Communications Manager

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Manager

🔹 Company: Center for Global Development

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Full-time

🔹 Category: Think Tanks

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and managing communications strategies for CGD's research programs
• Enhancing the visibility and impact of CGD's research through media relations, content creation, and event planning
• Collaborating with research staff and communications team to determine messaging and launch plans for major projects
• Serving as the main press point-person for designated research areas
• Working with events producers to develop and execute in-person and virtual events

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong background in policy communications, with experience working in an academic institution, non-profit, or think tank being an advantage.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and manage communications strategies and plans for several CGD research programs and teams

✅ Serve as the main press point-person for designated research areas, creating specific press plans for rollouts of new research

✅ Coordinate with the Director of Communications and wider Communications team to ensure comprehensive strategies for all outputs

✅ Respond to incoming press inquiries in a timely and strategic manner, enhancing CGD's visibility within target media outlets

✅ Edit blogs and promotional copy, and contribute to content development including email, podcasts, videos, interactives, infographics, and social media

✅ Track performance of communications efforts, including media monitoring, emails, and web data, for programmatic teams

✅ Work with events producers to develop and execute in-person and virtual events for designated research teams

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of multitasking and requires the ability to manage and respond to competing demands on tight deadlines.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: At least 5 years of relevant work experience, or a commensurate combination of education and experience

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to adapt style and tone for different audiences
• Strong news awareness and ability to identify newsworthiness and translate complex academic material into digestible and impactful commentary and analysis
• Proven ability to develop and execute multi-channel communications strategies
• Demonstrable experience of liaising with journalists and successfully placing stories within relevant media outlets
• Background in or in-depth understanding of foreign affairs, international development, public policy, or gender inclusion

Preferred Skills:

• Spanish language skills

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, a master's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience may be preferred for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $73,000 - $82,000 per year, commensurate with education, skillset, and experience

Benefits:

• Generous paid time off
• Robust medical, vision, and dental benefits with a modest employee contribution
• Employer retirement contribution
• Commuter benefits

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is based on the job posting and industry standards for similar roles in the Washington, DC area.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Think Tanks

Company Size: 51-200 employees

Founded: 2001

Company Description:

• CGD works to reduce global poverty and improve lives through innovative economic research
• Over the past two decades, CGD has maintained an unwavering focus on providing independent, non-partisan research that has driven major changes in global development policy and practice
• CGD seeks highly qualified and deeply dedicated colleagues to further its research and program goals, communications and outreach efforts, as well as to support organizational operations

  Company Specialties:

  • Global Health Policy
  • Migration, Displacement, and Humanitarian Policy
  • Sustainable Development Finance
  • Technology and Development
  • Governments and Development
  • Education
  • Gender and Equality
  • Energy
  • Financial Inclusion and Regulation

  Company Website: https://www.cgdev.org

  ASSUMPTION: CGD values mutual respect, a collegial work place, and a healthy sense of humor, fostering a collaborative, diverse, and inclusive work environment.

  📊 Role Analysis

  Career Level: Mid-level

  Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Communications

  Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

  Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow within the Communications team or explore other roles within CGD
  • Opportunities to work on a wide range of research topics and collaborate with diverse teams
  • Chance to contribute to CGD's mission and make a tangible impact on global development policy and practice

  ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment.

  🌍 Location & Work Environment

  Office Type: Hybrid (2 days in office per week)

  Office Location(s): 2055 L Street NW, Fifth Floor, Washington, D.C. 20036, US; 1 Abbey Gardens, London, England, GB

  Geographic Context:

  • Washington, D.C. is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and a thriving arts and culture scene
  • The city is home to numerous international organizations, think tanks, and NGOs, providing ample networking opportunities
  • Washington, D.C. offers a variety of neighborhoods with diverse housing options and amenities

  Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week), with flexible hours and remote work options available

  ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement allows for a balance between in-person collaboration and remote flexibility, catering to different work styles and preferences.

