Communications Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY Working in coordination with the Freedom House Communications Department, the Communications Specialist is an integral part of the Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) Program and is primarily responsible for the implementation of all communications-related activities under the program, including program image, social media, public outreach, public campaigns, and training activities on communications. The position is based in Washington, DC and reports directly to the Communications Director (CD). PRINCIPAL DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND EXPECTATIONS: Communication strategy: in coordination with the Freedom House Communications Department, support the Program Director (PD) and Senior Program Manager (SPM), and CD in developing, implementing and adapting the LAC Communications and Outreach Plan to account for priorities and needs of LAC projects; define key performance benchmarks and analyze progress on a monthly basis; and provide ongoing advice on communication developments, trends and attitudes. Help expand Freedom House messaging to Latin American audiences in the United States. Social media management: create, administer and monitor LAC social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.) following PD, CD and SPM guidelines; generate, edit and publish social media content (original text, images, infographics, etc.); repost and respond to followers; and monitor audience engagement. Public campaign management: Advise and work alongside team members on designing and implementing public campaigns; identify campaign names, slogans and hashtags; prepare communication products and promotional material; garner earned media; and coordinate public events. Visualization: assist in the production and updating of information products such as fliers, reports, charts, PowerPoint presentations and infographics; for USAID-funded projects, review the project deliverables and publications for adherence to the USAID Branding Guidelines. Partnerships: cultivate and expand strategic partnerships with media outlets, diplomatic missions, institutional stakeholders and civil society representatives to raise visibility and understanding of Freedom House and the LAC Program’s work. JOB QUALIFICATIONS: Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, or other social science or related field, master’s degree preferred

Experience:

Three to five years of related work experience; at least one year of experience in LAC is preferred
Knowledge of and commitment to the cause of advancing human rights and democracy
Understanding of political, social and rights dynamics in LAC is required
Experience developing and implementing strategic, multimedia campaigns in English and Spanish for a diverse audience is required
Experience operating in closed environments is preferred

Skills and Competencies:

Strategic thinking and excellent judgment in problem solving and decision making
Excellent writing, editing, formatting, research, and verbal communication skills in both Spanish and English
Demonstrated competency in best practices in social media outreach
Proven ability to garner earned media, especially in LAC
Ability to use graphic design software, such as Adobe Creative Cloud and other communication tools
Knowledge of international human rights principles and mechanisms, and understanding of international democracy promotion
Ability to use communications tactics and strategies to advance advocacy goals
Proven ability to multitask and manage time effectively to meet competing deadlines and manage priorities
Skills in Webex, Eventbrite, Google Meet, Jitsi and other online event management and secure communications platforms
Excellent interpersonal skills, ability to persuade and facilitate cooperation between individuals with divergent views and to collaborate with others and successfully work as an effective team member
Ability to maintain the highest degree of confidentiality regarding all aspects of work.
Ability to represent Freedom House professionally in conduct and personal appearance
Excellent attention to detail and ability to consistently produce timely and error-free work under tight deadlines
Excellent timekeeping, attendance, and time management, and ability to work flexible schedule and be available outside of normal business hours for emergency work purposes
Ability to adhere to and work within strict guidelines and procedures