Senior Director, Global Communications

FHI 360 is seeking a visionary Senior Director of Global Communications to shape how the world sees and engages with a respected international development and global health organization. This is not just a communications role—it’s a strategic leadership position at the intersection of influence, innovation, and impact. 

As the architect of FHI 360’s global communications strategy, you will: 

• Define and amplify our narrative across international media, digital platforms, and stakeholder networks. 

• Curate and elevate thought leadership that positions FHI 360 as a trusted partner and bold innovator in solving the world’s most pressing challenges. 

• Lead a high-performing global team and collaborate with senior executives to deliver integrated campaigns that inspire action and build trust. 

• Navigate complexity with confidence, from crisis communications to brand positioning in diverse cultural and geopolitical contexts. 

This role offers the opportunity to shape global conversations, elevate organizational visibility, and influence decision-makers at the highest levels. If you thrive on strategic storytelling, public engagement strategy, and building reputations that matter, this is your chance to make a lasting impact. 

RESPONSIBILITIES / DUTIES
Complexity & Problem Solving:

• Leads strategic planning and problem-solving for high-stakes communication challenges, including crisis response, brand positioning, and global reputation management.

• Develops and implements innovative communications solutions that integrate digital engagement, media outreach, and executive visibility.

• Anticipates communication risks, develops mitigation strategies, and adapts approaches to dynamic, cross-cultural, and geopolitical contexts.

• Directs enterprise-level campaigns and initiatives that require balancing multiple stakeholders, competing priorities, and global perspectives.

Discretion & Impact:

• Exercises significant decision-making authority in shaping FHI 360’s global communications strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.

• Decisions directly influence the organization’s reputation, visibility, and ability to secure partnerships and funding.

• Provides counsel to senior executives and functional leaders on sensitive communication matters, including issues that affect donor relations, public trust, and employee engagement.

• Accountable for ensuring consistent brand representation across all external and internal platforms.

Collaboration & Interaction:

• Partners with executive leadership, program and technical leaders, and business development teams to position FHI 360 as a thought leader and trusted partner.

• Serves as the organization’s senior advisor on communications, building trust and alignment across cross-functional teams and geographic regions.

• Represents FHI 360 with external media, influencers, and strategic partners to advance visibility and influence.

• Communicates persuasively with diverse audiences, tailoring messaging to senior executives, donors, policymakers, and internal staff.

Management & Supervision:

• Directly supervises a global communications team, including professionals across media relations, digital content, creative services, and internal communications.

• Establishes team objectives, sets performance expectations, and ensures delivery of high-quality communications outputs.

• Leads cross-functional and cross-regional project teams to execute enterprise-wide initiatives.

• Coaches and develops staff to strengthen organizational communications capacity.

• Embraces other duties as assigned, contributing to the team’s multifaceted and evolving responsibilities.

QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge & Skills:

• Deep expertise in communications strategy, brand management, media relations, digital engagement, and crisis communications.

• Strong understanding of global development and public health sectors, with sensitivity to cross-cultural and geopolitical contexts.

• Exceptional oral and written communication skills, able to convey complex information persuasively to diverse audiences.

• Demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and build trust with executives, peers, external stakeholders, and global partners.

• Experience overseeing communications functions in complex, matrixed, and mission-driven environments.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Affairs, or related field (or international equivalent).

• Minimum of 15 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications within global nonprofits, NGOs, or mission-driven organizations.

• At least 8 years of leadership experience managing cross-functional or international communications teams.

Certifications:

• None required.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree or international equivalent preferred.

• Relevant professional certifications in communications, media, or project management are desirable.

TRAVEL

Up to 25% of domestic and international travel.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Typical office environment. Constantly uses a computer and other office productivity machinery, such as a calculator, copy machine, and computer printer. Must be able to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time.

TECHNOLOGY
Computer/Laptop, Microsoft applications (i.e., Office 365, SharePoint, Skype/Zoom/Teams), cell phone/mobile technology, and standard office equipment.

The expected US Based hiring salary range for this role is listed below. Candidates FHI 360 pay ranges represent national averages that vary by geographic location. When determining an offer amount, FHI 360 factors in multiple considerations, including but not limited to: relevant years of experience and education possessed by the applicant, internal equity, business sector, and budget.  

Base salary is only one component of our offer. FHI 360 contributes 7% of monthly base pay to a money purchase pension plan account. Additionally, all US based staff working full-time, which is calculated at 40 hours/week, receive 18 days of paid vacation per year, 12 sick days per year, and 11 holidays per year. Paid time off is reduced pro rata for employees working less than a full-time schedule. 

US Based Hiring Salary Range: USD 140,000 - 180,000 annually

International hiring ranges will differ based on location

This job posting summarizes the main duties of the job. It neither prescribes nor restricts the exact tasks that may be assigned to carry out these duties. This document should not be construed in any way to represent a contract of employment. Management reserves the right to review and revise this document at any time.

FHI 360 is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer whereby we do not engage in practices that discriminate against any person employed or seeking employment based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, protected Veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law.

Our values and commitments to safeguarding: FHI 360 is committed to preventing any type of abuse, exploitation and harassment in our work environments and programs, including sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment. FHI 360 takes steps to safeguard the welfare of everyone who engages with our organization and programs and requires that all personnel, including staff members and volunteers, share this commitment and sign our code of conduct. All offers of employment will be subject to appropriate screening checks, including reference, criminal record and terrorism finance checks. FHI 360 also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme (MDS), facilitated by the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response. In line with the MDS, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any substantiated findings of sexual abuse, exploitation and/or harassment during the applicant’s tenure with previous employers. By applying, job applicants confirm their understanding of these recruitment procedures and consent to these screening checks.

FHI 360 will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws.

FHI 360 will never ask you for your career site username or password, and we will never request money, goods or services during the application, recruitment or employment  process. If you have questions or concerns about correspondence from us, please email [email protected].

FHI 360 fosters the strength and health of its workforce through a competitive benefits package, professional development and policies and programs that support a healthy work/life balance. Join our global workforce to make a positive difference for others — and yourself.

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