Communications Manager

Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian nonprofit that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child, but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion and discrimination. And it is girls who are most affected. 

Working together with children, young people, supporters and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of challenges children face. We’re there from birth until adulthood, and we support children to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity, while particularly focusing on the experiences of girls. We drive changes in practice and policy at the local, national and global levels using our reach, expertise and knowledge. 

With more than 85 years of experience, we work to transform lives in over 80 countries. 

We won’t stop until we are all equal.

The Manager of Communications will lead a variety of projects related to engaging and stewarding the Plan community, including donors, prospective donors, internal staff, peer organizations, volunteers and organizational clients. The Manager will have a strong understanding of working with and creating external and internal communications, budgets, delegating tasks, strategic thinking, time management, event marketing, and building relationships with key stakeholders. 

This role will be a member of the Communications Team, which collaborates with teams across the organization to tell Plan’s story while supporting fundraising and organizational priorities. 

Essential functions:

Event strategy and execution:

Implement engagement strategies for Plan USA’s stakeholders through dynamic virtual and in-person events. Execute event planning from inception to completion, including concept development, integrated communication planning, vendor selection and management, speaker curation, creative direction, budget development and comprehensive post-event analysis. 

Events will range from virtual webinars and immersive digital experiences to vision trips for donors and board members to youth activations to fundraising dinners and related activities. This role will serve as the organization’s expert on events, providing best practices and hands-on support. Ensure all events align with organizational objectives while delivering exceptional experiences that strengthen stakeholder relationships and advance Plan International's mission. 

Brand visibility:

Oversee Plan USA’s brand building through our presence at conferences and key events; written communications and presentations; and related activities ensuring visibility and staff engagement. Support efforts to elevate senior leadership and other key staff profiles through speaking engagements, written blogs, social media, op-eds and other related materials. Ensure smooth logistical elements of conference participation through the development of Plan’s strategy for attendance and/or sponsorship, creation of branded materials, staff preparation, registration and payment. Work with other Plan offices to ensure a coordinated approach to global opportunities. 

Internal communications and events: 

Lead the internal communications workgroup in developing engaging all-staff meetings, preparing speakers and creating impactful intranet content. Support with internal and executive messaging as needed. Coordinate logistics for high-impact internal events, including team retreats, International Day of the Girl celebrations and large-scale meetings. Ensure the intranet is up-to-date and staff have the information they need to succeed while building a positive culture.

Volunteer engagement: 

Lead the coordination and execution of Board member engagement activities. Drive the development of high-impact Board participation opportunities, including key Plan events, overseas travel and quarterly education sessions. Provide support to Board members leading their own fundraisers through event kits and expert guidance. Serve as the lead planner for bi-annual in-person Board meetings, including facilitating pre-meeting planning sessions, arranging travel accommodations, coordinating Board dinners and organizing the Board/staff mixer.  

Skills and Competencies:

- Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into clear, compelling messages.
- Ability to understand how to break down, project manage and execute large projects.
- Creative thinker who can bring new and unique ideas to the table for events and internal communications. 
- Superb organizational, multi-tasking, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of goal setting, KPIs and marketing techniques for brand building and events.
- Ability to develop personal relationships with people across a wide spectrum of backgrounds in a variety of contexts.
- Willingness to travel to support donor visits internationally. 
- Genuine interest in the international development and humanitarian assistance sector.

Education and Experience:

- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
- 5-7 years of professional experience or in communications or related work. 
- Background in nonprofits preferred. 

Other Duties

This job description does not contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time.

Plan International USA offers a comprehensive total compensation package inclusive of health benefits, paid time off (PTO), sick leave, and retirement plan contributions. We take several factors into account when determining salary offers, including candidate qualifications and experience, and internal equity. The target range for this position is between $75,000 - $80,000 annually. 

We hire in the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Strong preference will be given to candidates in the DC and Rhode Island metro regions.

Plan is an equal opportunity employer and follows all laws associated with the EEOC.