International Rescue Committee
Senior Director, Global Public Affairs & Communications
International Rescue Committee, New York, New York, us, 10261
Senior Director, Global Public Affairs & Communications
Join the International Rescue Committee (IRC) as a Senior Director, Global Public Affairs & Communications. The IRC responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. As a solutions‑driven, passionate change‑maker, you will positively impact millions of people worldwide.
Marketing & Mobilization Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) builds the IRC’s global profile, increases private revenue from deeper donor engagement and partnerships, and influences target audiences. It manages all brand, communications, creative and content, and digital engagement efforts to raise funding, profile, and influence worldwide.
Job Overview The Senior Director will create and deliver a global public affairs and communications strategy across IRC’s global presence. Reporting to the Chief Marketing & Mobilization Officer, the SD oversees five core divisions:
Global Crisis & Response Communications (GCRC) – embedded across IRC’s international programs
External Relations Market‑based Communications Teams in USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, Brussels, South Korea
Digital Engagement team – manages digital strategy and communications across all markets
HQ‑based Thought Leadership and Solutions
HQ‑based Internal Communications team
Major Responsibilities
Lead global public affairs and communications strategies, working closely with the CMMO and senior leadership.
Manage a global team and oversee relevant budgets.
Collaborate with departments such as Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, Crisis Response, Resettlement, Awards Management and the Leadership Board.
Support market‑based communications teams (USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, South Korea, Brussels) by coaching leaders, ensuring best practices, and delivering integrated strategies.
Enhance the GCRC team’s messaging, content, rapid‑response information, spokespeople, and media relations.
Partner with the Digital Engagement team to implement web and social media strategies across all markets.
Oversee Thought Leadership & Solutions and Internal Communications, ensuring alignment on impact priorities and clear messaging.
Lead crisis management and rapid emergency communications for immediate fundraising and reputation protection.
Develop clear plans and reporting mechanisms to senior leadership, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and resilience.
Key Working Relationships
Reports to: Chief Marketing and Mobilization Officer
Directly supervises: Director, GCRC; Communications Leads/Directors across markets; Director, Digital Engagement; Director, Internal Communications; Director, Thought Leadership & Solutions
Key stakeholders: CEO, COO, CMMO, VPs of Fundraising, Mass Markets & Corporates, Policy & Advocacy, Market Leads
Manages approximately 10 direct reports and a total team size of 70+
Job Requirements Education : Graduate degree in a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
Work Experience : At least 15 years of communications experience in a fast‑paced, complex and decentralized organization; agency experience welcome, with at least 3 years in-house.
Demonstrated Skills And Competencies
Lead high‑performance, globally matrixed teams across humanitarian and development arenas.
Build a positive culture and motivate sector‑leading talent.
Strategic thinker with proven record of executing complex strategies in global settings.
Exhibit superior political and diplomatic judgment, managing high‑profile issues calmly and swiftly.
Serve as a strategic communications partner to IRC leaders and stakeholders.
Drive proactive, integrated communication strategies while managing day‑to‑day activities.
Lead crisis management, address sensitive issues, and act as an on‑record spokesperson.
Create unique campaigns yielding breakthrough results across earned media and digital channels.
Excellent writing skills; oversee messaging, speeches, op‑eds, and press releases.
Develop and maintain a diverse, inclusive global team culture.
Understand humanitarian, development, geopolitical, and ethical complexities.
Strong digital communications knowledge, including emerging technologies.
Provide regular executive updates on performance, outcomes, and improvements.
Manage large budgets, maximizing resources through prioritization and negotiation.
Language Skills : Fluent in English; Arabic, French, and/or Spanish are a plus.
Working Environment Hybrid environment with an expectation of in‑office presence at least three days per week.
Compensation Pay range: $180,000 – $200,000 (US‑based candidates). Compensation is calibrated by location, experience, and skills.
