Senior Communications and Engagement Officer - 12 Month Fixed Term Contract

Oversight Board UK•Federal Way, WA

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Communications and Engagement Officer will help shape how the Oversight Board is seen and heard. The role focuses on securing high-impact media coverage, building relationships with journalists and other stakeholders, and turning complex case decisions into clear, compelling stories. The officer will counsel Board Members before media and external engagements, lead engagement plans for major events and campaigns, manage reputational issues, and advance the Board’s thought leadership through opinion pieces, briefings and policy papers. The role is part of the Oversight Board Administration, the team of full-time staff supporting Board Members in fulfilling the institution’s mission. It reports to the Deputy VP & Director of Global Affairs. The position is based at the Administration’s US location in Washington, D.C., with flexible hybrid remote working available. Applications are welcomed from across East Coast US states to support collaboration across time zones. Visa sponsorship is not available.

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, such as news releases, opinion pieces, and briefings, distilling 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 setting up and managing events such as symposiums, press briefings, dinners, roundtables, webinars, keynotes, and panel events.
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.
Experience working internationally with cultural and political awareness to navigate complex cross-cultural communications and engage effectively with international colleagues and stakeholders across multiple 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 key journalists and representatives from 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.
Counsel Board Members in preparation for media and external engagements, provide on-the-ground support at key events, and work directly with external stakeholders and media.
Manage reputational issues by providing clear guidance and taking appropriate action in accordance with internal processes and escalation points.
Craft strategic messaging, op-eds, blogs, and policy papers advancing the Board’s thought leadership on complex regulatory and societal issues in the technology sector.
Work cross-functionally with content policy staff to develop compelling external narratives about case decisions and impact.

Benefits

Annual salary of circa $160,000.
9% employer pension contribution with no employee contribution required.
Paid parental leave policy.
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 the opportunity to carry up to five unused days into the next year.
Two paid recharge vacation days per calendar year.
Two paid personal vacation days per calendar year.