Communications Officer for International Fund for Animal Welfare- Washington, D.C.
Organization: International Fund for Animal Welfare
Job Title: Communications Officer
Location: Washington, D.C.
Hours and Compensation: —
Position Dates (if applicable): —
Benefits: —
Application Deadline: —
Posted on: —
Organization Overview
Founded in 1969, IFAW (the International Fund for Animal Welfare) saves individual animals, animal populations and habitats all over the world. With projects in more than 40 countries, IFAW provides hands-on assistance to animals in need, whether it’s dogs and cats, wildlife and livestock, or rescuing animals in the wake of disasters. We also advocate saving populations from cruelty and depletion, such as our campaign to end commercial whaling and seal hunts.
Our Mission: IFAW works to improve the welfare of wild and domestic animals throughout the world by reducing commercial exploitation of animals, protecting wildlife habitats, and assisting animals in distress. IFAW seeks to motivate the public to prevent cruelty to animals and to promote animal welfare and conservation policies that advance the well-being of both animals and people.
Description
To develop and deliver effective communications strategies for IFAW in the US, highlighting our local and international work and raising awareness of IFAW. The communications officer will work closely with the Washington DC office and staff at IFAW’s international headquarters in Yarmouthport in developing IFAW US events and activities to engage US audiences and help achieve successful communications outcomes. The communications officer will be the main media liaison for IFAW in the US – promoting IFAW experts and positioning IFAW as the go-to organization for expert commentary on animal welfare issues.
Responsibilities
- Work in collaboration with the HQ Comms team and in close collaboration with the other Communications staff in IFAW field offices. Provide strategic communications advice to HQ Communications and other Country Offices as appropriate.
- Implement an overall strategic communications plan to meet IFAW’s US communication needs over the coming years.
- Write copy for IFAW publications and web pages and supervise layout and production when required.
- Oversee the monitoring of important US media resources and relaying relevant coverage to colleagues.
- Develop and maintain close links with key journalists at both national and regional levels with a view to promote IFAW spokespeople, ensuring the organization is called upon to comment where and when relevant issues are raised. Act as a contact between the media and IFAW spokespeople.
- Proactively research issues surrounding current IFAW campaigns. Monitor the activities of opponents in the media and incorporate that information into IFAW’s media strategies.
- Represent IFAW in the media as a spokesperson as well as representing the organization at internal and external meetings and events as necessary.
- Assist in coordination of key IFAW events including press conferences and media launches.
- Maintain files including video, photo and press-release library. Maintain detailed records and supply inventory of all promotional items and distribute as necessary. In collaboration with Campaigns, ensure that all IFAW materials are organized and accessible.
- Ensure that Supporter Relations staff at HQ are adequately briefed on up and coming media events.
- Support fundraising efforts through communications.
- Plan and monitor communications budget and manage communications consultants and contractors when necessary.
- Assist the DC Director and VP of Communications in HQ with other key projects as and when needed.
Qualifications
- Degree or diploma in communications, journalism or a related field preferred.
- Minimum 2-3 years experience working in a similar position or in a regional/national media outlet.
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of US media in all its forms including print, broadcast and e-media.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Solid experience with computers, online applications and networking.
- Willingness to travel nationally and internationally on behalf of IFAW as required.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively on teams.
- Experience working on media campaigns that have changed attitudes, behaviour or legislation an asset.
- Empathy with the cause of animal welfare preferred; commitment to promoting IFAW’s mission.
How To Apply:
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to [email protected] .
