Career Opportunities

Position: Director of Communications
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Full-Time Employee | Hybrid work environment

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Director of Communications oversees the design and implementation of communications, marketing, outreach, social media, website, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) strategies and tools.  This includes coordinating with colleagues and external partners to develop the annual communications calendar and utilizing various tools to achieve the following: create general communications, attract participants to World Affairs programs for youth and adults; grow the World Affairs brand and position across the region; increase membership; media relations; and partner closely with the Development team.  This position will oversee key external vendor relationships for public relations, website, branding, and CRM (Salesforce) and will work with regional partners on collaborative messaging.  This role works closely with the President & CEO and the leadership team to ensure that organization-wide goals are defined and met.  This position reports to the Senior Vice President of Programs. Direct reports of this position include the Digital Content Manager.

PRIMARY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Through a collaborative approach, develops and implements an annual communications and marketing calendar.
  • Serves as the curator and steward on external communications including drafting content and reviewing copywriting done by others to ensure a consistent organizational voice utilizing key messaging.
  • Strategizes and actions key communications pieces including but not limited to: annual report, newsletters, event descriptions, fundraising appeals, remarks for staff speaking engagements, standard presentations, flyers, marketing tools, and letters written on behalf of the organization.
  • Leads story-finding initiatives to identify impactful experiences that can be utilized to advance World Affairs.
  • Maintains key messaging, including visual (photos and video) and written forms, for consistent use across the organization.
  • Leads website oversight and strategy, including content of all types and maintaining the digital "press room” and media relations webpage, in partnership with staff and an external vendor.
  • Manages design, procurement, inventory, and distribution of marketing tools such as tablecloths, flags, pop-up banners, giveaways, small branded gifts, and related items.
  • Manages the budget for all communications, marketing, and related vendor contracts.
  • Collaborates closely with external partners and organizations on aligned communications for joint projects.
  • Manages vendor selection and relationships such as, but not limited to: public relations, branding, website, giveaway items, printing service providers, photography, videography, and customer relationship management (CRM)
  • Serves as the lead team member overseeing the organization’s Salesforce CRM platform.
  • Leads the internal staff CRM Committee.
  • Liaises with and oversees an external CRM consultant to ensure that the support provided advances World Affairs’ communications and customer relationship management strategy. This includes contract and budget management.
  • Works with the staff to ensure proper protocols and processes are followed to maximize the impact of the CRM platform.
  • Leads the effort to maintain data integrity and purity through staff best practices and procedures.
  • Leads the effort to maintain consistent reporting through staff best practices and procedures.
  • Recommends future investments and strategy to continuously improve customer relationship management, leading to improved communications and marketing strategies.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 5 years of experience in communications and marketing
  • Bachelor’s Degree or experience in related field strongly preferred
  • 2-3 years of staff and vendor management experience
  • Experience with Customer Relationship Management software (Salesforce strongly preferred)
  • Proficient with Microsoft Office 365
  • Proficient with key communications technologies, including social media, content management systems and digital analytics tools. Experience with Adobe Design Suite (Photoshop, InDesign, etc.), Canva, Database Distribution (i.e., Constant Contact, Mailchimp), and other platforms is preferred.
  • Excellent oral communication, professional writing, design, and proofreading skills
  • Passion for developing and implementing communication & marketing strategy for a diverse set of programs
  • Capable of working independently and as a part of a small and highly collaborative team
  • Ability to manage multiple events, programs, and projects simultaneously
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Diligent attention to detail and strong organizational habits
  • Innovative problem-solving skills and superior dedication to quality control
  • Ability to budget and track expenses
  • Strong interest in world affairs and open to civil discourse on international issues from multiple perspectives
  • Availability for weekend and/or evening work, as well as the ability to travel as required
  • Must be able to lift up to 50lbs

ADDITONAL INFORMATION

  • The salary range for this position is $65,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience.
  • The World Affairs Council offers a competitive benefits package that includes:
    • Health Insurance
    • 403b Retirement Plan
    • Generous paid time off
    • High-flex hybrid work environment including remote work and a Center City office
    • Supportive work and family benefits
    • Professional development opportunities
    • Fully paid international travel on occasion
    • Participation in and access to world class speakers including authors, heads of state, elected officials, activists and leaders is a key opportunity for all staff. 
    • This position is classified as exempt according to the Fair Labor Standards Act.
  • Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination required by date of hire. Individuals may apply to be considered for an exemption.

