Director of Communications and Knowledge Management

Position : Director of Communications and Knowledge Management

Project : Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM)

Period of Performance : October 2024 – July 2025

Location : Washington, DC, or approved remote work location

Reports to : Chief of Party

Project Background

The Integrated Natural Resource Management (INRM) activity provides on-demand support services and technical assistance for USAID Missions, Bureaus, and Independent Offices and is managed by the USAID Land and Resource Governance (LRG) Division within the Center for Natural Environment (CNE) in the Bureau for Resilience, Environment, and Food Security (REFS). INRM supports integrated analysis and programming across development sectors. By using a multi-sectoral lens, INRM seeks to strengthen the impacts of USAID’s core environmental programming by recognizing synergies, adopting best practices, and building broader constituencies for integrated programming. INRM is designed to help USAID operating units achieve higher impact environment programming and to support the uptake of principles and approaches outlined in the Agency’s Environmental and Natural Resource Management Framework.

Role's Purpose

The Director of Communications and Knowledge Management (CKM) will manage the overall activity knowledge management actions, enhance communication and outreach, and strengthen organizational capacity for knowledge-driven integrated programming. In partnership with the INRM team, subcontractors, and USAID, the Director of CKM will lead a team of CKM specialists to provide creative, timely, and targeted communications and knowledge management support to all INRM activities and component buy-in activities. The Director of CKM will manage workflow and processes to curate, communicate, and apply knowledge generated by INRM using existing USAID channels and platforms to foster knowledge sharing. This will include managing processes to design and finalize INRM knowledge products and plans for disseminating the products. The Director of CKM will also identify new opportunities for outreach, such as online discussion fora, communities of practice, directories of experts, and other KM platforms.

The Director of CKM must have experience managing communications and knowledge management teams and expertise supporting clients engaged in international development. In addition to technical experience, the Director of CKM should have strong client-relationship management skills; the ability to work in a fast-moving, fluid team setting with multiple stakeholders and contributors; experience developing content using a human-centered design approach; the ability to use digital media, such as web and interactive media design, photography, or videography; and excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills. An understanding of USAID and USG priorities, experience framing messaging appropriately and the ability to navigate complex or politically-sensitive organizations are required. Experience with b asic graphic design, copyediting, and product quality control is important for identifying and managing contractors and consultants who will support these actions, such as graphic designers, video producers, and web developers; experience working on environmental programs and proficiency in Spanish or French is desirable.

Objectives and Duties

• Manage a team of CKM staff, consultants, and subcontractors to support the design and delivery of INRM products (formatting, copy editing, graphic design, development of dissemination plans)
• Oversee and provide quality control over INRM’s writing and communications support.
• Lead the implementation of the INRM CKM Strategy and update it as needed.
• Manage the development of communications materials, including talking points and presentations, website content, fact sheets, presentations, reports, and other materials.
• Identify communication opportunities and assign staff to share INRM models, tools, and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with INRM technical staff to collect and craft communications materials.
• Collaborate with the CKM team and INRM technical staff to apply a human-centered design approach as incorporated into ongoing activity designs, and to implement communication and knowledge management plans for all activities and buy-ins.
• Work with INRM technical experts and subcontractors to identify and craft stories that can be used across platforms to communicate INRM’s impact, expertise, and value.
• Update and ensure application and use of USAID branding-approved templates for publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with the other USAID environment related communications mechanisms.
• Identify key events and other opportunities to share INRM knowledge within USAID and externally.
• Develop a strategy for INRM-led learning events like workshops or roundtables and facilitate these events.
• Manage graphic design support, e.g., laying out and polishing PowerPoint presentations, learning products, fact sheets, and other documents; developing simple graphics for INRM communications materials.
• Mange copy editing and document review processes to support quality control across products.
• Lead implementation of the website and social media analytics strategy developed by INRM’s Web and Analytics subcontractor to improve indicator performance metrics by optimizing the performance of INRM materials on relevant USAID websites and social media.
• Support the INRM MEL team to report on CKM-related indicators and the impact of INRM products and resources.
• In collaboration with the CKM Manager, INRM COP and DCOP, oversee the development of weekly, quarterly, annual reports and ad hoc reports as need by USAID, ensuring the inclusion of quality MEL data.
• Other duties as assigned.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Experience hiring and managing strong communications staff members and STTA and helping them grow their skillset while meeting client needs.
• Demonstrated client management skills and an orientation toward relationship-building and trust.
• Excellent writing, editing, and pitching skills with a demonstrated track record of compelling placements that reach strategic goals.
• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans that integrate press, social media, email marketing, web development, events, and conferences.
• 10 years of experience in communications for NGOs, social impact businesses, international development agencies, or government. Experience with USAID preferred, demonstrating an understanding of its messaging, priorities, processes, staffing, and sensitivities.
• Able and willing to work in a fast-paced environment and multitask.
• Efficiency, flexibility and kindness.
• BA in a relevant field.
  
  
  

Compensation And Benefits

For employees working in the United States, the full-time equivalent annual base salary for this position is

expected to be between $130,000 - $165,000.

Salary for part-time employees will be prorated based on actual hours worked. Actual offers will be based

on several factors including, but not limited to, qualifications, relevant education, experience, skills,

seniority, performance, and business or organizational needs. Eligible U.S.-based employees will be able to enroll in medical, dental and vision insurance, plus a 401(k)-retirement plan with a company match. Additionally, employees will be eligible for company-paid annual leave (vacation & holidays), sick leave, and parental leave, as well as short- and long-term disability coverage. Detailed information will be provided at the time a formal offer is extended.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion,

sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, or status as a protected veteran.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting discrimination in all forms, nurturing respect for our

interpersonal relationships, and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company

and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting

and retaining the best employees from all races, ethnicities, and backgrounds in our continued effort to

become a better development partner.

DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation,

abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to

stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI ORGANIZATION AND VALUES

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom,

EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and

economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability.

DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact.

We are committed to shaping a more livable world.

DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for

positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and

work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in

our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards.

We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other

ethical breaches. All of our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

DAI is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer with a commitment to diversity. All qualified

applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual

orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.