Senior Communications Manager, Global Health

Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) - United States•New York, NY

3d•$124,346 - $186,518•Hybrid

About The Position

Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is an independent international organization that provides medical care to the people who need it most. The organization cares for people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, disasters, and social exclusion in more than 70 countries. MSF offers medical humanitarian assistance solely based on need, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or politics. Our international project teams include medical, logistical, and administrative staff, most of them hired locally and working with their own communities. Our actions are guided by medical ethics and the principles of independence, impartiality, and neutrality. We also bear witness and speak out about the experiences of our colleagues and patients. MSF USA is one of 24 sections supporting the global movement, primarily through staff recruitment, fundraising, advocacy, and communications. We welcome candidates who bring a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us in working toward MSF’s social mission. Reporting to the Chief Communications Officer, the Senior Communications Manager for Global Health will lead MSF USA’s communications on issues related to global health and access to medical tools, and support the Programs department in shaping related public advocacy strategies. This role will work in close coordination with Programs, with the international MSF Access team, and other relevant stakeholders across the movement. The senior communications manager will lead related communications strategy development, advise on creative vision and direction for key initiatives, and provide editorial guidance on priority global health issues relevant to US audiences. This role also serves as the US communications lead and focal point for the MSF movement on access to medicines, products for health care, and global health.

Requirements

Minimum 7-10 years of medical/global health communications experience, plus bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Knowledge of the global health landscape, especially the role played by US-based global health actors and the US government.
Professional knowledge and understanding of US news media and social media landscape, combined with solid news judgment.
Proficiency in international affairs and humanitarian issues.
Excellent research, writing, and editing skills, and ability to effectively present information to a variety of audiences.
Ability to develop and maintain professional relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and organizations, including medical professionals, civil society and community organizations, and global health organizations.
Strategic thinker and problem solver, ability to develop solutions to challenges. Ability to apply judgment and diplomacy in complex situations. Strong facilitation skills; ability to work cooperatively in a cross-cultural setting with long-distance working relationships.
Works at an advanced level to assess the facts and circumstances of the current situation and/or environment and adapt thinking and work habits to thrive in any scenario.
Planning and prioritizing work to meet commitments aligned with MSF USA goals.
Interprets and applies understanding of key financial indicators to make better business decisions.
Anticipating and adopting innovations in organizational digital and technology applications.
The ability and skill to determine and analyze trends from data that is collected to assist in compiling reports that will help in decision-making.
The ability and skill to plan and manage small project work assignments within desired cost, time and quality parameters.
Adapts approach and demeanor in real time to match the shifting demands of different situations. Serves as an example of adaptability and provides guidance and support to help others adapt to new situations. Considers the needs of clients, constituents, and the organization; shifts priorities appropriately.
Applying knowledge of MSF USA and the industry to advance the organization’s goals.

Nice To Haves

Candidates with experience working with the access to medicines movement will be given additional consideration.

Responsibilities

Develop and distribute external communications products across multiple channels to bear witness to humanitarian needs, speak out with patients and communities, engage with audiences, and achieve strategic objectives.
Identify significant medical humanitarian issues and execute integrated communications plans to increase public awareness, audience engagement, and support for advocacy priorities.
Develop and contribute toward brand strategy, brand positioning, and tactics to increase brand visibility.
Develop and support the production of creative and engaging external communications content across audiences and channels, including for the website, social media, and live events.
Promote DEI principles across all communications products and channels.
Lead, shape, and support MSF USA’s communications strategies on issues related to global health and access to medicines, in coordination with the Programs department and in line with relevant advocacy objectives.
Act as MSF USA’s lead and focal point for communications on the movement on access to medicines and products for health care. Serve as a specialist resource on access-related communications for other teams across MSF USA, including Programs and Development. Serve as the communications focal point with US-based organizations in the access to medicines movement.
Take responsibility for developing and delivering editorial strategies and plans for external communications on global health issues, with guidance from the Chief Communications Officer. Provide editorial oversight and support on priority dossiers identified by Programs, specifically the Global Health Advocacy & Policy unit. Provide medical editing and technical communications guidance, including to support policy briefs and research papers and tailor materials for specialist and general audiences.
Develop and oversee creative content about MSF’s work on global health issues for key audiences, ensuring that news and stories are medically accurate, clear, and compelling.
Provide expertise and support for the international MSF Access team, liaising with relevant stakeholders across the MSF network. Coordinate MSF USA communications campaigns on access-related issues.
Contribute significantly toward developing brand strategy and brand positioning to achieve organizational goals.