Senior Communications and Engagement Officer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Responsibilities

• Engage proactively and reactively with media outlets to secure high-impact, accurate news coverage.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with key journalists, representatives from national and international industry, civil society, and government stakeholders.
• Develop and execute public engagement plans for major events, special projects and campaigns that showcase the Board and advance its mission.
• Develop and deliver comprehensive written materials including news releases, talking points, and briefing notes to support external communications.
• Counsel Board Members in preparation for media and external engagements, providing on-the-ground support at key events and working directly with external stakeholders and media.
• Manage reputational issues, delivering clear guidance and appropriate action in accordance with internal processes and escalation points.
• Craft strategic messaging, op-eds, blogs and policy papers that advance the Board’s thought leadership on complex regulatory and societal issues in the technology sector.
• Work cross-functionally with content policy staff to develop compelling external narratives around case decisions and impact.

Requirements

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, e.g., in newsrooms or busy communications teams.
• Proven experience in cultivating relationships with influential media outlets, pitching news stories and responding to inquiries, including those of a critical nature.
• Demonstrated ability to write high-quality fact-checked materials (news releases, opinion pieces, briefings, etc.) that distill complex topics for public audiences.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to handle sensitive reputational matters and manage crisis communications effectively.
• Experience working with Executives, providing briefs, advising on reputational matters and staffing engagements.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, setting up and managing events such as symposiums, press briefings, dinners, roundtables, webinars, keynotes and panel events.
• Strong stakeholder and media networks in technology, human rights or related field.
• Experience working in technology, human rights, governmental or related field.
• Strong awareness of current policy debates on AI technology and the impact on human rights and society writ large.
• Understanding of US political landscape and sensitivities

Preferred

• Experience at the intersection of human rights and technology.
• Experience engaging with US or international government agencies and policymakers.
• Experience working with or in an agency.
• Understanding of US Governmental structures, the political environment and how to engage with policymakers.
• Proficiency in foreign languages.
• Interest in and understanding of the technology sector’s regulatory landscape and societal impacts, particularly around digital rights and user protections.

Benefits

• A generous 9% pension employer contribution with no requirement for you to contribute;
• Progressive family friendly benefits including a robust paid parental leave policy;
• An extensive health support package, including comprehensive healthcare and dental coverage for both you and your family members;
• Comprehensive life assurance, income protection and business travel insurance packages providing financial support in events of ill health, injury etc;
• A generous childcare subsidy to provide financial support for eligible childcare costs;
• A generous home working and commuting allowance to provide financial support for remote and/or office working;
• A training allowance to support both your continuous professional development and professional membership;
• 5 study leave days per calendar year to support professional development;
• 22 days of annual leave (in addition to public holidays), with the opportunity to carry up to 5 unused days to the next year;
• 2 'recharge' paid vacation days per calendar year;