Plan International
Director of External Communications
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Director of External Communications
The Organisation
Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. We believe in the power and potential of every child but know this is often suppressed by poverty, violence, exclusion, and discrimination. Girls are most affected by these challenges.
Working together with children, young people, supporters, and partners, we strive for a just world, tackling the root causes of the challenges girls and vulnerable children face. We support children’s rights from birth through to adulthood and enable them to prepare for and respond to crises and adversity. We drive changes in practice and policy at local, national, and global levels using our reach, experience, and knowledge.
For over 85 years, we have rallied determined optimists to transform the lives of all children in more than 80 countries. We won’t stop until everyone is equal.
About the Role
As Director of External Communications, you will lead a global strategy that:
- Strengthens our influence,
- Amplifies the voices of girls and young people, and
- Protects and enhances our reputation worldwide.
Leadership responsibilities include:
- Coordinating and fostering collaboration across all Plan International entities.
- Managing activities to ensure effective external communication alignment.
- Positioning Plan International as the "go to" organisation for girls’ rights and a global leader in child rights advocacy.
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Key Responsibilities
- Provide global strategic leadership for the organisation’s external communications, ensuring integration and alignment among international teams to meet objectives effectively.
- Lead and develop two direct reports and their teams (~12 members), recruiting high-performing talent while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with communications colleagues across Plan International entities, promoting best practices and collaboration.
- Drive ethical and powerful storytelling, representing core values like anti-racism and safeguarding, aligned with development and emergency response work.
- Oversee digital and social media campaigns, increasing public awareness and engagement with our mission.
- Champion the organisation’s brand strategy, ensuring a bold, consistent global presence for child and girls’ rights.
- Lead timely crisis communications responses, collaborating with regional hubs and country offices.
- Guide reputational risk management as the primary crisis communications contact, advising senior leadership.
- Integrate emerging communication technologies, particularly those reaching youth.
- Ensure ongoing publication of high-quality reports, elevating thought leadership in diverse audiences.
About You
You have senior experience leading communications in international organisations, with a proven track record in:
- Strategic communications & brand positioning,
- Media, digital, and campaign leadership,
- Leading and developing diverse, global teams,
- Collaborative, values-driven leadership.
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Required Knowledge, Skills and Experience:
- Extensive communications team leadership, particularly in complex international environments.
- Deep knowledge of international affairs, particularly children’s and youth issues.
- Fluent English (essential) with French/Spanish proficiency highly desirable.
Location & Role Type
- Flexible location (Plan offices where employment can be arranged; UTC-aligned working hours preferred).
- Permanent or max. fixed-term contract per office standards.
- Reports to: Executive Director of Global Affairs.
Applicable Locations (*)
(Range includes: Australia, Belgium, China, Ghana, UK, US, Global Tantale etc.)
Closing Date: Sunday 12th July
Our Commitments: Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) & Safeguarding
Plan International values diversity, equality, and inclusion, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of background.
We foster a culture of racial justice, gender equality, and gender rights in our workplaces globally.
Safeguarding Commitments:
- Comprehensive pre-employment checks underlining our Safeguarding Children & Young People policy.
- Participation in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.
- No soliciting or payment requests will be made to applicants.
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