Mission of the Position:
The Global Editor will coordinate external communication activities, with an ultimate aim of ensuring that fundraising and communications colleagues based in Europe and North America receive excellent material about the work of SOS Children’s Villages, in a timely manner.
The Global Editor will work closely with the regional office for East and Southern Africa and report to the International Head of External Communications, in Vienna.
S/he will supervise a Deputy Global Editor (based in Montevideo, Uruguay) and a team of regional Correspondents located in different parts of the world.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
Drive the shaping of the SOS Children’s Villages editorial plan and lead in the development of communications packages in line with strategic priorities
Serve as a member of the global external communication team and support in developing strategic communications
Respond to requests for communication material – including text, photos and video – by fundraising and communications colleagues based in Europe and North America
Provide regular updates on important news and events—which may help in fundraising activities—in a timely manner
Write excellent and persuasive communication material, in order to demonstrate the impact of the work of the organisation
Form and/or maintain networks of communications co-workers. Specifically, supervise a Deputy Global Editor and Correspondents/Communications Advisors (3 to 5), work with an external network of freelance journalists and nurture working relationships with communications colleagues in national associations
As needed, serve as a media spokesperson
Requirements:
Ability to work in a complex organisational matrix and international environment
Excellent command of the English language
Knowledge of French and/or Portuguese would be an added advantage
Excellent writing skills and a flair for storytelling
Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
Ability to work with people from culturally diverse environments
Excellent organisational and time management skills and ability to manage multiple assignments
Expertise in a range of communications disciplines (strategy, media relations, multi-media) and ability to coach and build capacity of communications staff
Ability to make an impact through communication by engaging and motivating audiences across the globe
A good understanding of global media dynamics
Minimum desired qualification is a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field. Qualification in journalism will be an added advantage
Minimum experience of 6-7 years in journalism or communications, a network of freelancers, and a good knowledge of the global media agenda
Experience in the news media or in dealing with journalists in current or past assignments
Knowledge/basic understanding of fundraising will be an added advantage
Excellent knowledge of MS Office
Readiness to travel as and when needed We offer:
An exciting opportunity to work in an international setting and a salary that will be commensurate with experience and will match industry standards.
