United States of America: Content Officer

Organization: Pact
Country: United States of America
Closing date: 06 Feb 2015

Content Officer

Washington D.C.

Position Purpose:

A new position at Pact, the Marketing and Communications Content Officer is the organization’s lead content creator, generating original features, media releases, marketing copy, social media content, talking points, position papers and other works; editing key reports to donors and other program communications; creating and identifying appropriate visual assets (graphics, photos, video); managing freelancers; and training colleagues to write clearly and logically, in compliance with brand guidelines. The role requires mastery of storytelling, versatility of voice and compelling message development, using words, images and technology.

The Content Officer covers Pact in journalistic fashion, rooting out interesting stories, news, data and developments that engage, inform and prompt desired actions from diverse audiences. S/he interviews colleagues throughout the organization, monitors reports for interesting leads, makes technical international development jargon comprehensible, and promotes organizational messaging.

The Content Officer resides in the Marketing + Communications (MarCom) Department and works closely with headquarters departments as well as personnel in the field internationally.

Key Responsibilities:

• Will promote Pact’s work through creation of content, as defined above, for both HQ and Country Offices to meet MarCom strategic goals;

• Works to cultivate audiences identified in the Pact Communications Plan and catalyzes them to engage with Pact, integrating Pact messaging into written and visual content across a variety of platforms;

• Identifies and develops original content -- including written narratives, social media posts, blogs, video scripts, press releases and internal executive memos -- from throughout the Pact world, employing desk research, in-person/Skype interviews and field visits;

• Repurposes content for use across an array of communications channels, including print products, interactive documents, websites, social media, e-mail blasts, video and internal digital signage.

• Researches and fact-checks messaging;

• Edits and contributes to key proposals and donor communications.

• Writes, pitches and places media releases / op-eds;

• Works with staff and leadership to craft blog items for external audiences;

• Edits staff submissions to trade groups, scholarly journals and other venues;

• Develops training material and facilitates in-person training sessions to improve quality and consistency of writing throughout the organization;

• Generates visual assets to accompany narratives, whether graphics, photos, or video;

• Manages freelance writers and photographers, as necessary;

• Will lead in the design, creation, implementation and updating of the Pact Style Manual;

• Manages and updates editorial calendar;

• Undertakes all other duties and projects as may be assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• B.A. degree in related discipline; Master’s degree in communications/international development preferred;

• Minimum 6 years experience in journalism/communications/advocacy/international development;

• Superior storytelling skills, writing and editing ability, and versatility of voice. Portfolio required;

• Graphic design and photography skills, with competency in Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop. Portfolio required;

• Proven branding/message development experience;

• Ability to simplify and distill complex information in creative, compelling language;

• Social media savvy and high comfort level with digital communications;

• Innovation and creativity in messaging and modes of delivery;

• Proven ability to collaborate with, and develop buy-in from, internal customers;

• Strong familiarity with international development practices and industry;

• International experience and cross cultural sensitivities, particularly sub-Saharan Africa and/or Southeast Asia;

• Ability to travel internationally when needed (up to 20% annually);

• Command of AP Style and understanding of USAID branding and marking requirements;

• Knowledge of MS Word, PowerPoint; InCopy preferred

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in its selection and employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factors.

•All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. We are also an equal opportunity employer of individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.

•Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, please visit our website at www.pactworld.org