Senior Manager, U.S. Goodwill Ambassador Program

USA for UNHCR•New York, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace - we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us! SUMMARY This role oversees a selection of U.S.-specific high-profile relationships and partnerships with celebrities and other influencers to drive fundraising, public engagement and advocacy in support of refugees. In addition to talent relationship management, the incumbent will develop and execute media and communications strategies—including announcements, campaign planning, media outreach, content delivery, crisis communications and impact reporting—while ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and operational protocols. The role requires strong coordination across internal teams, UNHCR teams and external PR/media networks, proactive media placement strategy and leadership in monitoring, evaluation and risk management, including potential international mission travel.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required,
At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in managing high-profile spokespeople and related media strategy and outreach,
Deep understanding of the U.S. media, entertainment and public affairs landscape, including how public figures can influence public opinion, policy and philanthropic engagement.
Familiarity with the UN system, global humanitarian issues and the strategic use of high-profile supporters to advance advocacy and fundraising goals.
Knowledge of reputation and risk management, including legal, ethical and public-facing considerations when working with celebrities and influencers.
Exceptional communication skills, including writing, messaging and media pitching tailored to U.S. audiences across digital, broadcast and print platforms.
Strong relationship management and diplomacy skills, with the ability to work effectively with high-profile individuals, agents, publicists and internal stakeholders.
Strategic planning and project management skills, with a track record of executing complex communications campaigns involving multiple partners and channels.
Ability to identify, engage and cultivate U.S.-based high-profile supporters whose values align with the organization’s mission and priorities.
Ability to navigate high-pressure, high-visibility environments with sound judgment, discretion and professionalism.
Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting.
Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software utilized.
Understanding of displacement issues

Responsibilities

Set and drive annual objectives, priorities, and success metrics for high-profile relationships and related media efforts, aligning fundraising and engagement outcomes with organizational strategy.
Lead identification, recruitment, stewardship and strategic deployment of U.S. specific Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) and High-Profile Supporters (HPSs), including due diligence, risk assessment and content alignment.
Manage select U.S. GWA and HPS relationships as required, including leading missions and outputs.
Develop and execute tailored communications strategies for key campaigns, partnerships, events and GWA activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and brand messaging.
Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including setting media approach and messaging direction, handling press inquiries and cultivating strong relationships with U.S. media and PR contacts.
Manage high-profile announcements, such as new GWA appointments or strategic advocacy moments, ensuring timely coordination and internal approvals.
Strategize and oversee the placement of long-lead and feature stories to elevate visibility of GWAs, campaigns and priority issues in the U.S.
Provide primary crisis communications support and risk mitigation guidance for GWA-related activities, missions and reputational matters.
Ensure strategic oversight of the production and timely delivery of high-quality media assets and PR materials in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
Oversee monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting of GWA media activities, ensuring alignment with KPIs and strategic objectives.
Serve as USA for UNHCR’s primary liaison and subject matter lead to UNHCR’s global Goodwill Ambassador Programme; collaborate with UNHCR global and U.S. focal points to ensure consistent application of GWA guidelines and best practices.
Lead cross-functional planning and execution across External Relations, Development, and Executive teams to deliver integrated, high-impact initiatives within the high-profile engagement portfolio.
Other duties as assigned.