The Open Society Global Drug Policy Program aims to shift the paradigm of drug policies around the world from today’s punitive approach to one rooted in public health and human rights. The long-term goal of the Global Drug Policy Program is to help drive reform for international and national drug laws, policies, and programs to make them based on public health and to respect human rights.
The Office of Communications plays a central role in the work of the Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues. Communications works to raise the Foundations’ public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world. The department employs media outreach, publications, and the web to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.
Open Society Foundations
The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and tolerant societies whose governments are accountable and open to criticism, whose laws and policies are open to debate and correction, and whose political institutions are open to the participation of all people. We seek to strengthen justice and the rule of law; broaden respect for human rights, including the rights of minorities; encourage pluralism and a robust diversity of opinion; deepen democratic practice and participation; expand economic equity; support effective governance; and invest in individuals, public and private organizations, and social movements that advance these goals.
We are a global network of foundations committed to local knowledge and national expertise. Our network includes national foundations, regional foundations, and other geographic programs operating in more than one hundred countries. At the same time, many programs with global reach operate from our four headquarters in Europe and the United States, including programs on digital information, documentary photography, drug policy, early childhood, education, fellowships, fiscal governance, higher education, human rights, international migration, justice, public health, scholarships, think tanks, and women’s rights. In addition to making grants to organizations and individuals, the Open Society Foundations engage in policy advocacy, legal advocacy and litigation, program-related investing, and public communications, as well as providing direct assistance to governments. Most programs and foundations in the network are governed or advised by their own boards.
The Open Society Foundations are the global philanthropies of George Soros, who, as chairman, plays an active role in the work of the foundations.
Job Profile
In collaboration with directors, the communications officer for global drug policy will design and implement the communications and media outreach strategies of the Global Drug Policy Program.
The position will be based in New York and will report to the director of public affairs of the Open Society Foundations and the director of the Global Drug Policy Program.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:
- develop and disseminate key messages and advocacy strategies to advance the work of the Global Drug Policy Program
- work closely with Global Drug Policy Program staff and grantees to design communications strategies, develop messages, and identify key media opportunities, including drafting and placing op-eds
- evaluate grantee communications strategies and grants with communications components
- manage content for Global Drug Policy, including assistance with writing and editing blogs, letters to the editor, and opinion pieces on drug policy for Open Society Foundations staff and grantees on issues of strategic importance
- work with vendors on publications, infographics, and other communications assets
- position Open Society Foundations’ drug policy messages in global media, including social media; may include running an organizational Twitter account or Facebook page around an issue area
- organize and promote events
- distribute and promote Global Drug Policy Program materials under guidance of directors
- coordinate and run trainings with Communications colleagues throughout the network on developing communications strategies and successful messaging related to the Global Drug Policy Program
- raise the profile of the Global Drug Policy Program at key international conferences, including assistance in organizing press briefings to advance global drug policy priorities
Qualifications
- bachelor’s degree in journalism, international affairs, public health, or other appropriate field, and relevant experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- experience in project management, including managing consultants and developing and managing project budgets
- NGO experience essential
- strong background with programs advancing social justice through community organizing, legal advocacy, research, or policy reform work
- broad experience as a journalist or communications professional
- strong knowledge of key issues in global drug policy
- excellent English-language writing and editing ability as well as verbal skills
- excellent skills in the development of communications strategies
- ability to work as a team member and independently, with high level of self-motivation
- willingness to travel extensively for work
- knowledge of Spanish preferred
- advanced degree preferred
- strong connections with international media, a savvy news sense, a knack for pitching stories, and an ability to make complex ideas accessible to non-expert audiences
- excellent written, verbal, organizational, analytical, and interpersonal skills
- effectively manage to work efficiently in a fast-paced environment, troubleshoot and follow projects through to completion, with strict deadlines and without loss of attention to detail, budget, and reporting
- excellent computer skills, proficient in Microsoft Office, and experience with internet research and database management
- exercise good listening and communication skills with sensitivity to cultural communication differences
- effectively work as a team member and independently, with a high-level of self-motivation and ability to set and meet goals
- show discretion and ability to handle confidential issues
- knowledge of key organizations and networks active in the field
- pleasant, diplomatic manner and disposition in interacting with colleagues and the general public
Work Environment and Physical Demands
Essential functions are typically performed in an office setting with a low level of noise. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Compensation
Commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Application Instructions
Please email resume and cover letter with salary requirements to:humanresources@opensocietyfoundations.org. Include job code in subject line: CO-GDP.