Job announcement for Roster - Communications positions

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 a core CGIAR Research Center, a global research partnership for a food-secure future, dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security and improving natural resources.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT has opened a call for applications for Communications related positions such as:

• Communications Manager
• Content and Press Manager

Communication Manager roles in CIMMYT play a crucial part in strategic guidance to researchers, the organization and its partners. Corporate Communications carries out targeted activities that enhance CIMMYT's impact, effectiveness, public image and donor support, also this department contributes directly to our mission: to empower farmers through science and innovation to nourish the world in the midst of a climate crisis.

The location of the related positions will be Mexico.

General activities for Communications Manager:

• HQ Operations and Project Management
  • Oversee daily operations within HQ’s Communications Team, implementing project management tools and frameworks to streamline workflows.
  • Manage timelines, budgets, and deliverables for HQ communications, ensuring efficiency and alignment with CIMMYT’s global messaging standards.
  • Coordinate across Content and Press, Digital Content, and Editorial and Design teams to ensure cohesive and timely campaign execution.
• Campaign Coordination and Execution
  • Lead the planning, execution, and monitoring of HQ-led communications projects and campaigns, ensuring each is well-coordinated across press and digital platforms.
  • Work closely with the Content and Press Manager to develop high-quality materials for press outreach, thought leadership content, and traditional media.
  • Partner with the Digital Content Manager to create engaging digital content, including social media assets, multimedia content, and digital advertising, that complements and enhances press efforts.
• Internal Communications
  • Develop and oversee internal communications strategies that engage, inform, and align CIMMYT’s global staff with organizational goals and initiatives.
  • Collaborate with the Internal Communications Team to create updates, newsletters, and other internal materials that foster a strong organizational culture and keep staff informed of strategic priorities.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms to gauge employee engagement and identify areas for improvement in internal messaging and communications tools.
• Quality Control and Brand Consistency
  • Act as the final checkpoint for HQ-produced content, ensuring consistency with CIMMYT’s brand and messaging standards.
  • Maintain quality control across campaign assets, press materials, and digital content, ensuring each aligns with campaign objectives, tone, and organizational voice.
  • Support the development and maintenance of content templates, guidelines, and best practices to enhance consistency and efficiency across HQ outputs.
• Collaboration and Cross-Functional Coordination
  • Coordinate a unified campaign calendar with both the Content and Press Manager and Digital Content Manager, aligning HQ and regional campaign timelines for maximum impact.
  • Schedule regular check-ins to ensure smooth progress, address content gaps, and synchronize press and digital launches to create cohesive messaging across all platforms.
  • Act as a bridge between HQ and regional communications offices to support decentralized efforts while maintaining CIMMYT’s brand integrity.
• Campaign Performance and Continuous Improvement
  • Collaborate with the Digital Content Manager to review analytics from digital channels, gather insights on campaign performance, and adjust strategies as needed.
  • Assess media coverage and engagement with the Content and Press Manager to inform future campaign improvements and optimize press impact.

General activities for Content and Press Manager:

1. Media Relations and Strategy
   • Build and manage CIMMYT’s relationships with international media, particularly outlets and journalists who cover agro-science, food systems, and humanitarian topics.
   • Leverage an existing network of media contacts, particularly in outlets focused on global development, science, and agriculture.
   • Act as the primary behind-the-scenes spokesperson for CIMMYT, ensuring media messaging aligns with CIMMYT’s mission and strategic goals.
   • Develop and execute a comprehensive media relations strategy to globally promote CIMMYT’s research and initiatives.
   • Secure high-level press coverage, interviews, and feature stories through proactive collaboration with international media outlets.
2. Team Management and Leadership
   • Develop, lead and manage the HQ Content and Press team.
   • Mentor and develop the team to produce high-quality content and manage press relations effectively.
   • Collaborate across departments to align editorial and press strategies with CIMMYT’s research, programs, and overall communications goals.
3. Editorial Oversight and Content Creation
   • Set the editorial vision and strategy for CIMMYT’s content, focusing on producing scientifically accurate and engaging materials.
   • Oversee the creation of high-quality content, such as press releases, articles, reports, and digital content, aligned with CIMMYT’s mission.
   • Stay updated on the latest editorial techniques, science communication trends, and copywriting innovations to keep CIMMYT’s content at the forefront.
   • Ensure consistent editorial standards across all platforms, balancing technical accuracy with engaging storytelling.
4. Spokesperson and Messaging Development
   • Act as the behind-the-scenes spokesperson for CIMMYT, developing media messages and coordinating press strategies for the Director General and senior leadership.
   • Prepare media briefings, talking points, and press kits for the Director General, ensuring communications reflect CIMMYT’s priorities.
   • Coordinate press messaging for key events, reports, and research releases, working closely with international media to ensure positive, accurate coverage.
5. Team Growth and Workflow Development
   • Support the future recruitment and integration of a press officer to assist with day-to-day media relations and press activities.
   • Establish efficient workflows for the Content and Press team to enhance content creation, editing, and media engagement processes.

Submit your application if you have these minimum qualifications, skills, and attitudes:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, International Relations, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Communications or a related field is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years in press management or communications, internal communications, and campaign execution, with significant experience in International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs).
• Extensive experience with international media, particularly in agro-science, food systems, and humanitarian issues.
• Proven track record of building and managing media relationships with high-profile global media organizations.
• Experience managing or leading small communications or editorial teams, focusing on press relations and content development.
• Exceptional project management skills, with proficiency in tools like Microsoft Planner or similar platforms.
• Strong organizational and multitasking abilities to manage multiple concurrent projects and deadlines effectively.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating across traditional and digital communications platforms.
• High-level English proficiency is required, with excellent writing, editing, and public relations skills.
• Strong relationships with international journalists and media outlets covering agro-science, food security, and humanitarian topics.
• Deep understanding of press management, media relations, and the latest trends in science communication and editorial techniques.
• Proficiency in additional languages, particularly Spanish or French, is an advantage but not required.
• The expected competencies: Client Orientation, Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem Solving and Decision Making, Teamwork, and Communication.

Interested candidates may apply online.

CIMMYT Talent Roster Information

Qualified candidates may be invited to join CIMMYT's talent roster for two years. You will be requested to opt in or out of having your information retained for future opportunities.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.