Director of Strategic Communications

The Center for Global Development (CGD) is an independent, non-partisan, non-profit policy research organization in Washington, DC and London, UK that focuses on the issues and institutions that are critical to inclusive development. Through rigorous empirical research and active engagement with the global policy community, we focus on the policy intersections of low- and middle-income countries and the governments, institutions, and corporations that can be partners in delivering greater progress.

An important measure to CGD’s success is the impact we have on influencing the thinking and actions of policy makers, opinion leaders and other researchers. To achieve this, we rely on an active and multi-faceted communication and outreach strategy that encompasses digital and traditional media, publications and convening of events.

CGD is looking for a dynamic communications Director, based in Washington DC, to lead a global communications team responsible for supporting the organization through developing strategic communications plans and management of the communications team.

The director will report to CGD’s President and work closely with the executive leadership team, program directors, and other key internal and external stakeholders.

As a communications Director you will:

The communications Director will lead a team of professionals supporting their growth and development while developing and delivering a strategic communications plan that aligns with the organization’s priorities.

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and lead CGD’s communications strategy to increase awareness of the Center’s policy research and influence key decision makers.
• Navigate the new communications landscape to CGD’s advantage.
• Define an articulate success within the department and for the organization’s communications activities overall.
• Pilot the digital communications strategy across the center’s website, blogs, social media channels, and multimedia content.
• Serve as a senior advisor to CGD’s president and contribute actively as a member of the Center’s executive leadership team.
• Convey the scope of the Center’s influence and impact to the board, funders, and other supporters and implement creative strategies to communicate impact.

Leadership & Team Management:

• Manage a team of communications professionals (staff, freelancers, and agencies) including writers, designers, web developers, and media specialists.
• Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
• Ensures the Center’s values surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the heart of its communications strategy and activities.

• Oversee the day-to-day activities of the communications functions including budgeting and staff.

Communications Operations

• Oversee public relations efforts including media outreach, article placements, press releases, etc.
• Craft messaging that conveys the Center’s mission and impact to external audiences and ensures these messages are adequately amplified across channels.
• Track communications analytics to identify opportunities, trends, and optimize activities.
• Raise the visibility of CGD’s president and other staff through securing high-profile media placement opportunities.
• Ensure high standards of excellence in all external communications through oversight of CGD’s publications, website, blog, newsletters, events, the podcast, social media, and press outreach.
• Oversee a lively events program recruiting high level speakers and providing guidance on the type and format of the event and target audience. The director may be called upon to moderate or participate in select CGD events.
• Provide counsel on and oversee crisis communications plans as needed.

The ideal candidate will have:

Strategic vision, entrepreneurial creativity; vision of the emerging communications landscape; the ability to craft messages that influence policy change; outstanding writing and editing skills; demonstrable managerial experience; strong knowledge of the foreign affairs media landscape and related press contacts; and the ability to engage collegially as a member of a diverse community of world-class scholars and policy professionals. This person is/has:

• A Strategic thinker
• Experience using social media and other online and physical channels to support a mission and tell compelling narratives.
• A strategic, creative individual able to synthesize communication and policy goals and develop and implement customized, outcome-oriented communication strategies.
• Broad knowledge of US and international development policy issues.
• 8+ years of experience in communications efforts for nonprofits, policy organizations, or foundations.
• Experience leading a team of professionals with various levels of experience.
• Comfort defining and maintaining a departmental budget.
• Experience speaking and presenting information to large and small audiences
• Able to quickly digest complex research, identify key findings and policy implications, then translate the research for a broad policy audience.
• Ability to continually assess and improve the complex systems of people and processes that make up the communication function at CGD, including team structure and roles.

• A BA degree is required. Experience in a government, political or nonprofit setting is strongly encouraged. An advanced degree in international affairs, communications, public policy or development studies, or the equivalent in experience is a plus.

Salary range: $160,000 - $175,000. Pay commensurate with education, skillset, and experience.
Deadline: August 31 at 11:59 PM ET

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume.

The organization is working hybrid with all staff required to be in the office at least two days per week. CGD is registered to employ staff living in DC, Maryland, Virginia. Candidates must be able to live and work in one of these locations to be considered.

In compliance with United States federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States and to complete the required employment eligibility verification document upon hire. CGD will sponsor United States work authorization for this position. Any offer of employment requiring sponsored work authorization is contingent on CGD and the candidate’s ability to successfully petition for and secure the necessary work visa(s).

Read about CGD’s benefits package here.