Director of Communications

Perry World House is the University of Pennsylvania's center for scholarly inquiry, teaching, research, international exchange, policy engagement, and public outreach on pressing global issues.

Perry World House’s mission is to bring the academic knowledge of the University of Pennsylvania to bear on some of the world’s most pressing global policy challenges, and to foster international policy engagement within and beyond the Penn community.

It draws on the expertise of Penn’s 12 schools and numerous globally-oriented research centers to educate the Penn community and prepare students to be well-informed, contributing global citizens. At the same time, Perry World House connects Penn with leading policy experts from around the world to develop and advance innovative policy proposals.

Through its rich programming, Perry World House facilitates critical conversations about global policy challenges and fosters interdisciplinary research on these topics. It presents workshops and colloquia, welcomes distinguished visitors, and produces content for global audiences and policy leaders, so that the knowledge developed at Penn can make an immediate impact around the world.

Perry World House—its programs and the building itself—builds on Penn’s strengths in teaching, interdisciplinary scholarship, and policy-relevant research. By doing so, it cultivates the broad worldview, critical thinking, and leadership required to address the most urgent issues of global affairs.

The Communications Director is primarily responsible for translating and leveraging PWH's research and other outputs into accessible policy-relevant content with the power to shape current policy debates related to Perry World House's two priority research themes (Global Shifts: Urbanization, Migration, and Demography and the Future of the Global Order: Power, Technology, and Governance) and to grow Perry World House’s reputation across various fields.

The position will be responsible for developing and executing multi-platform communications strategies to build awareness and amplify the work and reputation of PWH with various stakeholders, within and outside of the University.

This position will have responsibility for envisioning, articulating, and implementing PWH's communications strategy, including the development and continued evaluation and refining of a strategic plan, as well as creating and driving content production, by identifying research and collaborative opportunities, bringing written and other products to completion, and creatively packaging Perry World House's thought leadership.

Through both strategic communications execution, the Director of Communications is additionally responsible for increasing Perry World House's visibility and the impact of its ideas among our various stakeholders, particularly in the global policy and think tank worlds, and among peer institutions and popular outlets. The Director of Communications will have management responsibility for Perry World House's website, social media, and all digital, print, and audio visual communications (ranging from Perry World House's annual report to periodic newsletters to white papers to briefs to podcasts to press releases to the weekly events digest.) The Communications Director will serve as the main press contact for Perry World House.

Qualifications:

A Master's Degree or more and 8 to 10 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and professional work experience is required with a commitment to global policy influence.

Pre-existing relationships with national and international media and experience proactively building and sustaining media relationships, including shaping opportunities and positioning content to achieve high-impact placements;

Must be a strong writer and editor and an excellent team player who prioritizes communication and building, fostering, and nurturing relationships within PWH, across the University, and with external stakeholders.

Ability to think strategically and creatively while working in a fast-paced environment.

Exceptional at multi-tasking, follow-through, and problem-solving skills.

A demonstrated ability to develop, coach, and create focus and clarity in your team, communicate on an ongoing basis to provide leadership and vision.

Demonstrated ability to build and lead a high-performing team with competing priorities; thrives in big picture possibility and strategy while focusing on the details needed for high-quality execution.

Proficiency in all digital platforms including Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Google/YouTube, and a passion for emerging platforms.

Exceptional communication and presentation skills

Desire to thrive in a global and multi-cultural environment.

Please submit a Cover Letter to be considered for this opportunity.