Associate Director, Communications

About Evidence Action

Evidence Action is a global nonprofit organization with an approach distinctive in international development - we exclusively scale interventions that are backed by strong evidence and can be delivered with exceptional cost-effectiveness. Our programs have grown since our founding in 2013 to reach over 280 million people annually. We deliver high impact for every dollar spent, as recognized by GiveWell, The Life You Can Save, and Charity Navigator.

We do development differently. We take a data-driven approach to identifying, scaling, and continuously improving programs which deliver immense impact, ensuring these solutions measurably improve the lives of millions. Our Deworm the World Initiative has helped governments in Africa and Asia deliver over 1.4 billion childhood deworming treatments, improving health, education, and incomes. Dispensers for Safe Water provides sustained safe water access to over 4 million people in rural Africa, preventing childhood illness and deaths.

We drive innovation: Our Accelerator builds the next generation of exceptional programs, taking an approach most similar to a venture capital model. We are ruthless in exiting programs which do not meet our criteria; those that advance deliver outsized impact for millions of people.

We are global. Across eight countries in Africa and Asia, our 400+ people are united by a tremendous passion for our mission and impact. We are strong because of our diversity of experience, geography, and background - with over 90% of our people in the countries where our impact is focused.

We have big ambitions. Our goal is to double our impact by 2024, to fulfill our vision of a world where hundreds of millions of people in the poorest places have better opportunities and their lives are measurably improved. We believe in bold and urgent action - because poverty doesn’t wait, and neither should we.

We need great people. Our success to date is due to the collective work of our amazing staff. To achieve our ambitious goals, we are looking for people who share our passion for evidence, cost-effectiveness, and scale. We seek individuals who take an entrepreneurial approach, enjoy tackling hard problems, and have a bias to action and results. If our vision and approach excite you as much as it does us, we invite you to join us.

About the Role

Evidence Action is seeking an Associate Director, Communications, to lead the communications function at the organization as we embark on a period of significant growth. This is an opportunity to bring the impact and approach of Evidence Action to the world as we seek to increase awareness of the organization in the international development space. This role will play a critical role on the External Relations team, working closely with the Chief Engagement Officer and leadership across the organization to develop and execute strategies for increasing organizational visibility and supporting programs to communicate their successes widely. This role will build and lead a multi-geography communications team to produce and disseminate high-quality, diverse content. The incumbent will be responsible for developing plans, processes, and policies to ensure that communications at Evidence Action is undertaken with the same values of the organization - that strategies are evidence-based and cost-effective; that iteration is a core tenet of the team and how we evaluate what works; that data is used for decision making; and that passion is at the heart of how we talk about our work.

Job Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning (30%)

• Working closely with Chief Engagement Officer, develop organizational communications strategy consistent with Evidence Action’s strategic plan, organizational objectives, and growth trajectory.
• Understand the development ecosystem and Evidence Action’s role in it; devise strategies and seek opportunities to increase organization’s visibility and promote both our unique value proposition and impact.
• Work w/ program leadership to develop program-specific communications strategies, taking a “client-centric” approach.
• Determine and regularly evaluate key metrics for success, including to measure return on investment of communications strategies and priorities, and use data to refine communications activities.
• Partner with human resources team to develop and execute strategy for recruitment branding that positions Evidence Action as a cutting-edge, impactful NGO.

Branding, Marketing, and Media (40%)

• Work closely with communications staff in regional offices, supporting regional needs and ensuring stories/learnings from on-the-ground work are developed ethically and shared globally.
• Raise the visibility of Evidence Action’s CEO and leadership through securing high-profile media placements and speaking opportunities.
• Ensure high standards of excellence in all external communications through oversight of Evidence Action’s website, blog, newsletters, social media, informational materials, and media outreach.
• Engage w/ key partners and stakeholders to amplify Evidence Action’s work and evidence-driven approach to international development in both traditional and innovative ways.
• Collaborate with External Relations/fundraising team members to create and execute high-yield campaigns that increase engagement with and giving to Evidence Action.

Management and Operations (30%)

• Oversee development and implementation of a robust crisis communications strategy, working closely with leadership to assess risks and develop appropriate, tailored mitigation plans.
• Develop and monitor communications budget, with a keen eye for value-for-money opportunities.
• Build and manage team matrixed across US, regional, and country offices, providing autonomy while balancing with consistency of voice and adherence to standards of excellence.
• Lead development and implementation of policies and processes to enable highly efficient internal and external communications, ensuring that staff across the organization have the necessary resources and support.

Location

This position will be based in Washington D.C. Remote work will be considered for the right candidate.

Requirements

• 10+ years of experience in communications, including an understanding of various forms of digital communications and media
• Demonstrated ability to rapidly understand complex concepts and develop engaging communications products, translating technical and scientific concepts into concise, easily understood language
• Knowledge of international development sector; knowledge of effective altruism concepts preferred
• Reputation for exceptional written and verbal communication, including highly advanced presentation skills
• Highly advanced ability to develop and manage complex and interdependent workplans; adept at prioritization and delegation
• Brings creativity and attention to detail, with an understanding of balance between vision and implementation
• Track record of managing high-functioning teams within a matrixed environment
• Cross-cultural experience and high emotional intelligence required
• BA required, Master's degree preferred

Please submit a resume and a cover letter to apply for this position. Your cover letter should address the key responsibilities of the position, and specifically highlight your past work on crisis communications planning and management, and experiences working in an international/cross-cultural context.

Evidence Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. For this role we are not able to sponsor US work visas and candidates should already have work eligibility in the US if their preferred location.