Senior Writer and Communications Manager

Vital Strategies is an international public health organization. Our programs strengthen public health systems and address the world’s leading causes of illness, injury and death. We currently work in 73 countries, supporting data-driven decision making in government, advancing evidence-based public health policies, and mounting strategic communication campaigns. Vital Strategies’ priorities are driven by the greatest potential to improve and save lives. They include non-communicable disease prevention, tobacco control, road safety, obesity prevention, overdose prevention, environmental health, and vital statistics systems building. Our programs are primarily concentrated in low- and middle-income countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. Please visit our website at www.vitalstrategies.org to find out more about our work.

At Vital Strategies, we believe that everyone, everywhere, deserves to be protected by a strong public health system. That means striving to build a workforce that reflects the diverse communities in which we serve. Vital Strategies is an equal opportunity employer. Every qualified applicant will be considered for employment. Vital Strategies does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, disability status, political ideology, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Job Purpose:

The Policy Advocacy and Communication division is seeking a strategic thinker, excellent writer, and highly organized person to join our dynamic team with opportunities to do content development and project management for Vital programs and initiatives. The ideal candidate is a team player with conversancy with public health issues who thrives in a dynamic, self-motivated, fast-paced, and collaborative environment.

This is a full-time New York City-based role, where candidates are expected to adhere to a hybrid (2-days per week in office) schedule. Vital Strategies offers highly competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this position is $90,000 to $100,000. The candidate must have authorization to work legally in the US at the time of hire.

About the Team:

The Policy Advocacy and Communication team has a collaborative culture, clustering people with different skills and backgrounds to execute projects.

About You:

You are a creative thinker and enjoy contributing new ideas. You have a track record of taking initiative and driving results. You are a superb writer with experience crafting compelling copy and sparkly content. Importantly, you’re intellectually curious, interested in learning more about a wide range of communications, and passionate about our mission. The job also requires some administrative work, including setting up and attending meetings, handling budgets, and coordinating with staff around the globe to develop communication materials and reports.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Writing -

• Work closely with the SVP, other division leaders, and our global team to support communication efforts across all programs, with special attention to our tobacco control work.
• Create and refine communication materials, including press releases, op-eds, media statements, briefing memos, PowerPoint presentations, concept notes, web and social media content, and reports for donors.
• Write high-quality, persuasive content that reflects the organization's mission, vision, and strategic priorities.
• Write technical content including factsheets and other materials relevant to Vital programs.
• Identify and craft compelling stories that resonate with stakeholders, amplifying the organization’s impact.
• Partner with program and communications teams to ensure messaging is clear, consistent, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Ensure all written materials reflect the organization’s goals, reinforcing key messages across various platforms, including written, digital and web.

Planning and Implementation of Strategic Communications -

• Participate in the development of strategic and operational communications plans.
• Collaborate as a recognized communications specialist on special projects that reflect Vital Strategies’ priorities and raise awareness of its achievements and activities.

Qualifications:

Education and Degree -

• Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s preferred

Skills and Abilities -

• Superb writing skills and experience writing across a variety of formats
• Demonstrated ability to develop clear, persuasive messaging that inspires action and engagement.
• Passion for storytelling and a deep understanding of its role in advancing organizational goals.
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously, set priorities, and meet deadlines
• Able to work independently with a high degree of initiative, organization, and attention to detail
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to work as part of a team, particularly in multi-cultural, multi-regional contexts
• Able to meet deadlines, manage multiple tasks, and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel).
• Social media savvy

Required Experience:

• A minimum of 8 years of progressive professional experience with
• 5 years of experience in strategic communication and project management
• Industry experience in public health / advocacy work

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• Hybrid (2-days per week in office) schedule
• Early morning and evening virtual meetings are required as part of a flexible hybrid work schedule.
• Some international travel may be required