  💼 Interview & Application Insights

  Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screen with the Director of Communications
  • In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Communications and other relevant team members
  • Final round interview with the Executive Vice President and Director of Communications

  Key Assessment Areas:

  • Writing and editing skills
  • Media relations and outreach experience
  • Strategic planning and execution

  • Cultural fit and alignment with CGD's mission and values

  Application Tips:

  • Highlight relevant experience and accomplishments in your resume and cover letter
  • Tailor your application to demonstrate your understanding of CGD's mission and research focus areas
  • Prepare a writing sample that showcases your ability to translate complex material for a non-technical audience
  • Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with CGD's research and policy communications strategies

  ATS Keywords: Policy communications, international development, public policy, gender inclusion, media relations, strategic planning, content creation, event planning

  ASSUMPTION: CGD's application process is designed to assess candidates' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best match for the organization's needs and the candidate's career goals.

  🛠️ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Google Workspace
  • Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
  • Content management systems (e.g., WordPress)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

  ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with relevant tools and technologies is essential for success in this role, as they are integral to the day-to-day responsibilities.

  👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

  Company Values:

  • Independence and non-partisanship
  • Transparency and accountability
  • Collaboration and mutual respect
  • Professional and personal integrity
  • Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

  Work Style:

  • Dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment
  • Collegial and collaborative team culture
  • Focus on results and impact
  • Adaptability and flexibility
  • Strong work-life balance

  Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you approach translating complex academic material into digestible and impactful commentary for a broad audience?
  • How do you balance the need for strategic planning with the ability to respond to breaking news opportunities in real-time?
  • How do you ensure that your communications strategies align with CGD's mission and values, even when working on diverse research topics?

  ASSUMPTION: CGD values candidates who are passionate about its mission, committed to its values, and eager to contribute to its dynamic and intellectually stimulating work environment.

  ⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • Managing competing demands and tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Balancing the need for strategic planning with the ability to respond to breaking news opportunities in real-time
  • Working with a diverse range of research topics and teams, requiring adaptability and quick learning
  • Navigating a hybrid work arrangement, balancing in-person collaboration and remote work

  ASSUMPTION: While CGD offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, this role presents unique challenges that require strong organizational skills, adaptability, and a proactive approach.

  📈 Similar Roles Comparison

  • Compared to communications roles in other think tanks or non-profits, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on a wide range of research topics and collaborate with diverse teams
  • CGD's focus on independent, non-partisan research and its commitment to reducing global poverty and improving lives set it apart from other organizations in the sector
  • This role offers a clear career path for growth and development within the Communications team or other departments within CGD

  ASSUMPTION: While this role shares similarities with other communications roles in the sector, its unique focus on global development policy and practice sets it apart and offers a distinct opportunity for candidates passionate about making a tangible impact on global issues.

  📝 Sample Projects

  • Developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major CGD research report, including media outreach, event planning, and digital promotion
  • Creating a series of blog posts and op-eds to summarize and analyze key findings from CGD research, targeted at policymakers, practitioners, and the general public
  • Managing a press event for a high-profile CGD research launch, coordinating with journalists, stakeholders, and CGD staff to ensure a successful and impactful rollout

  ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and impactful nature of the Communications Manager role at CGD, requiring strong strategic planning, execution, and collaboration skills.

  ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • How does CGD measure the impact and success of its communications strategies, and how can this role contribute to enhancing CGD's visibility and influence?
  • What are the most pressing challenges facing global development policy and practice today, and how can this role help CGD address them through strategic communications?
  • How does CGD support the professional growth and development of its Communications team members, and what opportunities exist for growth within the department or other areas of the organization?
  • How does CGD foster a collaborative and inclusive work environment, and what steps does the organization take to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion?
  • What are the most rewarding aspects of working in communications at CGD, and what unique opportunities does this role offer for candidates passionate about global development and policy communications?

  ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful and insightful questions during the interview process demonstrates your interest in the role and your commitment to CGD's mission and values.

  📌 Next Steps for Applicants

  To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience and accomplishments, demonstrating your understanding of CGD's mission and research focus areas
  • Prepare a writing sample that showcases your ability to translate complex material for a non-technical audience, focusing on your ability to summarize and analyze key findings from CGD research
  • Be prepared to discuss your familiarity with CGD's research and policy communications strategies, and your ideas for enhancing the organization's visibility and impact
  • Follow up with CGD after submitting your application, expressing your interest in the role and reiterating your qualifications

  ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.