The International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net) is seeking a Communications Coordinator to work in its small New York City secretariat office.

ESCR-Net is the largest network of groups and individuals from around the world working to secure economic and social justice through human rights with over 250 members in 68 countries. ESCR-Net seeks to strengthen the field of all human rights, with a special focus on economic, social and cultural rights, and further develop the tools for achieving their promotion, protection and fulfillment. By facilitating joint actions, enhancing communications and building solidarity between members, the network seeks to build a global movement to make human rights and social justice a reality for all. For more information on ESCR-Net, please visit www.escr-net.org.

PRIMARY FUNCTION:
This position will involve strategically using communications to advance ESCR-Net objectives in close conversation with other Secretariat staff and ESCR-Net members, developing and implementing an evolving communications plan, and managing interns and periodic consultants. The primary function of this position will be to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Communications and materials (approximately 50% of job)
• Develop a coherent, targeted communications strategy, together with ESCR-Net director and staff, including traditional and digital media;
• Guide strategic use of social media and produce relevant, fresh content;
• Coordinate production of compelling, regularly-updated website content and broader improvements;
• Oversee editing, translation, design and dissemination of regular publications, including bi-monthly newsletter, calendar, and annual report;
• Establish consistent design and layout of publications, website and other online resources and communications;
• Create and implement style guide; and
• Identify and pursue opportunities to maximize the impact of advocacy and increase use of online resources and tools.

Media relations (20-30%)
• Provide media and communications support for advocacy efforts;
• Facilitate strategic discussions to clarify objectives, audience(s), key messages, and potential risks related to communications efforts;
• Work with program officers to develop press releases and talking points;
• Cultivate and manage media contacts and relations;
• Provide communications advice to ESCR-Net members, particularly in relation to collective advocacy efforts; and
• Monitor and draw lessons from media and communications efforts.

Online exchange and learning (10-15%)
• Evaluate online tools to strengthen international exchange, learning and solidarity actions, and support program officers in implementing; and
• Provide input to strengthen online resources, databases, portals, and blogs, and ensure consistency of design.

Development and outreach (10-15%)
• Provide final edit and layout for grant proposal and report narratives;
• Publicize and support facilitation of periodic events; and
• Oversee timely completion of annual report, as noted above, and dissemination to current and potential supporters.

QUALIFICATIONS | REQUIRED:

• Bachelors degree in communications or related field and at least three years of relevant experience; or an unrelated bachelors degree and at least five years of relevant experience.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Experience in public relations or media advocacy.
• Proficient social media and website development skills.
• Basic design skills. Knowledge of Adobe Illustrator or Photoshop.
• Cultural and gender sensitivity and experience in cross-cultural communication.
• Ability to multi-task; to work independently; and to work comfortably in a small, collegial office environment.
• Experience recruiting and managing volunteers, interns and/or consultants.
• Commitment to advancing human rights and social justice.
• Written and spoken fluency in English and Spanish.

QUALIFICATIONS | DESIRABLE:
• Masters degree in communications or related discipline.
• Experience working with international media sources.
• Familiarity with desktop publishing, video editing, and/or photo editing.
• Experience facilitating communications in Spanish and/or outside of the US.
• Experience handling media and communications for a human rights or social justice organization.
• Proficiency in French, Arabic, or Portuguese.

HOURS AND LOCATION:
This position will be based at the office of ESCR-Net’s Secretariat (near Grand Central Station, New York City). The normal working hours of the office are from 9/10am – 5/6pm, Monday through Friday.

IDEAL START DATE:
21 October 2013

COMPENSATION:
The Communications Coordinator is a full-time, exempt position with full benefits, including medical, dental and vision coverage and generous vacation and paid leave. Pay is commensurate with experience and comparable to similar NGOs. ESCR-Net will also provide a relocation allowance and visa support for strong international hires.

TO APPLY:
Please send a resume, references and cover letter by Monday, 30 September, to ESCR-Net: escr-net@escr-net.org, using Communications Coordinator in the subject line of the email. Please note, due to the large volume of responses, only top applicants will be contacted for interviews.

ESCR-Net, a project of Tides Center, is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, including bilingual and bicultural individuals, as well as members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, medical condition (cancer-related) or conditions Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and AIDS-related conditions (ARC). Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

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CONTACT US:
International Network for Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ESCR-Net)
www.escr-net.org
escr-net@escr-net.org
tel: +1 212.681.1236