• Job Description

  Req#: EXTER003481

  Join Our Team as the External Affairs & Communications Manager at the International Republican Institute (IRI)!

  ABOUT IRI

  The International Republican Institute (IRI) advances democracy and freedom. We link people with their governments, support politicians to be responsive to citizens, and motivate those citizens to engage in the political process.

  At IRI, every employee plays a crucial role in advancing our mission across the globe. We’re looking for passionate individuals who embody our Core Values and are eager to contribute to our dynamic team. Our values include:

  • Excellence: We deliver quality results by investing in our people.
  • Freedom: We embrace exploration and experimentation to stay agile and responsive.
  • Respect: We trust, empathize, and empower each other.
  • Teamwork: We value diversity, inclusion, and the power of global collaboration.
  • Transparency: We believe in open communication and clear decision-making.
  • Accountability: Personal responsibility is the foundation of our success.

  ABOUT THE TEAM: EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

  The External Affairs (EA) team is responsible for promoting IRI’s work and programmatic success stories through a variety of platforms that include traditional and social media, the IRI website, newsletters, reports, press releases, podcast episodes, op-eds, analytical publications, and events. EA's primary goal is to communicate the value of IRI's work to key audiences, including Capitol Hill, the executive branch, members of the media, international partners, and fellow nonprofit organizations. The communication strategies put into place by External Affairs are an essential part of succeeding in our mission to advance democracy worldwide.

  ABOUT THE ROLE: SENIOR PROGRAM ASSOCIATE, GOVERNANCE

  The External Affairs and Communications Manager is responsible for helping in the development and implementation of the Institute’s communications strategies and external strategic engagement. The External Affairs and Communications Manager is responsible for managing and implementing the Institute’s traditional and social media strategies, engaging with traditional and social media platforms and contacts, developing content and products for external audiences, overseeing IRI’s contact management system and lists, and coordinating events.

  This is a hybrid position located in Washington, DC.

  KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Contributes to and supports the development and implementation of the organization’s external engagement strategies, including managing and cultivating the brand for IRI with a broad range of external stakeholders
  • Establishes and maintains strategic relationships with members of the media and other influencers
  • Monitors, analyzes, reports on and helps respond to news and developments that impact IRI, democracy assistance and foreign policy
  • Strategically pitches and places IRI experts with high impact media outlets, and crafts timely responses to media inquiries
  • Staffs IRI staff for media appearances such as interviews and TV hits, negotiating ground rules in advance as appropriate
  • Research, write, edit, and proofread a variety of organizational materials for external audiences such as blogs, op-eds, press releases, media pitches, promotional pieces, publications, and one-pagers
  • Manages and develops content for the organizations’ social media accounts
  • Drafts and maintains relevant content for the IRI website
  • Oversees IRI’s media monitoring and analytics
  • Helps build and maintains IRI’s contact distribution lists
  • Facilitate contractual arrangements in accordance with the organization's standard procedures
  • Provides general support for IRI’s government and external relations efforts
  • Performs other related responsibilities as assigned.

  Note: This post is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required in this role. Further details of the role will be shared during the recruitment process.

  WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

  We seek a passionate and experienced individual with:

  • Undergraduate degree in communications, political/social science, international relations or related field.
  • 5-7 years relevant professional experience.
  • Experience managing press relationships and speaking to the media on behalf of an organization.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
  • Strong writing and proof-reading skills for communications and public relations tools, including press releases, statements, fact sheets, etc.
  • Strong ability to initiate, foster and maintain relationships with contacts and stakeholders.
  • Excellent organizational and decision-making skills and the ability to initiate work and set priorities independently.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a natural sense to prioritize tasks and ability to multitask.
  • Demonstrated interest in foreign affairs, national security and/or development issues, and domestic and international politics.
  • High proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite required.
  • Ability to exercise judgment on the quality and messaging of external content.

  IRI TOTAL COMPENSATION

  The anticipated compensation range for this position is $70,532 to $105,799 USD.

  The salary for this position is determined based on a wide variety of factors including but not limited to an individual’s professional experience, qualifications, education and other business needs along with internal equity considerations. Employees are not typically hired at the top of the range for their role and compensation decisions are made based on the aforementioned considerations.

  WHAT WE OFFER

  An empathetic and dedicated work environment with generous benefits that demonstrates IRI’s commitment to all dimensions of employee wellness, including:

  • Health and Wellness Support: Significant coverage of health, dental, and vision insurance costs. Meaningful assistance programs through an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP), access to Headspace (a mental health support app), and Rula (access to mental health experts)
  • Long-term Financial Health: Retirement plan with generous employer contribution (vested after 18 months)
  • Hybrid and Flexible Work: Hybrid and telework options, compressed work schedules, monthly meeting-free Tuesdays, and Flex Fridays observed across the Institute. Workplace flexibility stipend of $200/month for DC area employees through payroll.
  • Time Off: Company-paid holidays, parental leave, generous vacation, sick, and personal leave days.
  • Family Support: Back-up dependent care through Care.com, Dependent Care FSA
  • Learning and Development Opportunities: Annual allowance for professional development courses and seminars along with access to world-class E-Learning via eCornell.
  • Compensation Equity: Regular competitive review of internal and external equity to ensure fairness in pay for employees working in similar jobs requiring comparable knowledge, skills, and experience.

  Benefits, professional development, and flexibility offerings may vary based on employment classification and location.

  APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS – RESUME, COVER LETTER, REFERENCES

  In your application, please include a copy of your most up-to-date resume along with a cover letter that outlines your background and explains why you are interested in this opportunity. Additionally, please include the contact details of at least 2-3 professional references. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact your references before the final interview.

  Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
  This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

• About the company

  The International Republican Institute is an American nonprofit organization.

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