Job purpose

The Communication Manager will work closely with government agencies on managing the road safety program by Policy Advocacy and Communication vertical.  Will support the planning of social marketing campaigns aimed to change attitudes and perceptions and over time change risky behaviors pertaining to road safety, support policies and change social norms. Communication campaigns will be coordinated with local government plans and tied to client activities. Day-to-day responsibilities will include working collaboratively with government and non-government partners on a range of projects from designing national and sub-national media campaigns, managing advertising, media planning/buying, research, social, digital, and public relations agencies and coordinating with partners and grantees, to providing on-the-ground support and execution of campaign elements. The Communication Manager will also be involved in organizing communication training for government stakeholders and media to support these public health programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Nurture and maintain relationships with the government and local organizations relevant to the initiative.
• As part of stakeholder management, attend meetings and present initiative updates as and when required.
• Engage with government and partners to design annual communication strategy and training plan.
• Work with agencies to develop messages and creative concepts, manage production, media planning and campaign evaluation.
• Work with the public relations team and initiative’s communication officers to support events, press releases, newsletter copy, fact sheets, etc.  and editorial pieces pertaining to campaign launches that garner news media attention for the initiative, Vital Strategies India, and other related public health issues.
• Work with internal teams, on earned media efforts, including media campaign launch events, participation in the planning and execution of journalist trainings and general promotion of the initiative and Vital Strategies India in the media.
• Provide support and technical assistance for events such as workshops, trainings, conferences, campaign launches, press conferences and briefings.
• Provide regular reports on progress of activities and relevant updates.
• Support corporate communication activities for Vital Strategies India as and when required.
• Support supervisor on other program’s ongoing and special projects when needed and directed to.

Qualification and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in mass media, journalism, or any other related discipline. Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience.

Desired Experience

• A strong track record of working closely and collaboratively with stakeholders, including governmental agencies.
• Familiarity with public health and health advocacy.
• Experience developing and executing social marketing / media campaigns and/or digital campaigns.
• A good understanding of the media and PR landscape in India and established media connections.
• Experience working with varied agencies such as media production, social media, media planning etc.

Skills & abilities

• Excellent organizational skills and a team player.
• Excellent project management skills, follow through and the ability to successfully manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, including proficiency in verbal presentation and writing reports. Experience in writing concept notes and proposals would be an added advantage.
• Should be able to thrive well in a multi-cultural team with people from varied backgrounds, skills and expertise.
• A self-starter and ability to lead.
• Excellent judgment, strategic thinking, and strong initiative.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Ability to work flexibly with colleagues across time zones
• Working from office
• Willing to travel domestically up to 70% of their time.