The Carter Center: Associate Director, Engagement - Communications

SUMMARY:

The Associate Director of Engagement is a member of The Carter Center's Communications department and is responsible for supporting the development, implementation, and analysis of strategic communications plans to publicize The Center, its spokespeople, and its programs. Primary duties include assisting with the planning and project management of the Engagement team’s efforts, as well as conducting research and analysis on media trends and target audiences to inform and guide those efforts. Also works to deliver on the Engagement team’s primary goals of facilitating media and public speaking engagements. Collaborates with staff in the Carter Center Communications Office, Development Office, and Center programs to achieve identified goals. Reports to and works with the Director of Engagement to achieve departmental goals. May receive direction or functional assignments from the Vice President of Communications.

FORMAL JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Develops and implements media relations and/or publications programs.
• Assists in strategic public relations planning and implementation including, media relations, publications and periodicals, crises communication and issues management.
• Researches media platforms, target audiences, and overall media landscape to inform Engagement team’s efforts.
• Provides ad-hoc communications support, including pitching media, managing public speaking opportunities, and staffing Center spokespeople.
• Coordinates and facilitates internal project planning meetings and develops projects briefs to share with leadership.
• Assists with managing and prioritizing incoming communications requests.
• Monitors the work of the organization across programs to help identify opportunities for communications engagement and amplification.
• Develops relationships with journalists locally, nationally, and internationally to generate media coverage in print, broadcast, and specialty publications.
• Edits texts and works with clients and designers to produce publications.
• Supports the creation and implementation of overarching and project-specific communications plans, goals, and strategies to support the mission, achievements, and staff through traditional media and public speaking opportunities.
• May supervise interns, volunteers, office assistants, and outside consultants or vendors.
• Maintains professional growth and development of self by identifying educational/training programs, professional organizations, activities, and resources to maintain knowledge of national trends and to promote leading edge expertise.
• Performs related responsibilities, as needed.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, journalism or related field, and five years of experience in writing, editing or public relations, OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of international development and international health issues and foreign language skills.
• Eight years’ job experience in public relations or journalism, excellent writing skills and a track record of media placements.
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills.
• Experience researching and analyzing various media platforms, target audiences, and overall media landscape.
• Knowledge of public relations techniques and current communications tools.
• Ability to craft and implement comprehensive publicity and communications plans in a fast paced, deadline-driven environment.
• May need to receive calls from reporters or Center staff outside of standard business hours.
• Domestic and international travel required.

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to The Carter Center on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs. Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines. All non-exempt employees must reside within the state of Georgia. The Carter Center reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee. Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States for any employer.