Communications & Engagement Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a prominent international humanitarian non-governmental organization (INGO) founded in 1933 at the behest of Albert Einstein. The IRC operates in over 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities, focusing on restoring health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and empowerment to individuals affected by conflict and disaster. With a mission to help people survive, reclaim control of their futures, and strengthen their communities, the IRC employs a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering impactful humanitarian aid and fostering hope and dignity for millions worldwide.

Job Overview:
The Communications & Engagement Coordinator position at the IRC's Airbel Impact Lab is pivotal in shaping and communicating the narrative and value proposition of Airbel's work. This role encompasses a variety of responsibilities aimed at ensuring that Airbel's story is effectively conveyed to its key audiences. The Coordinator will prepare the Chief Research and Innovation Officer (CRIO) for significant internal and external meetings, manage the logistics of the Advisory Board's biannual meetings, maintain Airbel's digital presence, and coordinate tailored pitch materials for donors. The ideal candidate will possess strong storytelling abilities, adeptly translating complex technical content into accessible narratives for diverse audiences. They will also be responsible for managing timelines and ensuring that all communications are consistent and compelling across various platforms.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The major responsibilities of the Communications & Engagement Coordinator include providing comprehensive support for the CRIO's high-stakes meetings, which involves developing agendas, pre-reads, briefings, talking points, and presentations. The Coordinator will solicit and coordinate inputs from various collaborators to ensure that meeting materials are accurate and strategically aligned. Additionally, they will manage the logistics and planning of Airbel's biannual Advisory Board meetings, ensuring that all materials are prepared and follow-up actions are tracked. The Coordinator will also create and maintain a portfolio of pitch materials that effectively showcase Airbel's value proposition to funders, tailoring content to align with donor interests. Furthermore, they will oversee Airbel's public-facing digital presence, ensuring that the website and LinkedIn accurately reflect the team's work and impact, while also managing earned media efforts and collaborating with specialists to develop compelling stories for media placement.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must have 4–6 years of experience in communications, strategic engagement, or a related field, ideally in collaboration with senior leaders in research, policy, innovation, or humanitarian contexts. Exceptional communication and storytelling skills are essential, with a proven ability to translate complex technical content into clear narratives for non-specialist audiences. Strong writing and editing skills across various formats, including executive briefings, pitch decks, web copy, and social media, are required. The candidate should possess excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple concurrent workstreams and tracking deliverables across teams. Experience in coordinating earned media efforts and managing a brand's digital presence is also necessary, along with familiarity with content management systems. Demonstrated use of AI tools in professional communications workflows is a plus, as is the ability to work effectively with diverse teams across cultures and time zones.

Educational Background:
While the specific educational background is not explicitly stated, candidates are typically expected to have a degree in communications, public relations, international relations, or a related field that supports the skills and knowledge required for this role.

Experience:
The position requires 4–6 years of relevant experience, particularly in communications or strategic engagement roles that involve working closely with senior leaders in contexts related to research, policy, innovation, or humanitarian efforts. This experience should demonstrate a strong understanding of how to effectively communicate complex ideas to varied audiences.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the nature of the role and the organization's international focus. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the IRC's operational regions.

Additional Notes:
The compensation for this position ranges from $70,000 to $90,000 in the U.S. and £46,988 to £54,820 in the UK, depending on various factors such as the labor market, job type, and individual candidate experience. The working environment offers flexibility, with options for hybrid or fully in-office arrangements. For UK postings, candidates must have the right to work in the UK. The IRC is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from underrepresented groups and individuals with disabilities, ensuring reasonable adjustments are made during the application and interview processes.