Press Secretary

The International Baccalaureate (IB) is seeking a Press Secretary to join our Marketing and Communications team. Reporting directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications, but with a functional reporting line into the Director-General, this role will be instrumental in organizing and driving the external and internal communications and establishing and regularly revising the public affairs agenda principally for the Director General, while coordinating across different teams to support organizational priorities.

Working with the Director General, the Press Secretary will be responsible for the ideation, planning, preparation, and facilitation of strategic opportunities for the Director General. This includes speechwriting, earned thought leadership, public affairs, presentations for externally hosted events, speaking opportunities, and managing social media expressions, all in close collaboration with the IB’s global Marketing and Communications team. The Press Secretary will also provide support to the Sr. Manager, External Communications and the Director General’s Executive Assistant, to identify and prioritize opportunities for the Director General to leverage his travel and speaking opportunities for media engagement.

The Press Secretary will become a trusted partner and advisor to our Director General and in doing so, this role will elevate the Director General’s profile, and ultimately the IB’s role as a thought leader, through public affairs and strategic communications.

Key Accountabilities 

Communications Support to Director General: Provide dedicated communications and public affairs support to the Director General Develop a keen understanding of the Director General’s and IB’s existing voice and style, while also suggesting ways to make our content and communications more engaging and relevant to our stakeholders. Develop and execute a plan to ensure that the DG’s voice, key messages and high-profile engagements are communicated back to the organization in a timely and effective manner, working with the internal communications team Craft speeches, presentations, thought leadership articles, and other communication materials for the Director General.  Assist in prioritizing incoming requests for presentations, speeches, media engagement, and other communications materials for the Director General, in close collaboration with the DG’s Executive Assistant and the Communications Team Develop a focused social media strategy for the Director General and carry-out that strategy in the day-to-day management of Director General’s social media activity with focus on growing the sphere of influence with meaningful and influential connections and interactions. To be done in collaboration with IB’s social media team

2. Event Support & Media Relations:

Brief Director General on upcoming media opportunities in collaboration with the Communications team, adding value through close contact with Director General. In collaboration with the wider comms team, track and analyze media coverage related to the Director General Prepare quotations and specify desired angles according to the Director General’s preferences on press releases, statements, and other media materials. Develop and provide briefings for Director General and other spokespeople (as relevant) for all secured opportunities in collaboration with External Communications team.  Facilitate and recommend regular media training and coaching for the Director General with the Communications team and agencies. Develop media and events planner working with Business Development, and Marketing Communications colleagues to maximize opportunities. 

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs:

Work alongside Director General and Communications team to identify global public affairs priorities and audiences relevant to the Director General’s schedule. Work alongside Communications team to create public affairs materials that cover the needs of these audiences, as well as create and support opportunities for the IB to engage on a broader range of global public affairs topics. Collaborate with internal teams, including business development, marketing, recognition, and assessment to align Director General communication efforts with strategic goals. Engage as a member of the External Communications team to strengthen the IB's network and reputation in key growth regions.

4. Strategic Communications:

Collaborate with the Director of Marketing and Communications and Global Communications team to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. Execute strategic communication plans to support the Director General’s goals and objectives. Advise the Director General on the development of compelling narratives and storytelling to highlight the IB's impact on education globally.

5. Crisis Management:

In collaboration with the Director of Marketing and Communications, engage and support the Director General in times of crisis, to convey clear and accurate information to the media and the public.

Knowledge, Experience, Technical and Soft Skills 

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Political Science, Government, Education, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field (Master's preferred). Extensive experience working with senior leaders; strong executive presence and ability to build the trust necessary to become a thought partner. Extensive Public affairs experience, either through government (local, national) engagement or through experience with building campaigns and materials directed toward influencing these stakeholders. Proven experience in speechwriting, senior media relations, public relations, or a related role on senior executive level. Experience with global / international media relations a must.  Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. English is a must, additional languages are a plus Strong commitment to integrity, discretion and confidentiality. Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a diverse, international, and multicultural environment. Crisis communication and issues management experience. Proficiency in using communication and media monitoring tools. Experience in the education sector is a plus.

Problem Solving and Decision-Making level

Requires having major and strategic level interaction with the Director General, Director of Marketing and Communications and wider Marcomms function  Balancing quality outcomes against resources and sets priorities, particularly in the contexts of press and media engagements under significant time pressure and complex global external affairs environment Make effective decisions about what and when to execute to deliver results  Problem solving and decision making at global levels aligned with IB priorities and strategy with regards to emerging or anticipated media issues Be able to use appropriate judgment, in sometimes time pressured situations, and to action on cross-organizational, cross-department leadership, management and engagement challenges related to DG’s external-facing presence  Extensive global press and media knowledge to recommend appropriate directions as it relates to key initiatives and campaigns in relation to DG Identify and synthesize a holistic view of all DG’s press/media appearances and output, including analysis and reporting

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