Communications Associate, Malala Fund

Deadline: 30 December, 2022
Location: New York City or Washington DC, US
Term: Full time, Permanent
Salary: $56,700 to $60,100
Other: Please note you must have the required right to work for the location you are applying for

I. Position Summary

The Communications Associate will support Malala Fund’s Communications and Creative team in building brand recognition and covering the organisation’s work in its programmatic countries. This position will assist in writing and editing external-facing content, support media relations and provide administrative support to the media team. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, highly organised and thrives in a fast-paced, detail-oriented, creative environment.

II. Responsibilities

Editorial

• Drafts and edits assigned external facing content for Malala Fund’s newsroom and other written materials, including press releases, grantee profiles and organisational updates.
• Supports in the development of key media resources — communications guidelines, media kits, decks, one-pagers etc.
• Generates, pitches and researches ideas for Malala Fund stories and features, including contributing regular original content on Newsroom and Assembly.
• Helps maintain Malala Fund and Assembly’s websites by updating content, as assigned.

Public Relations

• Manages Malala Fund press and communications inbox, reviewing and responding to all incoming press requests; drafts pitches to media on small scale initiatives.
• Leads small-scale media team projects, coordinating across departments and with external partners.
• Tracks media coverage, analytics and maintains media lists; developing and disseminating bi-monthly and annual coverage reports to all staff.
• Drafts briefing materials and talking points for Malala Fund staff, co-founders and grantees in the Education Champion Network and Girl Programme.
• Assists with logistics, staffing support and media training to staff or grantees for interviews, speaking engagements and other appearances, as needed.

Media Coordination

• Manages and updates Chief Communications and Creative Officer’s running “punch list” of internal and external requests; ensures requests are addressed in a timely manner.
• Assists media team with team administration, including expense tracking and contracts coordination.

Organisational Culture

• Upholds the values of Malala Fund.
• Actively contributes to making Malala Fund a diverse and equitable workplace through inclusive practice and openness to different perspectives, cultures and ideas.
• Maintains behaviour and conduct that uphold the highest standards for safeguarding, professionally and personally.
• Acts as a role model for a ‘learning organisation’ culture by seeking insight and using problems as opportunities to learn.

III. Knowledge, Experience and Behaviours

Essential

• Strong research skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Superior organisation, prioritisation and project management skills with high attention to detail.
• Resourcefulness and ability to work independently and with excellent judgement, taking ownership of a wide range of responsibilities.
• Flexibility and willingness to work in situations of flux or ambiguity; able to handle multiple projects and requests simultaneously.
• Demonstrable experience of providing administrative support in a fast-paced office environment.
• Demonstrated relationship management experience.
• Experience handling sensitive and confidential information with the highest level of discretion.
• The ability to travel (up to 40%) internationally and a willingness to be flexible in working hours working across different time zones
• Strong commitment to Malala Fund’s mission, purpose and values.
• Strong commitment to gender equality, anti-racism, anti-discrimination, decolonisation and social justice.
• Strong commitment to professional development and continued learning.
• Excellent team player with ability to work independently and in collaboration with colleagues at all levels across departments and external stakeholders.

Desirable

• Written fluency in any language(s) relevant to Malala Fund’s work.
• Knowledge of AP Style.
• Knowledge of social justice or international development organisations.
• Experience managing external communications for senior managers.
• Experience of managing facilities and external vendor contracts.

IV. About Malala Fund

Registered as a public charity in the UK and US, Malala Fund is working toward a world where all girls can learn and lead. With more than 130 million girls out of school today, we’re breaking down barriers that hold girls back.

Malala Fund advocates for resources and policy changes needed to give all girls a secondary education. The girls we serve have high goals for themselves and we have high expectations for leaders who can help them. We invest in local education leaders and front-line organisations — the people who best understand girls in their communities — in regions where most girls are missing out on secondary school. We give girls the tools they need to advocate for education and equality in their communities and a platform for the world to hear their voices. We believe girls should speak for themselves and tell leaders what they need to learn and achieve their potential.

V. How to Apply

Please respond to the following writing prompt in two short paragraphs: Tell us about your favourite book. Please submit your writing prompt response, cover letter and resume through the application link by 30 December 2022.

Please note that due to the very high number of applications we receive when positions are posted, we are only able to respond directly to candidates with whom we wish to move forward in the interview process.

Please note you must have the required right to work for the location you are applying for. You will be asked to provide proof of your right to work should you be selected for interview.

Malala Fund is an inclusive organisation and welcomes applications from under-represented and intersectional groups including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. We are seeking people from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identities, to provide a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights into the strategy, policies, culture and ambitions of Malala Fund.

Malala Fund is committed to ensuring the safety of those involved in our work. Our first priority is protecting everyone who comes in direct or indirect contact with our organisation. Malala Fund has a zero-tolerance approach to abuse and exploitation by any of our staff, representatives or partners. We commit to ensuring that those who work with Malala Fund or on our behalf are able to work in an environment that is free from harm. To this end, Malala Fund reserves the right to conduct background checks on prospective and current employees.

To find out more information or to apply for this role, visit the Malala Fund website.