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia is committed to the principles of Equal Employment Opportunity.  Accordingly, World Affairs will provide equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, color, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, marital status, familial status, genetic information, domestic / sexual violence victim status, pregnancy, veteran status, use of guide or support animal because of blindness, deafness, or physical handicap, and/or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.  This policy applies to all areas of employment, layoff, compensation, benefits, and all other conditions, terms, and privileges of employment in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. World Affairs strives to employ and promote the best-qualified person for each job and, in doing so, will comply with all legal requirements.

ABOUT THE WORLD AFFAIRS COUNCIL OF PHILADELPHIA

The World Affairs Council of Philadelphia (World Affairs) is the Philadelphia region’s largest and oldest international affairs nonprofit with 75 years of expertise in connecting Philadelphia to the world. World Affairs is a nonpartisan, nonprofit that curates speaker programs, professional development, youth education, and public diplomacy. World Affairs hosts global delegations and travels the world reaching more than 125 countries annually. Through authentic people-to-people diplomacy and exchange of ideas, World Affairs advances Philadelphia’s understanding of the world by creating the next generation of global citizens and furthering Philadelphia’s position as an international hub for business, education, culture, and sub-national diplomacy.

 

TO APPLY

Please submit your resume and cover letter to careers@wacphila.org.  Please include the name of the position in the subject line.  Incomplete applications will not be considered.  We are unable to accept phone inquiries related to employment opportunities.

 

Internship Opportunities



About Our Internships

Internships with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia provide college and graduate level students with experience in international affairs student programming, speaker events, travel programming, membership management, and development. Tasks will include (but are not limited to) research, planning and development of programs, events, and tours, on-site assistance for student and public programs, digital communications and social media support, attendance at staff meetings, support for donor and member relations, and other administrative support as needed.

Internships with the Council require excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, strong research skills, and a high level of professional etiquette when interacting with both Council staff, volunteers, and constituents (students, members, Board, etc.). Candidates must have a strong proficiency in the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Basic knowledge of social media platforms and management tools (i.e. Hootsuite, HeyOrca!, Sendible) and Canva is preferred. Special consideration may be given to students with experience in Model United Nations, debate, and/or Mock Trial.

Students who can commit to 2 full semesters (fall and spring) will be given special consideration.

Current Internship Openings

Hours: Part-time (minimum 15 – 20 hours per week)

Stipend/Class Credit: We are willing to work with your educational institution to provide academic credit, if requested.

Dates: Minimum 10 weeks in Summer, Fall, or Spring terms. 2 full semesters commitment preferred.

Location: Hybrid

Description: Are you interested in foreign policy? Global change? Social entrepreneurship? World media? International security? The International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) is the U.S. Department of State's premier professional exchange program connecting current and emerging foreign leaders in a variety of fields with their U.S. peers. IVLP interns work closely with the international exchange team to support program meetings and events across Philadelphia. Interns experience and support projects that facilitate honest dialogue, navigate global topics, and connect with leaders in the region. Specific activities may include:

  • Supporting itinerary development and logistical planning for guests from the US Department of State’s International Visitors Leadership Program.
  • Conducting research to identify programming resources and maintain visitors’ information in our database.
  • Preparing cultural activities for guests.
  • Helping us prepare for networking receptions and additional special events to welcome the international community.
  • Escorting international delegations to meetings.
  • Preparing information to acquaint international guests with Philadelphia.

Qualifications & Skills:

Successful applicants are detail-oriented, reliable, and professional. Strong interpersonal skills and an interest in international relations are a plus. Students who can commit to 2 full semesters (fall and spring) will be given special consideration.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, time management, and strong research skills.
  • A high level of professional etiquette and ability to respect different cultures and customs.
  • A strong proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Basic knowledge of social media platforms and Canva is preferred

Application Instructions

Please send your cover letter and resume to careers@wacphila.org with the subject line "Professional Exchanges Internship.’ Please describe in your cover letter why you are interested, what you hope to gain out of the internship experience, and the dates you are seeking to intern. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with start dates in September, January and May and/or the Drexel University Co-op schedule.

 

Update January 2024: Please note that Spring 2024 internship opportunities have been filled at this time. We are accepting applications for Summer 2024 and beyond. Summer 2024 applications are due by March 8, 2024.




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