Position Overview

The UN Foundation’s award-winning Global Communications and Engagement team is seeking a talented writer with creative editorial range who is both policy savvy and has well-honed media relations skills.

Reporting to the Director, Media and Content, the Communications Officer will have superior writing and storytelling skills and be able to work across multiple formats — from feature stories and blog posts, to press and marketing materials, to social media and website content. They will also have experience in media relations, including proactive outreach and pitching, plus monitoring and reporting.

They will have enthusiasm for international affairs, and UN priority issues, and be energized by the opportunity to distill technical, complex content to educate and engage diverse audiences — from journalists to policymakers and global audiences concerned about global affairs and cooperation.

This position is based in Washington, DC (hybrid schedule).

Essential Functions

• Write, edit, and produce for a wide range of content formats – including blog posts, emails, newsletters, social media copy, website content, press content, messaging, and marketing materials.
• Support all aspects of the media relations portfolio: drafting press releases; identifying trends and opportunities to enhance media engagement; and being a creative, strategic, willing thought partner and collaborator.
• Monitor media mentions and compile daily press clips, analyze media coverage data, and handle incoming queries via the press inbox.
• Proactively build and maintain media contact lists and database.
• Build and maintain relationships with subject matter experts to shape and create content on a wide range of global issues, particularly climate change, gender equality, multilateralism, and/or human rights for multiple audiences.
• Proofread and thoughtfully copyedit technical content on any of the above thematic areas.
• Identify, expertly curate, and tell stories to build awareness and inspire audiences to take action.
• Proactively pitch and present ideas for engaging, thumb-stopping content across UN Foundation platforms.
• Stay up to date with latest media trends as well as relevant news in the UN space.
• Support the timely review, editing, and approval of content.
• Other duties as assigned.

Selection Criteria

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, Communications, International Affairs, or a related field.
• Three or more years of proven experience writing for various content formats, including 2 years of experience working on climate change, gender equality, multilateralism, and/or human rights issues preferred.
• Outstanding digital content writing skills – showcasing accuracy, creativity, and speed across formats.
• Ability to distill data into meaningful analytical reports and recommendations.
• Familiarity with Cision, Meltwater, and TV Eyes.
• Strong news judgment and understanding of the media landscape.
• Able to partner with issue experts, senior leaders, designers, producers, etc.
• Ability to adapt editorial voice as needed for various formats, while following consistent brand and style guides.
• Comfort with complex projects, fast-paced timelines, and working with multiple collaborators and stakeholders.
• Up to 10% domestic/international travel may be required.
• Must be able to provide verifiable / bylined writing samples.
• A writing test is part of the recruitment process for this role.

Benefits & Compensation
For full-time, benefit eligible employees, UNF offers an excellent range of benefits, including:

• a choice between two health plans through UnitedHealthcare (PPO or HDHP with HSA)
• dental insurance
• vision insurance
• flexible spending accounts
• 403b retirement savings plan with a generous matching contribution
• group term and supplemental life insurance
• short-term disability
• long-term disability
• health club discounts
• commuter subsidy
• back-up care
• employee assistance program

Additionally, all benefit eligible employees have 12 paid holidays, 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 3 personal days, and 8 weeks of family leave care.

LI-#Hybrid