Head of Communications Department

The US-China Business Council (USCBC) is a private, non-profit membership organization of 280 American companies that do business with China. Founded in 1973 following the first formal exchanges between the United States and China by a group of interested companies, USCBC’s mission is to expand the US-China commercial relationship to the benefit of its membership, and more broadly, the US economy. Through close collaboration between offices in Washington, DC, Beijing, and Shanghai, USCBC provides extensive China-focused public policy advocacy, information, business advisory services, and events to its multinational member companies.

USCBC seeks an experienced professional to lead the Communications and Publications department at a Vice President or Senior Director level (commensurate with experience). This is a full-time position based in Washington, DC, that reports to the Senior Vice President for US operations and manages the department’s team and consultants.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a cohesive and effective communications and publications strategy, working closely with the President, Senior Vice Presidents for US operations and for China operations, and other staff in USCBC’s offices in Washington, Beijing, and Shanghai
• Amplify USCBC's expertise and core services to communicate: 1) the organization’s essential value and information to USCBC members; and 2) the organization’s public policy and other priorities to a diverse array of external audiences
• Oversee USCBC’s content delivery vehicles, including websites, social media, press releases, reports, newsletters, commentary, and other communication products
• Identify and secure media and other external opportunities to present USCBC's expertise with the goal of informing and shaping debates on issues important to USCBC members and US-China commercial relations
• Manage outside resources, such as website, IT, media, and digital consultants
• Manage USCBC’s relationship with the press, including by engaging in proactive press outreach, planning, and execution; organizing press briefings/media attendance at events; and responding to media calls and requests
• Coordinate with and advise USCBC’s membership on communications issues
• Create written products reflecting USCBC’s leadership and expertise as required, including speeches, op-eds, social media content, Q&A responses, and marketing materials
• Act as an internal strategist and partner to the President, Senior Vice Presidents, and other staff and departments, advising them on how to best communicate USCBC’s messaging on key priorities and initiatives while ensuring that all departments’ communications align with USCBC's strategic vision
• Oversee department staff and intern hiring, onboarding and work assignments, and provide mentoring and professional development to staff and interns
• Develop department strategy and budget during the annual budget cycle and manage and track execution of the budget and strategic plan throughout the year
• Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the President or Senior Vice Presidents

Qualifications

• Undergraduate degree and at least 7-10 years of relevant working experience
• Relevant experience in communications or public or media affairs, especially related to public policy matters for an association or other non-profit organization, the US Congress or Executive Branch, a business, or the media.
• Work on US-China issues, US foreign policy, or international economic issues is a plus
• Mastery of the Microsoft Office Suite and Google Documents
• Passion for developing and executing effective communications and publications strategies
• High degree of initiative, ability to set and meet deadlines, sense of responsibility, and dedication to quality
• Experience with print, digital, and other communications tools and various content delivery channels and methods
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Experience with grassroots public relations is a plus, but not required
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural skills, sense of humor, and ability to manage, mentor and partner within a small Communications and Publications team
• US permanent work authorization (US citizen or lawful permanent resident)

The US-China Business Council is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

Start Date: January 2, 2023 (or sooner)

Application Deadline: Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

 Submission Guidelines: To apply, please submit the following materials to Andrew Barr (abarr@uschina.org) and reference “Comms Opening” in the subject line of your email:

 A resume and cover letter explaining your qualifications for the position and interest in USCBC and its mission and stating your salary requirements;

• Two different English writing samples of no more than five pages each; and
• A list of three references and their contact information (references will not be contacted before obtaining an applicant’s permission).

Salary will be competitive for non-profit organizations and commensurate with experience.  Benefits include a hybrid work from home and office schedule, excellent health insurance options, generous vacation, holiday and sick leave allowances, and 10% of salary employer contributions into an SEP-IRA after one year of employment. For background on USCBC, see www.uschina.org. No calls please.