Senior Communications Manager

The Senior Communication Manager in Washington will lead efforts to elevate GMF’s profile and visibility in US based press.

They will leverage GMF experts, events and activities to create communications opportunities which increases the impact of the organization as a whole.

The position holder will build and cultivate relationships with key members of the media on behalf of GMF and develop strategies for enhancing media coverage of GMF across the US.

In addition to looking for proactive opportunities with the media, they will act as a contact person for US based media providing accurate and timely responses to press requests and keeping the press database up to date.

The position also has responsibility for leading the communications function in the DC office, developing and implementing communications strategies for GMF’s events and other initiatives, including the annual Brussels Forum conference, and participating in creation of content for GMF’s digital channels.

The Senior Communications Manager will build and maintain strong relations with GMF staff across the organization, as well as other external partners and stakeholders, including governments, international organizations, embassies, donors, and corporate partners.

This position is 85 percent directly related to media work and 15 percent focusing on overall communications.

The experience expected from applicants, as well as additional skills and qualifications needed for this job are listed below.

Manage relationships with key journalists in the US covering foreign policy and other relevant subject matter.

Formulate, develop, and implement new strategies for drawing media coverage of GMF experts and initiatives in the US media.

Advise GMF leadership, fellows, and experts on best practices for engaging with media. Advise on formulating GMF outputs, including op-eds, to optimize media relevance.

Trains staff on how to engage with the media.

Develop op-ed strategy with Europe based Senior Press Officer and lead placement in US based publications.

Identify opportunities for press coverage around events and specific publications and collaborate with colleagues to optimize coverage.

Advise on how best to structure events, publications, and other initiatives to represent GMF brand and maximize press attention.

Write press releases and generate content for GMF’s website and social media channels.

Respond to media enquiries, setting up interviews and press briefings, manage media logistics at events and monitor media coverage of GMF.

Secure top-level journalists as event moderators and steward their involvement with GMF.

Develop toolkit with Europe based Senior Press Officer for measuring and analyzing GMF’s media impact, provide regular reporting to Communications Managing Director and Senior Staff.

Develop original products for engaging journalists with GMF content.

Maintain the organization’s database of media contacts and identify gaps in the organization’s engagement with specific outlets and journalists and seek to develop new relationships.

Determine how GMF can engage key stakeholders in our work to grow audiences and deepen support for our mission in the US.

Lead communications around DC office activities in consultation with Communications Managing Director.

Oversee US based communications team with Communications Managing Director. Lead GMF Communications team when Managing Director is out of the office or during Europe’s off hours.

Knowledge and Skills Needed :

Knowledge of American media landscape and established network among Washington-based foreign policy media; knowledge of European media a plus.

Proven knowledge of how the media works and exhibited success in placing stories and op-eds.

Ability to manage communications and workflow across time zones.

Excellent academic and journalistic writing skills.

Native-speaker level written and spoken English. German or French considered a plus.

Interest in international relations, particularly European and American foreign policy.

Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

We highly encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Historically, underrepresented groups include (but are not limited to) Black, Latinx / o / a / e, Indigenous, Asian, Arab, Middle Eastern, Pacific Islander, biracial, multiracial, female-identifying, the disability community, LGBTQIA+, and other marginalized identities.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At GMF we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic workplace, so if you are excited about this role, but your experience does not align perfectly, we encourage you to apply.

You may just be the right candidate for this or other roles at GMF.

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