Office of Communications
OSI-New York

Application Deadline: May 30, 2008

The Communications Office of the Open Society Institute is looking for a dynamic, experienced communications professional to promote OSI's programs and advocacy efforts in the United States. This position offers an exciting opportunity to join a top-notch communications team assembled by Laura Silber, Director of Public Affairs, and to work with OSI's U.S. Programs as it prepares to launch important new programs and campaigns under recently hired Director Ann Beeson. These cutting-edge initiatives, covering issues from human rights and national security to the politicization of science to racial profiling and economic disparities, will build upon OSI's strong record of addressing the most profound threats to the full functioning of democracy in the United States.

The Open Society Institute, in the 15 years of its existence, has become a leading force in working throughout the world for vibrant and tolerant democracies whose governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve its mission, OSI seeks to shape public policies that assure greater fairness in political, legal, and economic systems and safeguard fundamental rights. It advances justice, education, public health, and independent media, and builds alliances across borders and continents on issues such as corruption and freedom of information. The heart of OSI's mission is protecting and improving the lives of marginalized people and communities.

OSI's U.S. Programs seeks to promote a fairer justice system, respond to attacks on independent institutions, and build a more humane, effective, and democratic U.S. approach to the world. In the area of justice, U.S. Programs supports equal access to the courts, indigent defense services, sentencing policies that reduce incarceration rates, and assistance for people returning from prison. U.S. Programs also takes advantage of strategic opportunities to foster progressive leadership and organizations, to defend the integrity of evidence-based science, and to address issues of race and class.

The Open Society Institute's Office of Communications plays a central role in the work of OSI and the Soros foundations network by coordinating and strengthening the public presence of the global network and by helping to advance open society issues. The Communications Office works to raise OSI's public profile by aggressively promoting the network's many noteworthy achievements. The Office uses media outreach, publications, and the Internet to assist dozens of Soros foundations and OSI programs in their communications efforts.

The Communications Officer, U.S. Programs will report to the Director of Public Affairs of the Open Society Institute, and work closely with the U.S. Programs' Director and staff. The primary purpose of the position is to help devise and implement effective media, communications, and publications strategies for OSI's activities in the United States.

Responsibilities

• Advise the Director of U.S. Programs on media, communications, and publications strategy and tactics, in collaboration with the Director of Public Affairs and the Communications Office's staff
• Act as the first point of contact for U.S. Programs within the Communications Department, and coordinate U.S. Programs' requests for media and communications support from the Communications Department
• Identify opportunities for media-based advocacy on issues of concern to U.S. Programs
• Handle media requests and develop media opportunities for the Director of U.S. Programs
• Draft press releases and media advisories, organize press conferences and other press events, and assist with press placement
• Maintain an extensive list of media contacts (domestic and international) and develop and maintain relations with key journalists on the range of issues of concern to U.S. Programs
• In cooperation with Publications staff, assist U.S. Programs staff in refining publication concepts and revising early drafts of publications and other printed materials
• Review and oversee U.S. Programs' content on OSI's website

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree required
• 5 years of media experience as a journalist or communications professional
• Familiarity with OSI USP issues a must; relevant education in public policy/communications/journalism a plus
• Extensive contacts in U.S. media, particularly on USP issues
• Knowledge and a passion for social justice and civil liberties issues
• Excellent written and verbal skills in English as well as editing experience; additional languages a plus
• Ability to listen and communicate clearly and effectively with people from diverse cultures
• High level of self-motivation, initiative, and creativity
• Commitment to working as a member of a team, patience, and a good sense of humor
• Ability to travel for work

Salary

Commensurate with experience and ability. Excellent benefits package.

Start Date

As soon as possible

To Apply

Email resume, cover letter, and salary requirements, before 2/29/08 to: humanresources@sorosny.org. Please include Job Code: COMMOFF/USP in subject line.

OR

Open Society Institute
Human Resources—Code COMMOFF/USP
400 West 59th Street
New York, New York 10019

No phone calls, please. The Open Society Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.