JOB DESCRIPTION

Communication Officer. New York. Posting Date: 07/24/2025. Deadline: 07/30/2025

Role Title: Communications Officer

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Associate Director, Communications

Program/Department/Unit Name: Communications

Location: New York, Mexico City

Team Name: Executive and Geographic Communications

The Communications team plays a central role in the work of the Open Society Foundations by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance relevant issues.

Role Purpose

The Open Society Foundations works to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.

Communications works to raise Open Society’s public profile by promoting the network’s many noteworthy achievements as well as responding to attacks from opponents of open society around the world. The department employs media outreach, digital, social media, publications, and internal communications to assist dozens of Open Society foundations and programs in their communications efforts.

Key responsibilities

Develops and disseminates an overall communications strategy for Open Society as well as contributes to program/unit strategies and key messages for advancing our work in priority areas
Leads on our communications on issues of international justice and strategic litigation, working closely with the Open Society Justice Initiative
Writing press releases, op-eds, statements, briefing documents, talking points, speeches, digital content and other materials.
Pitches Open Society Justice Initiative and other departments in the foundations to top-tier media for op-eds, interviews, background briefings, features, and other engagements.
Identifies possible communications and media risks and develops strategies to mitigate them; handles communications crises
Identifies public communications opportunities for Open Society, both short-term with reactions to the news cycle and long-term around key advocacy moments
Develops targeted messaging and storytelling strategies tailored to key audiences, including policymakers, civil society actors, funders, and the general public
Identifies and positions key Open Society Foundations messages, people, and grantees in print, online, broadcast, radio and other media
Organizes media events and background discussions with domestic and international journalists
Manages the production and deployment of digital (including social media) and print content, including coordination with external creative and PR partners
Co-develops and conducts Communications trainings for program staff, leadership, and grantees
Contributes support as needed to portfolios handled by other colleagues from the global Communications team
Collaborates closely with program teams, regional offices, advocacy, and policy staff to align communications with broader organizational goals

Key internal relationships

Communications, Open Society Justice Initiative, Network Grants, Soros Economic Development Fund, Executive Offices, and the Ideas Workshop

Key external relationships

Media partners including journalists and editors; Grantees; and Public Relations firms; grantees and partners; human rights and legal experts; public intellectuals and academics

The ideal candidate

Educated to a degree-level (or equivalent) relevant to Communications
Substantial relevant communications experience including, but not limited to, journalism OR experience as a communications professional in the not-for-profit or private sector
Strong network of media contacts
Expertise and experience working on human rights, international justice issues, and social impact investing
In-depth media knowledge of open society issues
Established relationships with journalists, editors, producers and creative partners
Proven skills in the development of communications strategies in regional and/or international contexts
Excellent skills in writing for and pitching to media
Demonstrable social media and digital campaign and management expertise
Ability to provide strategic guidance around communications opportunities (media interviews, public events, campaigns) for senior officials and other
Demonstrates commitment to OSF’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity
High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
Willingness to travel extensively for work
Substantial knowledge of organizational and project management
Ability to work with minimal supervision, and solve problems independently or collaboratively a needed
Diplomatic manner and ability to adapt to a range of cultures and experiences in interacting with program management, colleagues at all levels, contacts, and the public
An excellent knowledge of English. Working knowledge of other languages preferred

What we offer

Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact, from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:

Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

The salary range for this role in the US is $128,900 – 139,000 Annual (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience.

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.

Competitive rates of pay apply.

Open Society Foundations is committed to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion, and to building a diverse staff that reflects the movements, issues and communities that our mission serves. Candidates from all underrepresented backgrounds, identities and communities are encouraged to apply.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: No requirements