Communications Officer – EMERGENCY USA

EMERGENCY ONG ETS (‘EMERGENCY’) is an independent non-governmental organisation. Headquartered in Italy, it provides free, high-quality medical and surgical treatment to victims of war, landmines and poverty. At the same time, it promotes a culture of peace, solidarity and respect for human rights.

Since its founding in 1994, EMERGENCY has worked in 21 countries around the world, providing free medical care in accordance with its core principles of equality, quality and social responsibility. We do this in a sustainable way: by building healthcare facilities, training local personnel, and conducting search and rescue missions in the Mediterranean Sea.

EMERGENCY USA is an affiliate of EMERGENCY and is looking to recruit a Communications Officer to drive increased awareness of the organization globally and within the USA. Working closely with communications colleagues based in the UK and Italy, the post will focus on strengthening EMERGENCY’s English-language communications and media presence, with an additional emphasis on the USA. The Communications Officer will play a key role in developing compelling content, handling press relations and supporting events and publications to raise awareness of EMERGENCY’s humanitarian work and values.

Digital Communications

• Develop and publish engaging digital content across EMERGENCY’s English-language channels.
• Maintain and update content on EMERGENCY’s global websites: ngo, emergencyuk.org, and emergencyusa.org.
• Support the development and roll-out of new EMERGENCY websites and social media accounts, and ongoing management of these assets.
• Track and analyze performance metrics across websites and social media.
• Support the strategic growth of EMERGENCY’s digital presence in the USA.
• Support the review and evaluation of communications platforms against agreed marketing KPIs.
• Support SEO and AI GEO-driven content updates for the website to improve visibility and engagement.

 Media & Press Relations

• Develop and support the management of the media contact database.
• Draft and distribute press releases tailored to English-speaking audiences.
• Identify opportunities for media coverage and develop compelling pitches.
• Monitor media coverage and compile press reviews.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets, especially in the USA.

 Events & Campaigns

• Collaborate with the International Communications team to develop content for events.
• Work with the Development Manager to implement and promote events in the USA.
• Develop clear, compelling, and consistent campaign messaging in collaboration with the Development Manager, creating content and promotional materials that resonate with target audiences and support fundraising, advocacy, and awareness objectives across all channels.

 Publications & Language Support

• Assist in developing, adapting, and editing key publications (e.g., Activity Report, Balance Sheet).
• Support the Medical Division and Advocacy teams in editing English-language publications.
• Contribute to the production of blogs, newsletters, and articles, editing contributions from staff and volunteers for external publication.

This job description reflects the current requirements of the post. As duties and responsibilities change and develop due to changes in organisational and other circumstances, the actual duties and responsibilities will vary from the particulars of this job description.

Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with proven ability to tailor messaging for different audiences and platforms.
• Proficiency in content management systems (e.g., WordPress), social media platforms.
• Familiarity with web analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Meta Insights).
• Ability to edit short-form video content for digital platforms, and design and create visual assets, including graphics for social media, newsletters, and web content. Familiarity with platforms such as Adobe Premiere/Illustrator, Canva is highly desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across departments and cultures.
• Ability to communicate an organisation’s ethos and mission to diverse national and international audiences through photography, videography, and writing.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Flexible and patient, with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

 Experience:

• A degree-level qualification in Communications, International Development, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Minimum 2–3 years of experience in digital communications, media relations, or content production.
• Experience working in international NGOs, humanitarian organizations, or advocacy groups is preferred.
• Proven track record of managing multilingual content and coordinating with international teams.
• Experience creating and managing social media content and marketing campaigns.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of producing and managing high-quality photo and video content.

Classification: Full-Time; Exempt

Language Requirement: Fluency in English (required)

Benefits: The organization offers a competitive benefits package, including a health insurance stipend for employees who elect to secure their own coverage, employer matching to retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Paid leave includes 20 days of vacation annually (prorated), two personal days, paid sick leave in accordance with applicable New York State and local laws, and Company-designated holidays observed in alignment with the federal holiday calendar.

We recognize that no candidate will meet every qualification listed. If your experience aligns with most of the role and you are excited about the opportunity, we strongly encourage you to apply.

HOW TO APPLY

For further information and inquiries (not for applications): fo.recruiting@emergency.it. To apply, please complete the on-line application form: applications sent to this e-mail account will not be considered.

Disclosure pursuant to EU Regulation 2016/679 (GDPR)

EMERGENCY ONG ETS, with headquarters in Via Santa Croce 19, 20122 Milan (MI) – Italy, is Data Controller under EU Regulation 2016/679 (‘GDPR’). Personal data will be processed for the purposes of seeking, selecting and managing hired personnel only by authorised staff and possibly disclosed to third parties who may be appointed as Data Processors. Personal data will be stored for no longer than necessary for the aforementioned purposes without prejudice to any other rights under, obligations or protection means provided by Law. Data subjects can exercise their rights under Art. 15 et seq. of the GDPR mailing at privacy@emergency.it.
The Data Protection Officer appointed by the Controller is Mr. Nicola Tarantino, who can be mailed at dpo@emergency.it.
Please, browse the complete Privacy Notice on this site.