Communications Specialist

REFS - TAPS

Communications Specialist

Background and Introduction:

Jefferson Solutions was awarded a five-year contract to provide technical, administrative, and programmatic support to the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). Through REFS, USAID works to advance inclusive agriculture-led growth, resilience, nutrition, environmental sustainability, infrastructure and energy, climate change, and water security, sanitation and hygiene initiatives in priority countries around the world to help them accelerate and protect development progress.

The Communications Specialist will provide all functions needed to support Bureau or Operating Unit leadership and teams to operate effectively, and to meet overall objectives. They will support the creation and execution of strategic communications and outreach plans that support Bureau goals, working closely with other members of their team and across the Bureau, Agency, interagency, partner organizations, and the public.

Position Summary:

The Communications Specialist will support day-to-day functions of the Technical Supervisor, Office, or Center to which they are assigned for day-to-day work assignments. Daily activities will include aspects of communications and outreach, content generation, research and analysis, program management and coordination, and knowledge management of REFS-related programs and activities.

Description of Role:

The Communications and Outreach Unit, managed by the REFS Communications Director, guides Bureau strategic communications and outreach in coordination with the Bureau for Legislative and Public Affairs (LPA) and other stakeholders. The central team serves as the external affairs lead among U.S. government departments and agencies engaged in REFS's multi-sectoral work. The team coordinates internal communications within the Bureau and between REFS and other Bureaus; coordinates the Bureau's legislative engagement, providing information to Congress related to legislation and advising Bureau centers and offices on the status of pending legislation and related concerns of members of Congress; and houses the team that manages Bureau taskers and paper flow.

The Communications Specialist will play a crucial role in creating and maintaining effective communication channels, producing high-quality content that engages, educates, and inspires our target audiences. The ideal candidate will have a strong command of the English language, an attention to details, and a flair for creativity. The Communications Specialist will contribute to the monitoring and measurement of the effectiveness of communications efforts through feedback, metrics, and employee surveys, and make necessary improvements. The Specialist will have a substantive role in the content development and management of REFS' digital equities and may be responsible for the drafting and regular maintenance of standard written products. The incumbent will manage and maintain the Bureau's intranet and internal communication tools, ensuring they are up-to-date and user-friendly. Domestic (approx. 2 trips per year) and international (approx. 1 trip per year) travel anticipated.

Key Responsibilities:

Communications and Outreach

• Develop and maintain high-quality content such as talking points, success stories, newsletter articles, videos, blog posts, press releases, briefs, memos and other communications materials
• Provide support on a range of communications and outreach activities, including digital content and engagement, as well as complete a wide range of day-to-day tasks related to communications and outreach
• Develop, coordinate, and execute integrated strategic communications strategies and campaigns across web and social media that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events.
• Serve as key liaison to manage incoming requests or external outreach within or outside of USAID on behalf of Office/Center/Division
• Support generation and/or management of intranet, internet, or social media site content
• Serves as key liaison with other Offices and Centers to gather information and collaborate with others in the Bureau, Agency, and interagency as needed
• Serves as the Bureau Brand Manager

Research and Analysis

• Conduct research and synthesize data, information and stories into high-quality, targeted strategic messaging and communications materials that elevate engagement and awareness among target audiences online around key announcements and events
• Provide desk research, simple data analysis, and interpret data as needed
• Support data syntheses and analyzes reports; present findings
• Collaborate to develop and socialize research strategies

Program Management and Assistance

• Contribute to team projects and activities, such as writing and editing, responding to requests for information, internal communications, and strategic planning.
• Propose, plan, track, and report on public events for both Bureau and Agency leadership.
• Provide logistical support to organize meetings, schedule conference rooms as necessary and ensure proper equipment and materials are available for meetings at least one day prior
• Capture and distribute meeting minutes, summaries of conclusions, and action items

Knowledge Management

• Save documents and maintain file structures using USAID portals
• Develop and maintain internal trackers including for logistics and milestone tracking
• Track and follow clearances for Bureau documentation and ensure that formal documentation is of high quality
• Maintain awareness of and follow Agency and Federal guidelines for file retention

Qualifications

• A Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 3 years of professional experience (to include internships) in communications, public relations, or marketing
• In lieu of a Bachelor's degree may substitute an Associate's degree plus a minimum of 8 years' experience or a High School Diploma and 10 years' experience
• Ability to obtain a USAID facility access (Public Trust) clearance
• Excellent writing, editing and content development skills, including taking complex ideas and distilling for a wide range of audiences
• Specialized experience in organizing and implementing communications and outreach activities including with social media tools and integrated campaigns
• Strong project management skills and ability to translate data into actionable recommendations that improve communications and outreach
• Experience taking initiative and delivering written products and materials that support an organization's communications and outreach goals
• Excellent oral, interpersonal, and written communications skills to effectively interact with government clients, high-ranking officials, and other stakeholders
• Strong prioritization and organization skills with keen attention to deadlines
• Positive and professional attitude and demeanor
• Detail-oriented and interested in producing quality work products
• Proficiency in Google Suite of products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite of products including excel, word, and PowerPoint
• Experience with USAID, USG or other related organizations is a plus
• Experience with content management systems
• Familiarity with analytics tools to measure content performance
• Knowledge of social media platforms and trends
• Basic graphic design skills for creating simple visuals

Jefferson Consulting Group is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, national origin, genetic data, veteran status, or any category protected by law.

Jefferson Consulting Group is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, JCG will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Department at (202) 626-8550 via email: HR@jeffersonconsulting.com