The Head of Programme Communications will play a crucial role in positioning and enhancing the visibility of WWF-India’s work amongst diverse external audiences. He/she should be a strategic, dynamic, resourceful and organized communications professional with a strong interest in environmental, conservation and sustainability issues. He/she needs to be a creative thinker, employing proactive, compelling and innovative communications tactics to build awareness, influence conservation action and achieve the organisation’s goals. He/she will engage internal and external audiences and work in collaboration with stakeholders to execute all programmatic communication strategies. He/she will partner with external stakeholders, and internally with conservation programme leads and other communications colleagues, to increase the visibility of the organisation’s work significantly. This position will report to the Senior Director of Biodiversity Conservation and Senior Director of Ecological Footprint.
The position will be based out of the WWF-India Secretariat, New Delhi and the selected person will be required to travel in India and abroad as required by the organization.
Location: New Delhi
Job Profile:
STRATEGIC PROGRAMME COMMUNICATIONS
Develop and implement an integrated communications strategy for WWF-India’s programmes
Lead a team of Communications Managers and associated staff to deliver compelling and impactful external communications
Track media coverage to monitor contemporary as well as emerging issues and provide critical insights to the leadership team
Plan and manage a calendar of print and digital communications, including articles, graphics, or other materials.
DEVELOPMENT OF COMMUNICATION PRODUCTS
Oversee the development of best-in-class communications and marketing assets, including print materials and digital content.
Guide and support the Communications team to handle the day-to-day communication needs of different programmes including framing messages, developing and writing print and online content, developing and executing earned and digital media strategies, coordinating team response to crisis communications issues, managing social media and website content, and maximizing use of communications tools including print and digital media.
Elevate storytelling as a key aspect of communications activities.
Draft press releases, editorials, media pitches, and talking points that publicize and support programme goals
Ideate, draft, and place op-eds and blogs for the leadership team.
COORDINATION AND NETWORKING
Drive the organisation’s influence through external, high-profile events, such as CMS, CBD, UNFCCC and CITES COPs.
Coordinate with WWF network and donor communications teams to ensure policy priorities and successes are reflected in their content.
Develop and oversee relationships with PR and marketing agencies to design and implement campaigns that contribute to WWF-India’s mission.
Develop and build relationships with reporters and media houses to promote WWF-India’s conservation and footprint reduction actions.
Work closely with WWF-India’s programme leads at various levels and locations to promote a culture of active internal peer-to-peer communications
Work closely with WWF-India’s MarCom Director to forward the organisation’s communication objectives.
Coordinate periodic training (including on relevant and emerging tools) to facilitate effective communications at all levels
Desired Skills:
Excellent writing, presentation, and communication skills.
Experience in the conception and execution of communications campaigns
Proven leadership skills to bring about the best outcomes from the programme comms team.
Proven experience in nature conservation and environmental communications is preferred.
Experience in pitching and securing media stories.
Experience in working with multi-cultural teams of indirect reporting lines to efficiently allocate available resources to priorities.
Creative thinker with a proven record of innovative strategies and tactics that move people to action.
Multi-lingual skills are appreciated.
Desired Qualifications and experience:
MBA in brand communications or a post-graduate degree in Mass Communication and a minimum of ten years of experience in communications roles at a senior level with a focus on public relations, media engagement/journalism, brand positioning, and/or advocacy
An equivalent combination of education and experience may also be considered.
Experience with a variety of communication tools to produce content including designing and producing compelling content and stories.
Deep understanding of strategic communications and engagement tools and experience in developing and implementing communication plans and strategies.
Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills, with demonstrated experience in writing content for media, newsletters, marketing materials, and social media. Ability to write well, quickly, and under tight deadlines.
Commitment to a value-based and inclusive organizational culture built on respect, courage, collaboration and integrity.
