Global Director, Marketing Communications

Who We Are  

International Justice Mission (IJM) is the global leader in protecting vulnerable people from violence around the world. Our team of over 1,200 professionals are at work worldwide in over 30 offices. Together we are on a mission to rescue millions, protect half a billion, and make justice unstoppable.  

We are a global community that cares for one another. We believe that the way we work is as important as the results we achieve. We provide professional excellence with joy and celebration to all those we serve.    

The Need  

For over 25 years, IJM has pioneered the work to protect vulnerable people from violence. 9 out of 9 times in the last decade, IJM’s Justice System Strengthening Projects have reduced slavery and violence between 50 and 85% for very large populations of people in poverty. As we grow to expand our impact to protect 500 million people from violence, we are seeking a Global Director, Marketing Communications.  

The Director of Marketing Communications reports to the Global Vice President of Marketing Communications and is responsible for shaping and leading IJM’s global communications strategy, crafting cohesive messaging and strategic outreach that elevates IJM’s profile and resonates with diverse, global audiences. In this role, the Director will champion IJM’s mission and values, implementing communication strategies that drive awareness, advocacy, and engagement. By unifying IJM’s messaging, this leader will connect IJM’s mission to supporters, partners, and advocates, inspiring action and measurable growth in audience engagement.  
  

This role is responsible for shaping IJM’s global messaging strategy, ensuring a compelling, consistent, and audience-driven voice across all communications. The Director will define and steward IJM’s brand voice and tone, creating a communications framework that balances global alignment with local adaptability.  
  

With exceptional writing and storytelling skills, this leader will collaborate closely with regional and global teams, marketing, and program leaders to craft impactful messaging that drives engagement and action. They will build, and oversee a high-performing communications team, leveraging data insights and best practices to enhance IJM’s influence across digital, media, and donor-facing channels. By amplifying IJM’s stories and advocacy efforts, the Director will position IJM as a global leader in the fight for justice, strengthening its presence and effectiveness worldwide. 

This position is hybrid (onsite Tuesdays & Thursdays) if located in the Washington, DC area or remote for non-local candidates. It reports to the Global Vice President of Marketing Communications and is only available for candidates with the right to work in the US.   

Responsibilities:   

Communications Strategy Development: 

• Develop a comprehensive global communications strategy that aligns with IJM’s mission to protect people from violence and elevate IJM’s presence as a leading voice in justice. This strategy should enhance brand visibility, resonate with diverse audiences, and be adaptable to both global and regional needs.  

• Leverage data and insights to ensure that the strategy remains relevant and impactful across all communication channels.  

Messaging Consistency: 

• Ensure that all IJM communications Maintain credibility and public trust by ensuring all crisis communications are aligned with IJM’s voice, values, and standards. a consistent, mission-aligned voice and message across global and regional platforms.  

• Establish guidelines and templates to standardize messaging, supporting IJM’s brand identity and values while allowing flexibility for cultural and contextual adaptations.  

• Facilitate regular training and resources to enable teams to communicate in alignment with IJM’s mission.  

Audience Engagement:  

• Drive audience engagement by implementing data-driven communication strategies that are culturally relevant and responsive to the needs and preferences of diverse audience segments.  

• Utilize audience insights to create content that builds emotional connections, fosters engagement, and motivates action.  

• Measure engagement levels across channels and continually refine strategies to strengthen relationships with supporters, partners, and advocates.  

Storytelling Integration: 

• Collaborate closely with the teams to develop and embed powerful, mission-driven narratives that highlight IJM’s impact and resonate with varied audiences.  

• Integrate these narratives into multi-channel communication campaigns to amplify IJM’s mission and inspire advocacy.  

• Ensure that storytelling aligns with IJM’s brand and is adaptable to reach specific demographics effectively.  

Policy and Standards Implementation: 

• Establish and enforce clear, streamlined policies and standards for all IJM communications to ensure high quality, consistency, and alignment with industry best practices.  

• Regularly review and update these policies to keep IJM’s communications current, effective, and in line with evolving legal and regulatory requirements. Ensure that all team members are well-informed and trained in these standards.  

