JOB TITLE: Communications Specialist - Publications & Reports
STATUS: Full-time
LOCATION: Alexandria, VA
The Communications Specialist, Publications and Reports, works with a focus on ensuring that IRUSA publications and reports inform and inspire audiences about developments in and the impact of the work of Islamic Relief USA, the Islamic Relief global family, the humanitarian sphere at large, and beyond. This specialist will be responsible for brainstorming, producing, implementing, auditing, and project management of publications and reports, such as the Blue Papers blog, Partnership magazine, IRUSA’s Annual Report, monthly e-newsletter, donor reports, infographics, and more, as well as editing, writing, scheduling, and proofing related content and MarComms content at-large. The Communication Specialist is also responsible for coordinating and leading related editorial meetings, managing editorial calendars, recruiting regular and special contributors. This specialist also works closely with subject matter experts, both internal and external, and conducts the appropriate research to pull and vet source information in order to produce coherent, comprehensive, and engaging content that simultaneously amplifies IRUSA’s writing style, voice, brand, and campaigns. This candidate must demonstrate a commitment to IRUSA’s values, ethics, brand, vision, and mission.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
● Initiates, leads, and supports the production and promotion of content-driven products for multi-channel use from pre-production to completion to post-mortem analysis; these include (but are not limited to) donor reports and seasonal publications, including Partnership and Annual Report; web content; blogs; monthly e-newsletter; articles, and more
● Serves as editor, writer, and proofreader for IRUSA content across channels, including print, digital, web, and social
● Works with individuals and teams across the organization to develop strategies and solutions for improvement of external communications and news- and report-based communications, factoring in data, and working to captivate and inspire audiences; this includes working with the Programs team to turn programmatic statistics, field-based reports, and more into user-friendly and easy-to-understand content that is optimized from a marketing standpoint as well; and working with the Engagement and Advertising teams to optimize promotion of IRUSA content across social media channels, Google Grant ads, and elsewhere
● Researches, brainstorms, produces, and implements SEO and keyword strategies to ensure best-possible engagement, impressions, placement, and promotion of IRUSA content and publications
● Works individually and/or collaborates with relevant stakeholders (including IR global family) to ensure synergy and accuracy across efforts, as well as adherence to brand, mission, vision, campaigns, style guides, subject-protection policy, redlines, etc., and enforces as appropriate.
● Contributes to the maintenance of a robust and fresh catalog of IRUSA content across various categories including news and research
● Actively works and/or assists on other content-related tasks and projects across organization, including production, editing, reviewing, etc. as assigned.
● Performs other tasks as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES:
● Bachelor Degree in Communications, Journalism, Creative Writing, or a related field
● 2-3 years experience in a related communications role
● Portfolio of effective news-based and marketing-based writing
● Strong hold of content-marketing skills
● Command of AP Style
● Expertise in editorial principles and techniques of communicating information
● Strong public speaking and presentation skills
● Impeccable writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with an acute attention to detail
● Ability to translate technical programmatic jargon and statistics into easily-digestible information
● Effective communication and problem-solving skills and ability to manage day-to-day work challenges
● Solid track record of solutions-driven teamwork
● Exhibits sound decision making, prioritizes work appropriately, and requires minimal supervision
● Outstanding project-, process-, time-management, and organization skills
● Strong interpersonal skills and ability to perform effectively in a highly professional and respectful manner with diverse work styles and personalities under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
● Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced work setting with diplomacy and composure
● Ability to take instruction, guidance, and constructive criticism well, work collaboratively and effectively with others, and implement as necessary
● Self-motivated
● Fluency in English
● Proficient in Microsoft Office products including Word, Excel, and Powerpoint, and Google Drive products
● Familiarity with WordPress
● Familiarity with communication information technology, including digital and video-based communications tools
● Flexibility in work schedule (i.e. evenings and weekends as necessary), willingness to travel
● Must be eligible to work in the United States
PREFERRED SKILLS:
● At least two years working in a nonprofit environment
● Prior editorial experience
● Experience with WordPress
● Experience with surveying, feedback collection, and/or focus groups
● Proficiency in written Arabic, Urdu, Farsi
At Islamic Relief USA we are committed to safeguarding and protecting all individuals we come into contact with through our work. IRUSA representatives must adhere to its organizational values: Sincerity, Excellence, Compassion, Social Justice, and Custodianship. In accordance with these values, IRUSA operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Code of Ethics, and Anti-Harassment and Discrimination.