About your role:
WRI India is looking for a dynamic candidate to lead its partner engagement and communication needs. You will report to WRI India’s CEO and will be a part of the Executive Team. You will develop the WRI India institutional communications strategy, strengthen external stakeholder relationships and provide strategic outreach guidance to program leadership and staff. You will oversee the WRI India’s branding, marketing, editing, online communications, and traditional media and social media strategies. You will have oversight of a core communication team in India and will also require periodic liaising with our donors’ communication function. The other important responsibility of this position network and establish connections with multiple partners with a view to communicate WRI India’s research insights to them, as also involve them in WRI India’s efforts. The responsibilities will include stakeholder mapping, developing contact lists, follow up with various stakeholders, etc. with other program and function leads in WRI India. You will share a vision and commitment to sustainable development and WRI India’s mission and culture, characterized by enquiry, rigorous analytics, and transparency toward the public and its donors.
How your day will unfold:
Direct role:
• Develop and implement a high-impact, high-quality communications, and outreach strategy in support of WRI India strategy, across all program areas, working with the program directors, executive team, and solution leads.
• Strengthen the brand identity of WRI India with all stakeholders and increase visibility of our work with government partners, knowledge and implementation partners, donors, peers, and other audiences.
• Develop new partnerships with external communications networks in print, digital & social media.
• Establish high-visibility media outreach by securing opportunities for members of the Advisory Group and senior leadership. This would include traditional and new media outlets and would cover pitching, research, and monitoring daily news coverage, particularly for high-level events. Also provide strategic support in response to breaking news or other related external developments.
• Present WRI India’s work at external events
• Monitor and evaluate the communications strategy, evaluate the impact of communication solutions, and reorient strategies as needed.
· Participate and guide flagship events of the different programs and the institution.
Indirect, as oversight of the WRI India Communications team:
• Manage all WRI India communication assets i.e., website, social media, print material, etc.
• Develop and oversee the delivery of a communication and outreach plan for specific institutional and program showcasing events.
• Contribute to the development of compelling fundraising materials, including proposals and presentations
• Ensure that communications efforts are coordinated across the programs, with institutional consistency
• Develop a plan and oversee its implementation to strengthen internal communications within WRI India
• Provide training and capacity building for all program staff on communications-relevant skills such as writing, presenting, media engagement and by encouraging team members to blog and use social media to make their voices heard throughout the field
External Stakeholder Engagement:
• Identify, build, and nurture relationships with external partners to facilitate the following:
o External champions are identified to promote our work and inform others in the ecosystem
o Other channels of engagement are developed and strengthened with decision makers
o Feedback reaches WRI India’s CEO, and program and function leads, on the latest priorities of other external partners
o Our research is relevant, timely, and understandable for decision makers• Provide regular briefings with WRI India leadership outlining our engagement efforts and upcoming opportunities
• Anchor and run internal conversations to equip other staff on the understanding of partnerships and partnership management.
Qualifications and requirements we seek:
• Postgraduate degree in communications, journalism, or a related field, with experience or an established interest in sustainable development, climate action, or related fields.
• Minimum of 15+ years of experience in strategic communications, marketing, public relations, and journalism with a minimum of 5 years of experience in a leadership position
• Media relations skills with reporters and established media contacts
• Published stories in professional media outlets or blogs
• Strong managerial skills and prior experience leading a dynamic team. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team
• Cultural sensitivity to work in different international environments. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a fast-paced office environment, both independently and as part of a global team
• Experience working for a non-profit organization would be an advantage