team to handle requests for interviews and scheduling podcasts, etc.
  
  

Qualifications

Basic qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible work experience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite applications, specifically Outlook, Word, PowerPoint and OneDrive
• Experience with design programs such as InDesign and Canva
• Experience in social media content writing
• Strong time management skills
• Strong communications skills, able to edit and proofread documents
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Good strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills and ability to make sound judgement and decisions
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions- and results-oriented
• Strong ability to communicate with sensitivity across culture
  
  

Required Languages – English, Spanish And/or French Preferred

Travel– Must be willing to travel up to 10% if needed

Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Key Working Relationships

Internal: SCP5 team members including those from CTWWC; Country Program Directors and in-country communications staff; CRS MarCom team, Social Services Technical Direct.

External: Global partner organizations, local implementing partners, external design and copy-editing consultants (if needed).

• Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
  
  

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer