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The Chief External Relations Officer (CERO) leads the Task Force for Global Health's (TFGH) global strategic communications efforts. As a key member of the Executive Team, the CERO will shape the strategic direction of TFGH by overseeing a cohesive organizational marketing and communications strategy and elevating our visibility as a trusted global health organization and by strengthening a unified brand identity across our multiple programs.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Responsible for elevating TFGH’s positioning within the global health space. Creates organization awareness and engagement through a comprehensive communications and marketing strategy, including media placements, newsletters, websites, public presentations, special events, videos, and other marketing materials, and social media campaigns.
• Serves as the primary steward of the organization’s reputation by proactively identifying and mitigating misinformation or conflicting narratives; develops rapid-response communication strategies to address narratives that could impact brand integrity; promotes a culture of high-integrity communication both internally and externally.
• Responsible for unifying TFGH’s branding by establishing and maintaining brand standards while overseeing the development of high‑quality content across owned and earned media, events, campaigns, and digital platforms.
• Partners with the Business Development director on envisioning and executing the organization’s strategic approach to fundraising.
• Integrates program‑level communications team content and products into coherent, evidence-based organization‑wide communications messaging strategies.
• Prepares, develops, and monitors team budget.
• Plans and executes special events with support from the External Relations team to elevate awareness of the organization and its programs.

Strategic Leadership & External Relations

• Serves as a member of the Executive Team, shaping the operational and strategic direction of TFGH.
• Leads and supervises a small team of communications professionals.
• Leads an integrated, modernized, multi‑channel communications and external relations strategy to position TFGH as a leading global health organization with large‑scale, transformative impact.
• Represents TFGH in local, national, and international forums.
• Develops and executes external relations strategies that support resource mobilization, organizational development, programs, and policy goals.

Policy, Advocacy & Government Affairs

• Oversees Global and Federal Affairs, ensuring policy and advocacy priorities are strategically advanced and aligned with key global and domestic bodies, including the WHO, the United Nations, U.S. Congress, Congressional staff, and relevant federal agencies.
• Advises on policy messaging and organizational endorsement of advocacy positions, ensuring reflection of technical expertise and thought leadership while considering potential risks.

Executive Communications 

• Advises the CEO, executive leadership, and Board of Directors on communications strategy, executive visibility, high‑stakes engagements, and reputation management.

• Strengthens leadership positioning by developing talking points, presentations, and materials for donor, policymaker, partner, and employee engagement.
• Anticipates reputational risks and leads the development and implementation of crisis communications strategies.

Program Support & Organizational Guidance

• Provides counsel to program teams on the development and execution of strategic communications, advocacy, and fundraising plans.
• Develops standard operating procedures, guidelines, policies, and other organizational resources to support consistent, effective communications practices.

TRAVEL: 10 – 20% Domestic and International travel

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, and ten years of experience, which includes five years in a communications or public relations position, and five years of experience in a nonprofit institution in the areas of development, fundraising, OR an equivalent combination of education, experience, and training.
• Effective written and oral presentation skills.
• A master's degree in communications or a related field is preferred.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Master’s degree in marketing, communications, business, policy  or a related field
• 10–15 years of strategic communications and marketing experience, with at least 5 years in public or global health
• Exceptional writing skills, including the ability to translate complex information into compelling narratives that will appeal to journalists, donors, partners, and general audiences.  
• Expertise in developing and executing integrated communications strategies across traditional and modern digital channels
• Proven ability to create and successfully execute strategic communications plans supporting fundraising, business development, and talent attraction, applying good judgment in complex and fast-changing policy, funding, and media environments
• Skill in building a unified brand voice, including key message development and brand alignment
• Awareness of and adaptability to new and emerging communications channels and technologies
• Experience with visual identity and visual communications design
• Ability to design and implement effective media strategies aligned with organizational goals
• Skill in using metrics and analytics to evaluate communications impact
• Global mindset  ideally with public health or international development experience
• Team player with strong influencing and consensus‑building abilities, team leadership experience and familiarity with mobilizing resources through various strategies and leveraging internal partnerships

NOTE: This role will be granted the opportunity to work from home regularly but must be able to commute to Emory University on a flexible weekly schedule based upon business needs.  Schedule is based on agreed upon guidelines of department. This role requires residency in the state of GA. Emory reserves the right to change remote work status with notice to employee.

Emory is an equal opportunity employer, and qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by state or federal law. Emory University does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment, including recruitment, hiring, promotions, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits, and training. Students, faculty, and staff are assured of participation in university programs and in the use of facilities without such discrimination. Emory University complies with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Vietnam Era Veteran's Readjustment Assistance Act, and applicable executive orders, federal and state regulations regarding nondiscrimination, equal opportunity, and affirmative action (for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities). Inquiries regarding this policy should be directed to the Emory University Department of Equity and Civil Rights Compliance, 201 Dowman Drive, Administration Building, Atlanta, GA 30322. Telephone: 404-727-9867 (V) | 404-712-2049 (TDD).

Emory University is committed to ensuring equal access and providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate format or to seek a reasonable accommodation, please contact the Department of Accessibility Services at accessibility@emory.edu or call 404-727-9877 (Voice) | 404-712-2049 (TDD). We kindly ask that requests be made at least seven business days in advance to allow adequate time for coordination.