Communications and Outreach Specialist, USAID, Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization

cnxus.org - Jobboard; Washington, Northern (District of Columbia, KY); On-site; USD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Communications and Outreach Specialist to manage outreach functions and develop communication strategies for the Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention. The role involves creating materials for various audiences, ensuring compliance with guidelines, and collaborating across departments. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills, a relevant degree, and experience in strategic communications.

Qualifications

• 3 years of experience in strategic communications.
• Experience in digital communications and social media.
• Ability to produce high-quality work within tight timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Manage CVP communications and outreach functions.
• Develop materials for specific audiences and stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with USAID marking and branding guidance.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal Skills

Presentation Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing/business, international development/relations, public administration

Tools

Adobe Creative Suite

Job description

Communications and Outreach Specialist, USAID, Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization

Dexis is a professional services firm that solves the most pressing social challenges in complex environments, paving the way for a more secure and prosperous world.

Dexis embracesdiversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.

At Dexis, you will experience a corporate culture of inclusiveness, fairness, and trust. You will be given the means and mentorship needed to succeed, and your creativity will be rewarded.

About the Position

The Communications and Outreach Specialist position is located in the Center for Conflict and Violence Prevention (CVP) in the Bureau for Conflict Prevention and Stabilization (CPS).

CVP leads USAID’s efforts to identify and analyze sources of conflict. The Center supports USAID early responses to address the causes and consequences of fragility, conflict, and violence. The Center also integrates conflict sensitivity and peacebuilding approaches into policies, analyses, strategies, and programs. As a result, CVP advances USAID programs that prevent conflict, atrocities, and violent extremism before they spread; enhances partner countries’ self-sufficient peace operations, training, and deployment capabilities; and helps address countries’ governance challenges that are often the root cause of conflict.

To achieve these aims, CVP provides four key services. First, CVP leads Agency research and analyses on the causes and consequences of fragility, conflict, and violence. Our technical experts combine field experience, rigorous research, and inter-agency, as well as intergovernmental expertise to inform U.S. Government policy, Agency strategy, and mission programming. Second, CVP provides on-site support, counsel, and resources to missions and embassies worldwide. As geographic and thematic experts on the state-of-the art in conflict analysis and research, CVP staff work closely with regional counterparts in the design and implementation of strategies, programs, and assessments. Third, CVP develops and delivers highly effective training that builds USAID and USG expertise in peacebuilding, conflict sensitivity, and mitigating risks of violence. Fourth, CVP manages awards and projects, including the People-to-People Reconciliation Fund, that support USAID Mission, Bureau, and Independent Offices to design and deliver peacebuilding activities.

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:

• Adapt CVP’s Communications and “Outreach Strategy and Action Plan” with updates as needed, to account for newly emerging Center priorities and needs.
• Develop communications and outreachmaterialsfor 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 forpresentationsas required by CVP staff, CPS management, and USAID leadership.
  • Draftpress releasesand media advisories as requested.
  • Developsocial mediacontent as requested, including blogs and more extensive compositions for Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube sites, in coordination with other parts of USAID.
  • Developvisualmaterials, including infographics and video content.
  • Strategize and develop content for CVPevents, including conferences, internal USAID presentations, and public fora.
  • Prepare materials forvisits 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-facingwebsites(USAID Pages and Google sites).
  • Produce materials for Congress and package information and materials for USAID Missions, in conjunction with Knowledge Management staff.
  • Providequality control,including proofreading for print and electronic public information produced by CVP colleagues.
• Provide input into CVPstatements of workandprogram descriptions, as requested, on ways that public outreach activities could further increase the outcomes and impact of CVP projects and activities.
• Ensure compliance with USAIDmarking and brandingguidance and procedures, and work with CVP staff on adherence to the guidance and procedures for CVP implementing partners.
• Build and maintaina networkof 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 ofrecords and filesof 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.

• 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.
• 3 years of experience working in strategic communications.
• Demonstrated experience in digital communications, communications and branding strategy execution, editorial, and social media experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communications and skills in developing and delivering messages to a variety of audiences.
• Ability to produce thorough, high-quality work within a tight timeframe.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Secret Security Clearance.
• Experience and leadership in implementing and evaluating a comprehensive communication strategy, media relations, and marketing program to advance agency mission and goals preferred.
• Experience with office technology and software (Adobe Creative Suite preferred).
• Knowledge of international conflict mitigation or peacebuilding.

Dexis is on a mission to help solve today’s most pressing global political, social, and economic challenges and create a world where all people are safe and prosperous. As a Dexis employee, you will be challenged, empowered, and mentored. Our motto is “find a way or make a way” — that’s how Dexis goes “all in.” How will you?

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about this opportunity, apply now!

Only those applicants who meet the above criteria will be contacted for interview.

Dexis is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, pregnancy, disability, age, genetic information, military service, veteran status, ethnicity, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, childbirth and related medical conditions, including lactation, or any other protected class under applicable law.

If you are hired for a position that is paid from the Dexis home office, you will be required to submit proofthat you have received the COVID-19 vaccine unless you qualify for a legally recognized medical or religious exception to the vaccine requirement. This does not apply to AL, AZ, FL, KS, MT, NH, ND, or TX residents.