TechnoServe Background:

Everyone deserves the opportunity to build a better future. This simple idea has been at the heart of TechnoServe’s work around the world for over 50 years. TechnoServe is a pioneer in leveraging the power of business and markets to create sustainable pathways out of poverty.

The low-income communities in which we work are full of enterprising people. Their small-scale farms and businesses are the keys to economic development. But they face many challenges: low literacy, lack of access to jobs and markets, unpredictable political dynamics and, increasingly, the effects of climate change. For many women and young people, the challenges are even more daunting. Working with TechnoServe staff, people around the world are lifting themselves out of poverty. The results are amazing...when incomes increase and living conditions for families get better, they are able to access health care and education previously out of reach. Communities and even whole countries are better off.

Position Description:

The Advancement Team promotes and supports the mission of TechnoServe strengthening the organization’s brand among key audiences and raising philanthropic support. We seek individuals who share our core values, who: are committed to driving lasting impact; welcome the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues around the world; are entrepreneurial and welcome accountability.

In this context, the Senior Director of Communications is responsible for leading a comprehensive public relations and communications program designed to increase the organization's visibility across a wide range of audiences, positioning TechnoServe as a thought leader on key issues, and supporting the fundraising and digital marketing efforts of the organization. The Sr. Director also provides guidance and support to country and program staff as they develop and implement their communications programs and works with the leadership of the organization on internal communications.

The Senior Director of Communications reports to the Chief Advancement Officer and will manage a small team.

Responsibilities:

• Strategy
  • Develop and implement an integrated organizational omnichannel communications strategy that will:
    • raise the profile of TechnoServe among key audiences and stakeholders;
    • broaden awareness and understanding of programs and priorities across all available platforms (print, digital, social, etc.);
    • drive growth in fundraising and business development; and
    • support country and program team efforts to promote their programs.
  • Lead the development of a content strategy framework aligned with TechnoServe audiences and messaging framework.
  • Develop and manage the content strategy planning process for the Advancement Team to ensure integration, collaboration, and cross platform re-purposing.

• Content Creation
  • Ensure that the Advancement Team and other staff who interact with audiences have access to a robust and up to date inventory of client stories, articles, project success examples, and video and photographic assets.
  • Develop new strategies to ensure a high level of content quality and quantity from field teams, partners, and other sources.
  • Develop a deep understanding of TechnoServe mission, priorities, programs, impact, audiences, and culture so that storytelling and narratives are authentic, inspiring, and compelling.

• Media//Public Relations
  • Develop and implement a public relations strategy that gains positive exposure for TechnoServe and its mission, programs, and priorities among key business, government, foundation, and consumer audiences.
  • Leverage existing relationships and cultivate new ones with relevant influencers, journalists, editorial boards, and other appropriate outlets to generate broader coverage of TechnoServe mission, programs, and priorities.
  • Respond to media requests for information and oversee development of press/information kits, news releases, news materials, and fact sheets on organizational programs and initiatives.
  • Seek proactive media opportunities and op-ed placements.
  • Lead coordination and strategy design of joint communications activities with TechnoServe partners.
  • Provide media coaching and interview training to staff, as appropriate.

• Thought Leadership
  • Position TechnoServe, its CEO, and other key staff as thought leaders with respect to a specific set of key issues related to TechnoServe’s work.
  • Develop thought leadership platforms for the organization, leveraging members of the Senior Management Team and subject matter experts.
  • Establish and maintain relationships with relevant organizations.
  • Identify and secure key speaking opportunities.
  • Draft speeches, c\op-eds, and articles for submission to relevant publications and outlets.
  • Facilitate media interviews with appropriate spokespersons and prepare appropriate briefing materials.

• Corporate Communications and Brand Management
  • Direct development of effective, high-quality core communications collateral (e.g. annual reports, impact reports, brand videos, fact sheets, powerpoints).
  • Ensure that staff of TechnoServe have access to a comprehensive and up to date set of TechnoServe brand policies and standards, best practices, tools, and resources.
  • Manage resources effectively to provide staff outside the Advancement Team technical assistance to support their communications needs.
  • Establish best practices for coordination with TechnoServe staff on internal communications activities and needs.
  • Manage internal and external needs for TechnoServe-branded materials and templates, and oversee usage in accordance with TechnoServe brand protocols.

• People Management
  • Lead, motivate, and coach/train staff to achieve high quality and impactful results.
  • Assess and review performance of staff and hire/onboard new employees.
  • Create a culture of collaboration, respect, diversity, and inclusion.

Required Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 15 years of PR, journalism, communications or marketing work experience, or Master’s degree with 10 years of similar experience
• Excellent people and project management skills
• Superior writing skills, including ability to synthesize research materials into simple, clear language
• Experience strategizing, planning, implementing, and developing content across a wide range of communications channels
• Strategic and creative thinking and planning skills
• Proven history of being results oriented, resourceful, adaptable, organized and detail-oriented.

Desired Qualifications:

• Knowledge of and appreciation for issues and causes important to TechnoServe
• Working knowledge of Google Drive and the Google Docs suite of applications
• Written and/or oral French, Spanish, or Portuguese
• Experience in international development
• Experience in the non-profit sector

All applicants must have US work authorization at the time of application. At a minimum, you will be expected to work from Arlington HQ on the first and third Thursdays of each month.

#LI-HYBRID

We encourage all qualified individuals who share TechnoServe's vision of improving the lives of others through proven business solutions to apply.

With our commitment to diversity, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and affirmative action employer and do not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, HIV/AIDS status, protected veteran status, disability and all other protected classes.

We are also proud of our commitment to protecting staff, partners, and beneficiaries from abuse and exploitation and thoroughly vet all final candidates through rigorous background and reference checks.

If you have a disability that affects your ability to use our online system to apply for a position at TechnoServe please contact the Human Resources at recruitment@tns.org or call +1 202 785 4515.