EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT CENTER (EDC)

EDC is one of the world’s leading nonprofit research and development firms. EDC designs, implements, and evaluates programs to improve education, health, and economic opportunity worldwide. Collaborating with both public and private partners, we strive for a world where all people are empowered to live healthy, productive lives.

EDC’s approach to equity, diversity, and inclusion is grounded in EDC’s commitment to respect the dignity of each individual. EDC has a commitment to promoting equity and access to high quality education and health services that contribute to thriving communities where people from diverse backgrounds learn, live, and work together. EDC expresses its commitment to increasing equity through its strategies, services and products, which contribute to building capacity and transforming lives.

The Inclusive Development and Equitable Assistance (IDEA) Leader with Associate Award is a new five-year global activity, which will also include future Associate Awards. IDEA will enhance capacity among organizations of marginalized and underrepresented groups and/or people in vulnerable situations as they advance their own development goals and are more intentionally engaged in international development efforts. IDEA partners with marginalized and underrepresented groups and/or people in vulnerable situations, USAID, and other key stakeholders to shift the global discourse on equity and inclusion and implement more equitable and inclusive policies, planning and practices across USAID missions and offices to advance inclusive development and inclusive localization.  

The Communications Specialist (International Technical Associate II) will facilitate project communications, including social media and technology, and lead the design and implementation of the IDEA communications strategy. The Communications Specialist will disseminate key project achievements to the funder, stakeholders, and the general public, in accordance with USAID and EDC guidelines. They will manage social media and produce communication materials and reports.

The ideal candidate will be based in or near Washington, DC; however, US-based telecommuters will be considered.

The Communications Specialist (International Technical Associate II) will report to the Chief of Party.

You will:

• Develop a communications strategy, including outreach and media plans, around key project phases, as well as differentiated approaches for engaging local, regional, and international target audiences.
• Develop and implement yearly communication plans in alignment with IDEA’s annual work plan that also outlines communications goals and objectives for that year.
• Design the Activity Marking and Branding package based on the approved Branding Implementation Plan and Marking Plan.
• Produce communication products to promote and document IDEA achievements and lessons learned, including success stories, fact sheets, press releases, advocacy materials, visual assets, social media content, reports, narratives for short videos, speeches, thematic media placements for regional or international media, and other communications, as requested.
• Identify appropriate and accessible project platform/s where knowledge products can be disseminated, including professional development and virtual engagement opportunities for IDEA staff and partners as well as external stakeholders.
• Liaise with regional communications focal points to collect and tailor content for global, as well as local, audiences.
• Work with the IDEA team to facilitate knowledge sharing through IDEA communications platforms, including a website, email listserv, webinar platform and social media.
• Develop and maintain a database of regional media contacts for radio, print, TV, and other story placements, communicating with diverse audiences as relevant to a context and through a plurality of relevant channels.
• Promote effective communications and knowledge sharing among USAID, IDEA staff, partners, and key stakeholders.
• Support the development of quarterly and annual reports.
• Attend events, trainings, and workshops to support the development of communication products.
• Take photos and/or work with photographers and maintain a visual assets library to ensure that progress and impact reflect an inclusive and emotive human-interest storyline.
• Support the IDEA team to plan and facilitate in-person project activities, such as regional and sub-regional participatory stakeholder meetings, co-creation sessions, workshops, courses, governing advisory committee meetings, rapid response, etc.
• Raise awareness of the work, reinforcing inclusive stakeholder engagement, and creating connections between IDEA and the wider public as part of media relationship building and outreach activities.
• Ensure communication materials and platforms are widely accessible with online materials and platforms complying with the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 508. Develop and manage effective knowledge sharing tools and strategies to promote improved internal and external communications.
• Manage usage of style and editorial rules, as well as keep abreast of changes in tools, methods, and techniques.
• As needed, coordinate products with freelance writers or editors, graphic artists, multimedia specialists, publishers and, printers, supervising quality.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or similar field required.

Skills & Experience:

• 7+ years of directly relevant experience required, preferably working for an international organization or agency.
• Demonstrated ability to work with different teams, including US-based staff, international staff, consultants, and government officials.
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work well under pressure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written English communication skills required.
• Strong proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and Adobe Creative Suite required; skills in InDesign, Photoshop, and/or Illustrator preferred.
• Experience in management of organizational social media platforms and web presence required.
• Experience with Section 508 compliance preferred.
• Experience planning and facilitating large in-person events and webinars is preferred. 
• Experience in photography and/or videography preferred.
• Experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred.
• Portfolio/samples of previous communications and/or design work required.
• Fluency in English required. Proficiency in additional languages is considered a plus

EDC is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of its workforce and ensuring an equitable and highly inclusive work environment. EDC is a smoke-free workplace, and offers a supportive work environment, competitive salary, and excellent benefits. Women, minorities, veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Research shows that individuals from historically marginalized groups find themselves meeting many of the criteria of a job posting, yet doubting if they should apply. At EDC, we value and strive for a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.  Equity and excellence are inseparable.  If you meet some of the preferred requirements but not all of them, and feel aligned with our vision and mission, we encourage you to apply.

Total Rewards:

EDC offers the following comprehensive benefits package for all eligible employees:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 12 paid holidays
• Generous vacation benefits for full- and part-time employees
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Tuition and transportation reimbursement
• Robust retirement plan with TIAA/CREF (Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association/College Retirement Equities Fund)
• Paid sick time and up to 16 hours of personal time annually
• Parental leave
• Employee assistance program

This position offers an anticipated annual base salary range of approximately $65,000 to $87,000.  Salary offers are made based on market analysis and internal equity.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access the EDC job opportunities website as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by e-mailing Liz Christensen or by calling her at 800-225-4276 or 617-618-2329.