Senior Communications and Engagement Officer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Oversight Board UK•Washington DC, DC

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Oversight Board is an independent governance institution that makes binding decisions on challenging content issues on Meta’s platforms. Its Administration is a full-time staff team supporting Board Members, with offices in London, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C., and a global remit. The Senior Communications and Engagement Officer will help shape how the Board is seen and heard. Reporting to the Deputy VP & Director of Global Affairs, the role secures media coverage, builds relationships with journalists and other stakeholders, and turns complex case decisions into clear public narratives. The Officer will advise Board Members before media and external engagements, lead engagement plans for events and campaigns, manage reputational issues, and advance the Board’s thought leadership through written materials. The position is based in Washington, D.C., with flexible hybrid remote working; applicants based across East Coast US states are welcome. Visa sponsorship is not available. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

Requirements

Experience working in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, such as a newsroom or busy communications team.
Proven experience cultivating relationships with influential media outlets, pitching news stories, and responding to inquiries, including critical inquiries.
Demonstrated ability to write high-quality, fact-checked materials that distill complex topics for public audiences.
Advanced written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to handle sensitive reputational matters and manage crisis communications effectively.
Experience working with executives, preparing briefs, advising on reputational matters, and staffing engagements.
Experience in stakeholder engagement and arranging and managing events such as symposiums, press briefings, dinners, roundtables, webinars, keynotes, and panels.
Strong stakeholder and media networks in technology, human rights, or a related field.
Experience working in technology, human rights, government, or a related field.
Strong awareness of current policy debates on AI technology and its impact on human rights and society.
Understanding of the US political landscape and sensitivities.
International work experience and cultural and political awareness to navigate cross-cultural communications and engage effectively with international colleagues and stakeholders across time zones.
Ability to project-manage and coordinate work across teams and time zones.

Nice To Haves

Experience at the intersection of human rights and technology.
Experience engaging with US or international government agencies and policymakers.
Experience working with or in an agency.
Understanding of US governmental structures, the political environment, and how to engage with policymakers.
Proficiency in foreign languages.
Interest in and understanding of the technology sector’s regulatory landscape and societal impacts, particularly digital rights and user protections.

Responsibilities

Engage proactively and reactively with media outlets to secure high-impact, accurate news coverage.
Cultivate and manage relationships with journalists and national and international industry, civil society, and government stakeholders.
Develop and execute public engagement plans for major events, special projects, and campaigns that showcase the Board and advance its mission.
Develop and deliver written materials, including news releases, talking points, and briefing notes, to support external communications.
Prepare and advise Board Members for media and external engagements, provide on-the-ground support at key events, and work directly with external stakeholders and media.
Manage reputational issues, providing clear guidance and taking appropriate action in accordance with internal processes and escalation points.
Craft strategic messaging, op-eds, blogs, and policy papers that advance the Board’s thought leadership on regulatory and societal issues in technology.
Work cross-functionally with content policy staff to develop external narratives about case decisions and their impact.

Benefits

Annual salary of circa $160,000.
9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required.
Paid parental leave and other family-friendly benefits.
Comprehensive healthcare and dental coverage for the employee and family members.
Life assurance, income protection, and business travel insurance.
Childcare subsidy for eligible childcare costs.
Home working and commuting allowance.
Training allowance for continuous professional development and professional membership.
Five study leave days per calendar year.
22 days of annual leave in addition to public holidays, with up to five unused days eligible to carry forward.
Two paid recharge vacation days per calendar year.
Two paid personal vacation days per calendar year.