Director of External Communications

About Trickle Up

Since 1979, Trickle Up has focused on the poorest and most vulnerable, working with participants who live in extreme poverty and face multiple levels of exclusion due to gender, ethnicity, religion, and disability. The organization has worked with over 450,000 participants and their families, helping to sustainably lift over two million people out of extreme poverty in India, Africa, and the Americas. Our mission is to partner with women in extreme poverty to build economic opportunity and drive inclusion. Trickle Up works through partner organizations to build paths to savings, food security, and agency, resulting in sustainable poverty reduction at scale.

Position Overview

The Director of External Communications will be critical in enhancing Trickle Up’s media profile among general and specialized technical media focused on international development and economic inclusion. This position is responsible for developing and implementing strategic public relations efforts to increase visibility, brand awareness, and thought leadership. The Director will focus on securing coverage in mainstream media outlets and specialized publications that reach technical audiences. Additionally, this role includes overseeing digital content and managing external communication strategies while supervising the Communications Manager and supporting regional communications teams.

Principal Functions

Public Relations & Media Engagement

• Lead Trickle Up’s public relations strategy to build a strong and positive public image and ensure alignment with the organization’s mission and values.
• Develop and execute strategic communication plans to enhance visibility, reputation, and impact in general media and specialized technical publications on international development and economic inclusion.
• Support the CEO in serving as the primary spokesperson for Trickle Up, effectively communicating its mission, programs, and achievements to diverse media audiences.
• Draft and distribute press releases, pitch stories to journalists, and secure media coverage across various platforms, from mainstream outlets to technical journals and sector-specific publications.
• Manage media relations by coordinating interviews, securing speaking engagements, and organizing press events (in-person and virtual), focusing on both broad and niche audiences.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across both general and technical media to maximize coverage and engagement.
• Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on public statements, media strategies, and communication opportunities tailored to different media segments.

Advocacy & Awareness Campaigns

• Develop compelling content to raise awareness about Trickle Up’s projects, initiatives, and impact through multimedia storytelling targeting both general audiences and technical stakeholders.
• Collaborate with program teams to identify and highlight impactful stories, case studies, and success narratives, focusing on evidence-based results that appeal to specialized audiences.
• Participate in relevant external networks and platforms to position Trickle Up as a thought leader in the international development and economic inclusion sectors.
• Strengthen Trickle Up’s branding and visibility with government entities, donors, and the development community.

Social Media & Digital Communications

• Oversee Trickle Up’s digital presence, including website management, social media platforms, and online campaigns to drive engagement among diverse audiences.
• Develop and implement social media strategies that resonate with both the general public and technical stakeholders, advancing the organization’s mission and increasing brand awareness.
• Supervise the Communications Associate in managing social media accounts, creating toolkits, and curating content tailored for different audience segments.
• Utilize social media management tools to track performance, analyze metrics, and generate data-driven insights for continuous improvement.
• Maintain a social media calendar that includes proactive content planning and real-time engagement.

Support to Regional Communications Teams

• Provide guidance and support to regional communications teams, ensuring their materials align with Trickle Up’s global brand guidelines and messaging standards.
• Review and approve regional content to ensure consistency in tone, style, and branding across all communications, with adjustments to target both broad and technical audiences.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and best practices among regional teams to enhance communication efforts at the local level.

Supervision

• Provide mentorship and guidance to the Communications Associate, ensuring alignment with organizational communication goals.
• Review content developed by the Communications Associate for consistency, quality, and adherence to Trickle Up’s brand standards, targeting both general and technical audiences.
• Foster a collaborative environment, encouraging creative ideas and professional growth within the communications team.

Qualifications and Skills

Educational Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 8–10 years of experience in external communications, public relations, or related roles, preferably with an international NGO or similar organization. Proven leadership experience in managing teams and overseeing strategic initiatives.

Skills and Competencies

• Exceptional Writing and Editing Skills: Ability to craft compelling messages for various audiences, including press releases, op-eds, speeches, and digital content, with a keen eye for detail and tone.
• Media Relations Expertise: Established relationships with media outlets, including technical outlets, and a proven ability to secure press coverage and manage media inquiries effectively.
• Strategic Thinking: Experience in developing and executing comprehensive communications strategies that align with organizational goals and resonate with diverse stakeholders.
• Digital Communication Savvy: Proficiency in leveraging digital platforms, including social media, websites, and email marketing, to amplify messaging and engage audiences.
• Leadership and Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead cross-functional teams, work collaboratively with diverse groups, and inspire trust and confidence across all levels of the organization.
• Analytical and Metrics-Driven Approach: Familiarity with tools and methodologies for tracking communication outcomes and using data to refine strategies.
• Mission Alignment: Passion for and understanding of the organization’s mission, with the ability to articulate and promote its values effectively.

Salary and Benefits

We offer a salary between $82,978 and 98,534 commensurate with experience along with a generous benefits package including medical, dental, and vision, life insurance, professional development opportunities, access to other voluntary benefits, and a fully vested 403B retirement plan as well as paid time off and paid federal holidays. The successful applicant will join a dynamic, passionate, multicultural team deeply committed to alleviating extreme poverty. Trickle Up promotes a collegial, high-performing organizational culture where staff communicate clearly and openly and are reflective, innovative, and mutually accountable.

To Apply

To be considered, please click the link and follow the instructions to upload your cover letter and resume by December 20, 2024. We are sorry, but we cannot answer phone calls related to this posting.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which include criminal records checks and other reference-check databases. Trickle Up participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this initiative, as part of the referencing process, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment during employment. By applying, you confirm your understanding of these recruitment procedures.

Trickle Up requires that employees be vaccinated for COVID-19 prior to visiting or working in a Trickle Up office or conducting any travel or in-person meetings on behalf of our organization. If you are hired for this position, Trickle Up will require proof that you have received the COVID-19 vaccine or have a valid religious or medical reason not to be vaccinated.

Trickle Up is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value a diverse workforce and extend equal opportunity to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by law. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform essential job functions.