The Korea Economic Institute of America (KEI) is a U.S. policy research and public outreach organization dedicated to helping Americans understand the breadth and importance of the relationship with the Republic of Korea. Through our publications, programs, and public events, KEI seeks to advance understanding of Korea in ways that will inform policymakers and the American public of the economic and political implications of our connections to the Korean Peninsula.
KEI is seeking a Director of Communications to develop and execute KEI’s communications strategies with the aim of enhancing the Institute’s visibility in the media and further expanding its audience base. This position will also develop day-to-day content plans, evaluate the effectiveness of KEI’s program and communications efforts, and communicate results to management.
A successful candidate should possess exceptional communications and interpersonal skills, as well as political judgment, to establish and sustain relationships with the media, government officials, external peers, and potential partners. This is a full-time position based in Washington, D.C. with the possibility of two days per week of telework, subject to program and office requirements. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. KEI does not sponsor an employment visa.
We offer a salary commensurate with experience plus a competitive benefits package, which includes 401k; 100% employer-sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; Flexible Spending Account; transportation subsidies; on-site fitness center; and generous leave policies.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Communications Strategy and Implementation
- In partnership with senior management, develop and implement communications strategy, to maximize the impact and reach of KEI’s work.
- Oversee KEI’s communications activities, which include print and multimedia content, email marketing, website, social media communications and supervise communications staff and intern.
- Broaden KEI’s audience base, measured through metrics for social media, podcasts, YouTube channel, and traditional media mentions.
Content Production & Website Management
- Working with the Editorial Committee, plan the Institute’s editorial calendar and manage creation of web and print content.
- Oversee timely production of KEI’s events and multimedia content related to them and distribute the content as broadly as possible.
- Plan and implement a rebuild of KEI’s website.
- Ensure the website is updated with new content and continuously enhance user engagement on the website. Working with consultants and IT contractors, to improve functionalities to bring the website to its maximum potential.
Media Relations
- Develop and implement media relations plans that will support KEI’s public outreach efforts and increase the level of media coverage of KEI’s outputs.
- As the POC for the media, channel media requests for interviews with KEI experts. Identify media opportunities to establish KEI experts as key media resources.
- Prepare KEI experts for media engagements, ensuring key messaging alignment.
- Advance KEI’s high-profile events and multimedia outputs through media engagement.
- Prepare comprehensive media reports for leadership and stakeholders, highlighting key metrics and areas for adjustments.
Manage External Communications
- Serve as the spokesperson of the Institute and represent KEI at discussions and conferences to ensure that KEI’s activities are effectively represented externally.
- Establish working relationships with American and Korean journalists and government officials, peers at other Washington-based policy institutes, academics, and partner organizations.
- Write press releases and briefing materials and develop talking points.
- Coordinate the publication of articles by KEI experts on external journals and outlets.
- Work with other organizations to cross-promote KEI’s research papers and multimedia outputs.
- Manage KEI’s contact database.
- Other duties as required.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree required; coursework in communications or marketing preferred.
- Minimum 5 years of directly related experience in communications or government affairs.
- Strong editorial judgment, writing and editing ability, discretion, maturity, and attention to detail.
- Excellent written and oral communications; ability to adapt messaging to various audiences a must.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain relationships with media members.
- Experience in the legislative branch preferred.
- Strong management and organizational skills with a proven track record in successfully managing communications projects.
- Experience in managing a website rebuild and redesign project.
- Proficient in media analytic tools and reporting techniques.
- Knowledge of US-Korean relations preferred but not required.
- Korean language is preferred but not required.
Benefits:
- Salary: $85-95k, commensurate with experience
- 401(k): 8% of base salary and 100% vested
- Health insurance: KEI pays 100% of the premiums for medical, prescription, dental, and vision.
- Life insurance: KEI covers 100% of the premium.
- Flexible Spending Account
- 12 paid holidays
- Paid vacation days, sick leave, and personal days
- 12-week paid parental leave
- Severance pay
- Commuter benefits: Up to $300 monthly for public transit
- Professional development
Qualified candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and two relevant writing samples to hr@keia.org. We review applications on a rolling basis. Please note that only qualified candidates will be contacted for further consideration. Thank you for your interest in joining our team as Director of Communications.
KEI is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
