US Communications Fellow

International Rescue Committee•New York, NY

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. Marketing & Mobilization Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) is a dynamic team that is tasked with building the IRC’s global profile and brand, increasing private revenue from deeper donor engagement and partnerships, and influencing our target audiences. The team is responsible for all of IRC's brand, communications, creative and content and digital engagement efforts. In alignment with our Strategy100 commitments, M&M has launched compelling multi-year campaigns that raise funding, profile and influence and will improve our share of voice and resonance in key geographies and globally. Lastly, they consistently work on innovating the IRC brand, which enables us to increase awareness, understanding of and support for our work so that we can raise more money and change policies to improve our crisis-affected clients’ lives around the world. Global Public Affairs & Communications Global Public Affairs, a part of the Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) team, targets priority IRC markets and audiences to advance and protect our policy goals, brand and profile. It's a key part of external messaging and product development, distribution and coordination for External Relations. The team uses proactive and reactive earned media (broadcast, digital & print) to support policy and income objectives, while also using frontline storytelling to advance our cause. Job Overview: The USA Communications Fellow is a highly motivated individual who is interested in getting hands-on experience in issue and campaign strategy, communications and/or media advocacy for the International Rescue Committee’s mission and work across our over 40 country programs, including our USA Programs. S/he must have a genuine interest in the humanitarian aid world and in public relations, turning stories into headlines and impactful social media posts across the US market. S/he will support on several ongoing or expanding outreach campaigns and strategic initiatives, as well as collaborating on other media/influencer relations and communications projects. The Fellow will play a key role in supporting IRC’s global media relations systems and processes, updating our media and influencer database and collaborating on newsworthy angles representative of the organization and press landscape. A passion for international relations and media is essential for the role. At the conclusion the Fellow will be expected to complete an independent project on US media/influencer trends and IRC issues.

Requirements

Currently enrolled or recently completed undergraduate program. Relevant studies include, but are not limited to, communications, marketing, political science, and international studies.
Interest in and familiarity with global humanitarian system, international relations, and/or U.S. refugee, asylum, and integration issues.
Strong research, analytical, and reporting skills.
Ability to multi-task and prioritize various tasks in a fast-paced work environment.
Ability to work productively in a team environment as well as under minimal supervision, taking the initiative to ask questions as needed.
Lived experience with conflict or crisis-driven displacement, resettlement, asylum, immigration or migration is an asset in this role
Interest or prior knowledge in International Relations, Political Science, Human Rights, Humanitarian Issues and the US/Global Media Landscape is encouraged.
Must be an undergraduate rising Junior/Senior or Postgraduate Student.
Preferably had previous work or internship experience.
Candidates with professional, academic and extra curricular experience in social media, media, communications and/or advocacy are highly encouraged to apply.
Strong research skills and ability to analyze core trends within the US and international news cycle.
Interest in engagement with social media platforms and influencers.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including conveying clear messaging to maximize audience engagement and understanding
Proficiency in MS Office including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint or Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides.
Ability to manage multiple priorities on deadline and in a timely manner
Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
Flexibility, adaptability, and resilience in working in a constantly evolving environment
Ability and commitment to the highest ethical standards including maintaining confidentiality
Excellent administrative and organizational skills
Knowledge of spoken and written French, Arabic, Spanish and/or another IRC language a distinct advantage

Responsibilities

Support in the execution of high-level communications tactics, media and new media relations
Build reports, update press lists, gather media clips, conduct media analyses and research projects, and copyedit.
Monitor key angles and developments within the news cycle, social media and advocacy circles.
Assist in outreach and relationship development with influencers and social media news outlets.
Internally pitch fresh news angles with the guidance of the Communications/Senior Communications Officer.
Under the direction of their manager and US Communications Team, proactively reach out to external stakeholders on new angles, provide support on interviews, and develop the foundations for talking points.
Assist with a variety of communications, digital and team-related assignments and tasks as necessary.
Other duties and tasks as assigned.

Benefits

10 sick days
10 US holidays
20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure
medical insurance starting at $163 per month
dental starting at $6.50 per month
vision starting at $5 per month
FSA for healthcare and commuter costs
a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching
disability & life insurance
an Employee Assistance Program which is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.