Background

The International Fund for Public Interest Media (IFPIM), fiscally sponsored by Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors, is a bold initiative that seeks to distribute a new raft of resources at scale and speed to news organisations in low and middle-income countries around the world. IFPIM has received significant seed funding from the U.S. government, and several other international donors are expected to come on board in the coming months. IFPIM aims to dramatically increase the amount of funding available to support trustworthy, ethical, fact-based journalism, and enable the media to work for democracy. This fund will support media through this time of existential threat and aims to develop lasting solutions to the current media market failure.  The Fund will complement existing efforts in the sector and will catalyse new money as a globally coordinated but fully independent vehicle that can activate quickly to provide critical funding and support to hundreds – if not thousands – of public interest media organisations worldwide.

The Fund is co-chaired by Maria Ressa, journalist, CEO of Rappler and 2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and Mark Thompson, former CEO of New York Times and DG of the BBC.  

The Role
We are seeking a dynamic, experienced communications professional who is comfortable operating in a rapidly evolving organisation to respond to media inquiries, support ongoing fundraising efforts and showcase the implementation of the Fund. 

The Fund is committed to creating an inclusive work environment where diversity is valued and where there is equality of opportunity. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and therefore welcome applications from qualified candidates of all regions, countries, cultures, and backgrounds. 

Selection of candidates is made on a competitive basis, and we do not discriminate on the basis of national origin, race, colour or ethnic background, religious belief, sex, gender identity and expression or sexual orientation, marital or family status, age or ability. We kindly ask applicants to refrain from including in their application information relating to the above as well as from attaching photos.

Key responsibilities

• Acts as spokesperson and responds to members of the media in a timely manner; composes and distributes press releases as needed.
• Develops and maintains positive professional relationships with media professionals around the world
• Assists executive leadership in developing presentations, blog posts, social media content, speeches, and other important public messages and other collateral materials
• Webpage maintenance — ensure that new and consistent information (article links, stories, and events) is posted regularly
• Social media – drive increased social media engagement and ensure that content is developed and published consistently
• Creates digital assets for use on social media and for presentations and events
• Provides suggestions concerning graphics, clarity and distribution about IFPIM reports to the senior management team 
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Timeline

Initial fixed term 12-month contract (possibility of renewal). This work can be conducted remotely. There will be an expectation for international travel for key events when it is safe to do so.  The position is expected to begin in March/April 2022. 

Selection criteria

Essential profile: 

• Five+ years of experience in media relations, journalism, PR, or social media communications, with in-depth knowledge of strategic communications planning and implementation
• High energy, maturity, and leadership with the ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels
• Proven experience with cutting edge communications and media approaches and tools
• Experience working with top-level media from media centres around the world
• Experience in all the tactics of media relations – press conferences, events, feature stories, broadcast, OpEds
• Experience with use of a range of communications tools, including publications, Internet and public relations and proven ability to create successful interface among these tools for global communications initiatives
• Excellent verbal communication and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well with different decision-makers and stakeholders
• Ability to lead and work effectively with a diverse team of people of different national and cultural backgrounds in an international setting
• Highly motivated and committed to supporting global public interest media
• Able to effectively adapt to an organisation that is rapidly evolving   
• Self-starter, able to work independently, and entrepreneurial; enjoys creating and implementing new initiatives

Desirable experience: 

• Familiarity with the public discourse around media sustainability and good governance.  

Education:

• University degree  in communications or associated fields

Working language: 

• The working language will be English. 

Remuneration 

Commensurate to experience.  

Contact information

Please email your CV and any additional information (including concrete examples) on why you are a suitable candidate to careers@ifpim.org with “Head of Communications” in the subject line. 

Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.