Performance Measurement: 

• Develop and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the impact of communication efforts across all platforms.  

• Analyze data and insights to evaluate the effectiveness of messaging, audience engagement, and brand perception.  

• Use performance findings to adjust and refine communication strategies, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.  
    

Leadership and Management:  

• Lead the Marketing Communications function, setting vision, defining strategy, and ensuring alignment with IJM’s goals and standards.  

• Collaborate with regional, functional, and executive leaders to establish targeted communication strategies that drive IJM’s mission forward.  

• Guide the Marketing Communications team, ensuring effective execution across all channels.  
    

Messaging Development and Alignment: 

• Develop and oversee organizational messaging, campaigns, and materials that align with IJM’s mission, vision, and strategic priorities.  

• Work closely with regional and global teams to ensure message consistency and timely delivery across all channels.  

• Draft and advise on messages, scripts, and talking points for executive engagements as needed.  

• Work with key departments to craft clear, brand-aligned messaging that minimizes reputational risk and addresses the concerns of stakeholders.  

• Provide internal briefings to key stakeholders, equipping them with consistent messaging and talking points to support external communications.  

Crisis Communication Strategy: 

• Partner with cross-functional leaders to establish a proactive approach to crisis response, ensuring preparedness and consistency in messaging.  

• Assess potential risks with leadership and legal teams, creating communication strategies that proactively address and mitigate these risks.  

• Maintain credibility and public trust by ensuring all crisis communications are aligned with IJM’s voice, values, and standards.  
    

Policies and Procedures: 

• Develop and maintain streamlined communications policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and clarity across teams.  

• Conduct regular audits to keep communications strategies current, effective, and aligned with organizational goals.  
    

Training and Development: 

• Coach leaders on effective communication strategies as needed.  

• Create and implement tools and training to enhance global marketing communications.  

• Support the professional development of the Marketing Communications team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.  

Qualifications:   

Education & Experience:   

• A minimum of 10 years of experience in developing and implementing communications functions. 

• Graduate degree in communications or related field preferred.    

Technical Competencies:   

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.  

• Strategic thinking and ability to craft a strong narrative.  

• Keen listening and synthesis skills.  

• Razor-sharp attention to detail and excellence.  

• Thoughtful coaching and mentorship.  

• Adept at digital technology, multimedia, channel optimization.  

• Clear, compelling change management communication.  

Non-Technical Competencies: 

• Global & cultural awareness.  

• Ability to build trust.  

• Client-centric mindset. 

Application Process:   

Upload Resume, Cover Letter & Statement of Faith* in one PDF document.  

*What is a statement of faith?  
A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how you see it as relevant to your involvement with IJM. The statement can either be incorporated into the cover letter or submitted as a separate document and should include, at a minimum, a description of your spiritual disciplines (prayer, study, etc.) and your current fellowship or place of worship.  

What does IJM have to offer?  

• Comprehensive Medical/Dental/Vision benefits  

• Monthly commuter and parking benefits in the DC metro area  

• Retirement benefit options   

• Paid leave starting at 23 days  

• 12 holidays (plus early release the day prior)  

• Daily, quarterly, and annual community spiritual formation  

• Robust staff care resources  

IJM holds strict safeguarding principles and a zero tolerance to violations of the Safeguarding Policy, Protection against Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment Policy, and Code of Ethics. Candidate selection is based on technical competence, recruitment, selection and hiring criteria subject to assessing the candidate’s value congruence and thorough background, police clearance, and reference check processes.  

At IJM, we’re committed to building a diverse workforce through fair and equitable employment practices. IJM encourages people of any race, color, age, sex, marital status or political ideology to apply for employment. While we welcome everyone into this work, we truly believe that the work we are doing is God’s work, not our own, and practice spiritual disciplines together daily. That’s why we legally require under SEC. 2000e-1 [Section702] of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 that all employees practice a mature orthodox Christian faith, as defined by the Apostles’ Creed.  

IJM requires a background check, police clearance and thorough review of references with an employment offer and/or employment contract.  

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