Communications Manager

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. We seek to improve the policies and practices of the US and other high-income countries, the multilateral financial institutions, international firms, and other powerful global development actors.

CGD is seeking an experienced communications professional to join its dynamic Communications team as a Communications Manager. The successful candidate will contribute to the team’s efforts to increase the influence, inclusiveness, and impact of the Center’s research, commentary, and policy analysis.

The Communications Manager will work intensively with and to promote several of CGD’s research programs and teams, expanding reach, awareness, and impact, devising strategic communications plans for upcoming work, writing and editing blogs, op-eds, and other materials, conducting media and stakeholder outreach, pursuing paid media opportunities, and working with CGD’s social media, digital, and event strategists to execute strategies in each of these areas.

The Communications Manager will also engage with press: developing media strategies to highlight new research; building relationships with reporters; managing incoming press requests; and anticipating and responding to breaking news opportunities.

Responsibilities:

Strategy and Planning

• Serve as communications lead and develop and manage communications strategies and plans for several CGD research programs and teams. This role involves developing relationships with research staff and a familiarity with research in the corresponding areas, to determine the messaging and launch plans for major projects.
• Serve as the main press point-person to amplify the work of research in the designated areas, including leading the creation of specific press plans for rollouts of new research.
• Coordinate with the Director of Communications and wider Communications team, to ensure that communications plans, include web, publication, social media, and newsletter strategies for all outputs.

Media Relations

• Work with other Communications Managers and Senior Communications Managers to respond to enhance CGD’s visibility within target media outlets, develop relationships with relevant journalists and editors, respond to incoming press inquiries in a timely and strategic manner.

Writing, Editing, and Content Creation

• Edit blogs and promotional copy where required, and contribute to content development including email, podcasts, videos, interactives, infographics, social media.

Analytics

• Track performance of communications efforts, including media monitoring, emails, and web data, for programmatic teams.
• Work with Communications Managers and Senior Communications Managers to send a weekly email to all staff on CGD engagement with the press

Events

• Work with Events Producers across London and DC offices to develop and execute in-person and virtual, public and private events for the designated research teams, including audience identification, messaging, and dissemination strategies.

The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and skills:

• A quick and excellent writer and editor with an ability to adapt style and tone for different audiences
• A “read the news for breakfast” attitude, paired with a unique ability to identify newsworthiness and to translate complex academic material into digestible and impactful commentary and analysis for a broad audience
• A self-starter with 100 creative ideas to tackle any obstacle
• A team player with experience delivering under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Outstanding organization and time-management skills; an ability to manage and respond to competing demands on tight deadlines
• In-depth knowledge of policy communications required, experience working with an academic institution, non-profit, or think tank an advantage.
• Bachelor’s degree and at least 5 years of relevant work experience, or a commensurate combination of education and experience
• Background in or in-depth understanding of foreign affairs, international development, public policy, or gender inclusion required
• Demonstrable experience of developing and executing multi-channel communications strategies
• Demonstrable experience of liaising with journalists and successfully placing stories within relevant media outlets
• Spanish language skills an advantage