Standard of Professional Conduct The IRC and its workers adhere to the values and principles of the IRC Way – Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Equal Opportunity Employer IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
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Marketing & Mobilization Marketing & Mobilization (M&M) builds the IRC’s global profile, increases private revenue from deeper donor engagement and partnerships, and influences target audiences. It manages all brand, communications, creative and content, and digital engagement efforts to raise funding, profile, and influence worldwide.
Job Overview The Senior Director will create and deliver a global public affairs and communications strategy across IRC’s global presence. Reporting to the Chief Marketing & Mobilization Officer, the SD oversees five core divisions:
Global Crisis & Response Communications (GCRC) – embedded across IRC’s international programs
External Relations Market‑based Communications Teams in USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, Brussels, South Korea
Digital Engagement team – manages digital strategy and communications across all markets
HQ‑based Thought Leadership and Solutions
HQ‑based Internal Communications team
Major Responsibilities
Lead global public affairs and communications strategies, working closely with the CMMO and senior leadership.
Manage a global team and oversee relevant budgets.
Collaborate with departments such as Fundraising, Policy & Advocacy, Crisis Response, Resettlement, Awards Management and the Leadership Board.
Support market‑based communications teams (USA, UK, Sweden, Germany, South Korea, Brussels) by coaching leaders, ensuring best practices, and delivering integrated strategies.
Enhance the GCRC team’s messaging, content, rapid‑response information, spokespeople, and media relations.
Partner with the Digital Engagement team to implement web and social media strategies across all markets.
Oversee Thought Leadership & Solutions and Internal Communications, ensuring alignment on impact priorities and clear messaging.
Lead crisis management and rapid emergency communications for immediate fundraising and reputation protection.
Develop clear plans and reporting mechanisms to senior leadership, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and resilience.
Key Working Relationships
Reports to: Chief Marketing and Mobilization Officer
Directly supervises: Director, GCRC; Communications Leads/Directors across markets; Director, Digital Engagement; Director, Internal Communications; Director, Thought Leadership & Solutions
Key stakeholders: CEO, COO, CMMO, VPs of Fundraising, Mass Markets & Corporates, Policy & Advocacy, Market Leads
Manages approximately 10 direct reports and a total team size of 70+
Job Requirements Education : Graduate degree in a related field preferred; Bachelor’s degree required.
Work Experience : At least 15 years of communications experience in a fast‑paced, complex and decentralized organization; agency experience welcome, with at least 3 years in-house.
Demonstrated Skills And Competencies
Lead high‑performance, globally matrixed teams across humanitarian and development arenas.
Build a positive culture and motivate sector‑leading talent.
Strategic thinker with proven record of executing complex strategies in global settings.
Exhibit superior political and diplomatic judgment, managing high‑profile issues calmly and swiftly.
Serve as a strategic communications partner to IRC leaders and stakeholders.
Drive proactive, integrated communication strategies while managing day‑to‑day activities.
Lead crisis management, address sensitive issues, and act as an on‑record spokesperson.
Create unique campaigns yielding breakthrough results across earned media and digital channels.
Excellent writing skills; oversee messaging, speeches, op‑eds, and press releases.
Develop and maintain a diverse, inclusive global team culture.
Understand humanitarian, development, geopolitical, and ethical complexities.
Strong digital communications knowledge, including emerging technologies.
Provide regular executive updates on performance, outcomes, and improvements.
Manage large budgets, maximizing resources through prioritization and negotiation.
Language Skills : Fluent in English; Arabic, French, and/or Spanish are a plus.
Working Environment Hybrid environment with an expectation of in‑office presence at least three days per week.
Compensation Pay range: $180,000 – $200,000 (US‑based candidates). Compensation is calibrated by location, experience, and skills.
Standard of Professional Conduct The IRC and its workers adhere to the values and principles of the IRC Way – Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Equal Opportunity Employer IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants are considered on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other protected characteristic.
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