Communications Manager, USAID Global Waters

Position Description

EnCompass LLC is seeking a full-time Communications Manager to join our Global Waters Communications and Knowledge Management (CKM) II team. The Communications Manager will lead the project’s communication and engagement portfolio to elevate USAID’s Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) messaging and position USAID as a global leader in the WASH sector.

The ideal candidate will be creative, a great storyteller, collaborative, and committed to providing excellent service to the client and partners. The Communications Manager must be skilled in strategic communications, including message development, audience segmentation, and communication planning. The candidate should possess excellent writing, editing, social media, and storytelling skills, with the ability to create compelling narratives and design communication campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.

This is a full-time position located at the EnCompass principal office in Silver Spring, Maryland, and follows the EnCompass flexible hybrid work model with split time between telework and the office. The Communications Manager may also be required to attend meetings at the client site or other locations in the Washington DC metro area as needed.

Candidates residing in the DC metro area will be given first consideration. Remote applicants will be considered, but only if residing in a state where EnCompass is currently registered.

For US-based positions: Must be legally authorized to work in the US for any employer without sponsorship for a work visa or permit.

Position Duties and Responsibilities

Essential functions:

• Develop and manage an editorial calendar that is designed to raise awareness of USAID’s WASH activities, position the Agency as a thought leader in the WASH sector, and strengthen engagement with key audiences and decision makers
• Delight our client (USAID Center for Water) with superior quality and service by building and maintaining a collaborative relationship; be proactive in identifying the client’s needs and offering creative solutions to challenges
• Advise on audience engagement strategies and various dissemination platforms, using analytics and knowledge of industry trends
• Draft or edit content for USAID Global Waters social media channels, newsletters, blogs, website pages, and announcements; provide quality control on all CKM II communication deliverables
• Work closely with project team to uncover storytelling opportunities and develop and lead process that moves the opportunity from an idea to a finished product, including:
• Creating and implementing a work plan to track progress, milestones, and deliverables
• Developing a staffing plan to execute on the work plan and coordinate with project staff, vendors, or short-term consultants as required for achieving results (writers, graphic designers, copyeditors, photographers, videographers, etc.)
• Identifying appropriate formats for various content that span mediums and platforms (e.g., data visualizations, story maps, photo-driven stories, videos, infographics, etc.)
• Taking the multiple inputs and crafting a coherent narrative that speaks to target audiences
• Support continuous learning and quality improvement by looking for ways to pilot innovative tools, approaches, and platforms for the production and dissemination of USAID/Center for Water’s communications products
• Support online and in-person events, as needed
• Backstop and support the Chief of Party, liaise with partners or clients, and represent our project and EnCompass, as needed

Other

• Engage fully as a member of the EnCompass staff, including participating in staff meetings and other EnCompass events, and providing support to other team members as needed
• Set a tone of inclusion and belonging, where team members are respected and valued for their diverse backgrounds, experiences, approaches and ideas
• Other duties as assigned

Position Requirements

Qualifications

Academic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 8 years of experience, or master’s degree and 6 years of experience (or equivalent). Preferred areas of study include marketing, communications, journalism, public relations, international development or a related field.

Experience and Skills

MUST HAVE:

• Minimum of 6 years of experience in the field of communications in international development
• Strong writing, editing, synthesis, and presentation skills
• At least 3 years of experience developing compelling narratives or products that translate complex issues into compelling and accessible content for technical and non-technical audiences
• At least 3 years of experience managing a communications portfolio and editorial calendar, including planning and developing social media content, newsletters, blogs, etc.
• Experience developing social media strategies and content (Twitter and LinkedIn preferred)
• Excellent attention to detail, accuracy, and strong time management and organizational skills
• Ability to build effective professional relationships, while working in multi-cultural environments
• Great communication and diplomatic skills, including experience managing relationships in a client-facing role
• Excellent customer service skills, including the ability to navigate unexpected changes, and provide right-sized solutions based on need, context, and resource constraints
• Ability to provide clear and constructive feedback, and receive feedback from colleagues

PREFERRED:

• Familiarity with the Global Waters website and the U.S. Global Water Strategy strongly preferred
• Experience working with USAID or a USAID implementing partner highly preferred
• Experience supporting WASH or climate-related global development communications efforts preferred
• Experience providing online and in-person event support preferred
• Experience managing junior staff and/or consultants preferred
• Strong proficiency in Google Suite applications (Google Docs and Slides) preferred
• Fluency in language(s) other than English is desirable

EnCompass LLC is a progressive Equal Opportunity Employer. We promote, celebrate, and support a diverse and inclusive organizational culture and workforce. We are committed to providing all of our employees with an environment free from discrimination and harassment, where all are treated with dignity and respect. We do not tolerate, and explicitly prohibit, discrimination or harassment of any kind, at any time, in all aspects of employment. This includes recruitment, hiring, promotions, disciplinary measures, terminations, compensation, benefits, social and recreational programs, and training. EnCompass also does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report discrimination or harassment. Our continuing commitment to the principle of Equal Opportunity Employment for all means all employment decisions are based only on the job requirements, the candidate’s qualifications, and the needs of EnCompass as a business—not on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, belief, sex (including pregnancy and related medical conditions), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability status, veteran status, genetic information, HIV status, family/marital/parental status, or any other status protected by the laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where we work.

For US based positions: The employer will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

The incumbent must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with demonstrated ability to juggle and prioritize multiple, competing tasks and demands and to seek supervisory assistance as appropriate.

If you require accommodations in line with the Americans with Disabilities Act to complete your application, please call 301-287-8700, provide your contact information and a description of your accessibility issue. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case-basis, and we will call you back within approximately 3 business days.

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