Associate Director, Global. London. Posting Date: 07/09/2025. Deadline: 07/15/2025
Role Title: Associate Director, Global
Contract Type: Regular
Reporting To: Director, Geographic Communications
Program/Department/Unit Name: Programs
Location: Communications
Team Name: Geographic Communications
The department focuses on campaigning, media outreach, content development and messaging, creative and digital strategy, and internal communications to support the Open Society network worldwide.
Role Purpose
The Associate Director will be responsible for the development and implementation of communications and media strategies that position key Open Society Foundationsโ messages, people, and grantees on our communications channels covering Global thematic, advocacy and priorities. As needed, this role will also support our national foundations in Europe
Key responsibilities
As an Associate Director for Geographic Communications at Open Society, you will:
- Lead a small team of Communications Officers to develop and manage the implementation of communications strategies, key messages, and tactics for advancing our priorities in the geographies assigned to you and globally
- Draft speeches, talking points, op-eds, press releases, social content, and other communications materials
- Design communications strategies and workplans to elevate Open Societyโs work with the international media, advising leadership, programs, advancing advocacy goals, and national foundations on communications and media opportunities or challenges.
- Manage media relationships and partnerships with top-tier global media, securing high profile media opportunities for Open Society leadership and spokespeople.
- Coordinate and support Open Societyโs communications outreach at international events and summits, including UNGA, COP, IMF/WB Spring Meetings, and G20.
- Design and lead communications and media trainings for Open Society leadership, staff, and grantees.
- Identify possible communications challenges or risks and develops comprehensive strategies to mitigate them.
- Coach teams to innovate and strengthen communications skills.
- Manage projects, external consultants, and relevant budgets.
Key internal relationships
Managing Directorsโ offices; Communications and Advocacy teams; Geographic Leads and Policy Groups; Opportunity teams; and Grantees; Executive Offices; National Foundations; Global Advocates
Key external relationships
Media Partners and Trainers; Journalists and Editors; and Public Relations firms
The ideal candidate
- Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent)
- Prior career progression managing external communications in the international not-for-profit, public, or private sectors, or as a journalist
- People management experience preferably with cross-border and cross-regional teams (both projects and direct teams)
- Experience working with multilateral processes and bodies
- Proven track record of effective reputation management
- Expertise within our priority areas of human rights, democratic practice, equity and justice
- Comprehensive, specialized knowledge of communications tactics and media relations
- Experience developing and managing global and geographic communications strategies and campaigns in support of advocacy objectives
- Ability to manage multiple stakeholders, interests, complex political and cultural factors, and management of long- and short-term goals
- Experience acting as spokesperson for government official or another high-profile speaker
- Excellent project management skills
- Proven success at managing effective communications in high stakes and/or crisis situations
- Strong understanding of cultural differences and the proven ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds within a complex organization
- Excellent English-language writing and editing ability, as well as verbal skills. Working knowledge of written and spoken Arabic preferred.
What we offer
- Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
- Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
- Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
- Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
- Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
- Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
- A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.
Who we are
Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grant making around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.
Guided by our founderโs values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.
Additional information
Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.