We seek candidates with about 7-10 years of experience for a global communications position working with nonprofits, international agencies and foundations on land rights for Indigenous peoples, forests and ocean protection, climate change, global health, and food and agriculture. Ideal candidates have established relationships and ample experience working with journalists to inspire news and feature stories in national and international media.

Burness is a mission-driven communications firm committed to helping nonprofits advance social change worldwide. Since our founding more than 30 years ago, we’ve worked with more than 700 nonprofits globally.

Spanish fluency required to assist our busy Spanish-speaking practice. You are a good fit for this position if you can: 

  • Strategy and Execution

  • Develop and execute multi-layered communications strategies working with a large network of partners, research and advocacy organizations, and allied communicators.

  • Determine newsworthiness of stories, provide strategic communications advice, and devise strong approaches for handling complex communications challenges.

  • Be a trusted thought partner and advisor to clients and internal project teams.

  • Be a strong verbal communicator, able to convey complex ideas, and think clearly and concisely.

  • Design media strategies that lead to strong media coverage.

  • Go deep on content in areas such as Indigenous peoples’ rights, ocean protection, climate change and global health.

  • Oversee budget expenditure on client projects, providing internal teammates and consultants guidance on time and expense billing.

  • Oversee and understand digital communications efforts, including social media content development, partner toolkit creation and writing for the web

Media Outreach and Engagement

  • Cultivate and maintain relationships with journalists in international, regional and in-country media outlets to secure earned media opportunities.

  • Identify strong narratives for journalist site visits and work with local community and NGO partners to organize and execute media trips and travel into the field to accompany journalists.

  • Organize and staff press conferences locally and internationally at major UN meetings and other venues.

  • Pitch media contacts via PR outreach databases, email, social media, WhatsApp, and phone.

Content Development

  • Write strong communications plans that include traditional communications and digital tactics to advance the social justice objectives of our clients.

  • Write and edit press releases, statements, op-eds, media advisories, digital content, news pitches, key messages, fact sheets and other short form communications products.

  • Write and edit compelling talking points for media briefings on behalf of experts and community leaders.

  • Translate short (<1 page) communications materials, such as quotes, talking points and news pitches into Spanish for quick execution, and review translations of press materials into Spanish for accuracy.

  • Synthesize complicated material, including scientific findings, into clear and simple language tailored to media, policymaker or donor audiences.

Strong preference for a Washington, DC, area-based employee.

Burness offers a competitive salary and benefits package. The starting salary will be $90,000+ depending on the number of years of experience. Please send cover letter and resume to [email protected]. Resumes without cover letters will not be considered.