CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of External Communications Manager to develop and manage media relations and digital communication strategy to build and maintain positive relationships with media outlets, strategize media outreach, and manage the flow of information to the public, ultimately shaping CIMMYT's public image. The External Communications Manager is part of CIMMYT's Engagement Chapter and will report to the Head of Communications.

The location of this position will be at CIMMYT's headquarters in Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Strategy

• Manage the External Communications operational plan aligned with CIMMYT's mission, vision, and strategic goals to build reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of its research across the main target regions Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to CIMMYT's researchers and Leadership Team related to media relations management.
• Execute donor communications plans with the donor relations and fundraising services team as part of donors' cultivation plans.
• Coordinate with the communications team to manage activities related to CGIAR Communications where and as needed.
• Provide input into Chapter strategy and operational plan.
• Manage workflows, including project scoping, prioritization, and scheduling, to ensure timely execution of all requirements.
• Keep abreast of the latest communication trends and technologies, ensuring that the organization is using the most effective tools and strategies.
• Define crisis communication plans to ensure that the company is prepared to respond to negative events.

Creative Hub

• Coordinate with Creative Hub Manager to implement campaigns, donor communications plans or strategies related to media relations initiatives and digital communications strategy.

Media Relations

• Manage media outreach to build and maintain relationships with media outlets, journalists, and other key stakeholders.
• Develop and implement media outreach strategies to secure positive media coverage.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing its mission and values to the public.
• Manage crisis communications and address negative media coverage effectively.
• Elaborate and update guidelines for staff and consultants working with content development.
• Oversee the creation of press releases, media advisories, and other content.
• Manage media events: Plan and oversee press events.
• Monitor media coverage to assess the organization's media presence and identify potential issues.
• Develop engaging content for media channels, such as press releases, news articles, feature stories, and interviews. Craft compelling narratives that highlight CIMMYT's impact, research breakthroughs, and human-interest stories.
• Develop thought leadership content to establish the organization as an expert in its field.
• Manage proofread written materials to maintain high editorial standards. Ensure consistency, accuracy, and adherence to CIMMYT's style guidelines.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of public relations campaigns.

Social & Digital Communications

• Develop and manage digital communications strategy to support communications goal of positioning CIMMYT as a leader within food and agriculture.
• Oversee digital campaigns to achieve specific objectives.
• Monitor CIMMYT's communications and outreach digital platforms and regularly provide analysis and recommendations for improvements.
• Monitor and report CIMMYT's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for social media, media, website, and publications.
• Manage content calendars to optimize content for different platforms and formats.
• Oversee social media profiles and accounts, including engage with followers and respond to comments and inquiries to monitor social media channels for relevant conversations and trends.
• Manage website to ensure it supports CIMMYT's communication objectives.
• Develop and oversee SEO and SEM strategies to optimize CIMMYT's digital presence.

Internal Communications

• Coordinate with the Internal Communications Manager to implement internal communications strategies to keep staff informed and engaged.

Executive Communications

• Coordinate with the Executive Communications Manager all requirements and support from media relations activities related to the Executive Team.
• Review speeches, remarks and visuals prepared for executive team communications.
• Develop systems to ensure quality assurance and streamline event engagement for leadership team members.
• Provide guidance and support to senior leaders on communication matters, including media relations, crisis communications, and public speaking.

Regional Communications

• Coordinate with Regional Communications Managers execution of Communications campaigns to maximize resources and ensure media relations coverage.
• Ensure all regions contribute to building reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of CIMMYT's impact across the main target regions Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Administration

• Lead a multicultural team of staff and consultants across multiple time zones to maximize their productivity, innovation, and outputs in support of CIMMYT's communications strategy.
• Oversee workflow and plans of Media Relations and ensure all output and deliverables are produced cost-efficiently and according to predetermined timelines guaranteeing internal clients' satisfaction.
• Create a high performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
• Manage a global roster of cost- efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers and other specialists.
• Mentor and empower the communication team to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment and build the organization's brand.
• Develop and manage the area budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed.
• Implement values and behaviors among the team, to promote CIMMYT's culture in the Unit.
• Promote the correct application of values and behaviors among the team, to promote CIMMYT's culture in the Unit.

Requirements

• Master's degree in communications or a related field.
• 6 to 10 years of experience in Communications, with a strong emphasis in external communications, media relations management, campaign execution, social and digital communications.
• Strong knowledge of media outlets, journalists, content development, advocacy, media, writing, editing, and translation.
• Proficiency in digital content management systems, social media platforms, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Extensive experience in Asia, Africa and Latin America regions.
• Experience in nonprofit or international development contexts is preferred.
• Experience with development, management and execution of strategic donor communications plans.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines effectively.
• Exceptional written and verbal English skills, with the ability to convey complex messages clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• The selected candidate should exhibit the following competencies: Team Leadership, Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Teamwork, and Communication.