Senior Specialist, Communications

Job Title : Senior Specialist, Communications

Department : Development Innovations

Reports to: Principal Manager, Operations

Work Location: Bethesda, Maryland or approved remote work location in states where DAI is registered*

Position Overview

The Senior Specialist, Communications for Development Innovations will provide communications support and outreach activities for Development Innovations to include communications support to DAI projects through short term technical assistance (STTA) assignments, support to DAI new business development through proposal communications support , and to Development Innovation’s technical sectors through communications and outreach support . This support may include, but is not limited to develop ing effective communications strategies and products for USAID projects, enhanc ing the Development Innovation team ’s public profile , support ing internal communication efforts, and other tasks including developing communication strategies and plans, drafting messaging, writing articles, preparing outreach products and tools for target audiences, fact sheets, reports, presentations, content for listserv messages, web pages and social media accounts.

Within this role, t he Senior Specialist, Communications will primarily provide substantive technical support to DAI’s Advancing Capacity for the Environment (ACE) program . This STTA position will serve as a key leader on the communications team, working to develop and implement strategic initiatives and activities, and to ensure successful implementation of ACE’s communications deliverables. The ACE team supports USAID’s work in the areas of climate change, environment, energy, and infrastructure work. The ACE program primarily focuses on providing support and services to DAI’s clients within the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)’s Bureau for Resilience, Environment and Food Security (REFS) - The Center for Climate Positive Development (CCPD); The Center for Energy, Infrastructure, and Cities (CEIC); and The Center for Natural Environment (CNE). The program objective is to enhance USAID’s effectiveness, leading to positive and sustainable development outcomes globally in the above sectors through activities under four key tasks areas: communications, training, knowledge management, and facilitation/organizational development. The program will provide these comprehensive services and support across the above centers.

This is a full-time position that requires the ability to work in the United States without sponsorship. This position requires the ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed. Ability to work from the Bethesda office is preferred.

This position will close on Monday, October 18th.

Responsibilities

ACE Project Communications Support (80%)

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans for the USAID branches or divisions supported by ACE. 
• Proactively curate and develop content, including success stories, newsletter copy, talking points, social media posts, press releases, presentations, event materials, and other communications products. 
• Develop and strengthen client and partner relationships to foster information sharing, collaboration, and scale communications successes. 
• Develop and propose innovative communication ideas and activities to help branches/divisions supported by ACE to meet their goals. 
• Manage and/or work with a range of consultants, including graphic designers, writers, videographers, etc., to develop communications products. 
• Implement quality control measures to ensure high quality visual and written communications products. 
• Work closely with ACE’s knowledge management and training, facilitation, and organizational development teams to maximize collaboration, uncover opportunities and improve efficiency.
• Work with the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Manager to develop and report on communications activities to measure the impact of ACE’s communications activities. 
• Support management of and  establish  best practices for communications document storage, compliance, and version control.
• Demonstrate professionalism and diplomacy to foster an atmosphere of teamwork, productivity, creativity, and innovation. 
• Help to mentor and empower junior communications team members. 
  
  
  

Strategic Communications Development Innovations Support ( 2 0%)

Responsibilities will vary and be assigned as needed/ identified . Illustrative tasks incl ude:

• C ontribute to strategic communication strategies and plans.
• Monitor and report on the execution of these communication strategies and plans.
• Work with DAI’s technical experts to conceptualize, write and/or edit thought leadership pieces such as articles, abstracts and blogs.
• Draft content and social campaign development that adhere to USAID or DAI’s branding and style guidelines and uses a consistent tone, style, and language to communicate to the target audiences.
• Design, write and edit communication tools and products including marketing PPTs, flyers, infographics, data visualization, social media applications.
• Support Development Innovation’s knowledge management initiatives.
• Support proposals as required , particularly in serving as a n integrator.
• Support broader business development efforts, such as conducting research, identifying , and executing messaging campaigns tied to DAI’s growth in t echnical sectors , and supporting conference and other event design and attendance.
• Support other DAI projects through STTA as identified .
  
  
  

Additional Responsibilities As Deemed Necessary.

USG Business Unit Core Competencies

All staff hired into positions within the USG Business at DAI are expected to demonstrate these competences throughout their work and interactions with others.

• Collaborates Effectively: Recognizes the benefit of working with others from multicultural backgrounds; believes collaboration can lead to better and stronger contributions to USG; views relationships as long-term and meaningful; Communicates with empathy to cross-cultural audiences.
• Champions Inclusion: Treats others with honesty, respect, and consideration; promotes cross-cultural understanding and inclusion throughout the organization; demonstrates appreciation for the complex environments in which DAI works.
• Performs with Excellence: Thrives in all aspects of your role and fosters an open and energizing environment that motivates self and peers to contribute their personal best and is reflective of USG’s vision and mission.
• Creates Innovative Solutions: Problem solves and broadens perspectives, while overcoming biases to find solutions to complex challenges; seeks opportunities to experiment with new approaches and grow/develop the skills of oneself and others.
• Drives Growth: Able to weigh the costs and benefits of actions both internally and externally and their impact on diverse markets and stakeholders; Understands priorities and behaviors necessary for personal and organizational growth.
• Navigates Risk: Integrates risk considerations into all aspects of work and planning; understands benchmarks for escalation of a risk-related issue or concern; makes decisions by gathering input from others and displaying trust of their recommendations, while also taking accountability for outcomes.
  
  
  

Qualifications & Skills

Minimum Requirements:

• P 6 : Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience and a college degree. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.
• Prior communications experience related to international development or USAID . programming, or related to climate change, environmental, and/or natural resources management programming, including familiarity with relevant actors, coordinating bodies, and events strongly.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing communications plans and strategies, working with the media, writing and editing content, and translating technical information for layperson audiences.
• Demonstrated client engagement and management experience, including experience providing guidance and advice in the development of communications and messaging strategies, plans, and/or products.
• Strong organizational and communications skills, both oral and written.
• Ability to build internal relationships across teams and with personnel at all levels, and to develop external relationships with key stakeholders and partners.
• Strong project management, problem solving and analytical skills.
• Able and willing to travel to any country where DAI currently operates , or may wish to operate , barring times when DAI Global Security has deemed travel unsafe.
• Able and willing to adjust work schedule, if needed, to support teams located in different time zones/countries.
• Authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship.
• *Based in one of the following U.S. locations where DAI is registered: District of Columbia, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Washington .
  
  
  

Preferred, but not required :

• Professional or native/fluent level of proficiency in a second language (Spanish, French, Russian, or Arabic preferred).
• Prior experience working on proposals for USAID funded projects.
  
  
  

Compensation & Benefits:

For employees working the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is expected to be between $94,780 to $111,506. Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills, seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs.

Eligible U.S. based employees, will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, parental leave; as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

For employees working outside of the United States, compensation and benefits will vary based on location.

Equal Employment Opportunity

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work . DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.