Head of communications

CIMMYT is a cutting edge, non-profit, international organization dedicated to solving tomorrow's problems today. It is entrusted with fostering improved quantity, quality, and dependability of production systems and basic cereals such as maize, wheat, triticale, sorghum, millets, and associated crops through applied agricultural science, particularly in the Global South, through building strong partnerships. This combination enhances the livelihood trajectories and resilience of millions of resource-poor farmers, while working towards a more productive, inclusive, and resilient agrifood system within planetary boundaries.

For more information, visit cimmyt.org.

CIMMYT is looking for an outstanding, self-motivated, and result-oriented professional for the position of Head of Communications, to lead strategic communications efforts to support fundraising, advocate for CIMMYT's mission and amplify impact as we advance a more food- and nutrition secure future. The successful candidate will be part of the Engagement Chapter and will report to the Chief Engagement Officer (CNO).

The location of this position will be Texcoco, Mexico.

Specific duties:

Strategy

• Design, lead, and execute a global communications plan aligned with CIMMYT’s mission.
• Lead strategic communications to support fundraising efforts including targeted donor communication plans and program communications implementation.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to CIMMYT’s executive and leadership team.
• Liaise and coordinate with the CGIAR Communications & Outreach Global Group in areas of cross- collaboration including events, global campaigns, branding and funder acknowledgements, thought-leadership narratives, key messages, media outreach activities, digital publishing.
• Provide input into the strategy and operational planning of other chapters to ensure strong representation for CIMMYT in global communication efforts and initiatives.
• Coordinate across teams to manage internal, external, event and regional communications across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. · Keep appraised of the latest communication trends and technologies, ensuring that the company is using the most effective tools and strategies.
• Manage and implement crisis communication plans to ensure that the company is prepared to respond to negative events.
• Participate in Board meetings and committees as needed.

Creative Hub

• Ensure consistent brand expression and powerful visuals through creative services.
• Oversee the creation of high-quality content for various channels, including internal communications, executive communications, websites, social media, email, and publications.
• Manage and edit a wide variety of information, knowledge and corporate products as required, ensuring that content is delivered to the highest quality and according to requirements.
• Establish and enforce editorial policies and procedures, in line with C&O global policies and procedures.
• Translate CIMMYT’s mission and projects in concrete, tangible storylines with high human interest. Contribute to CGIAR publishing as required.
• Ensure that the company's brand voice is consistent across all regions and communication channels.

Media Relations

• Lead proactive and reactive media outreach, securing coverage that aligns with CIMMYT’s key audiences and regions.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization, representing its mission and impact to the public.
• Manage the team working with on- and offline media. Maintain relationships with top-tier media outlets and journalists.
• Work with the team to prep executives and leadership team members and other scientific spokespeople.
• Manage crisis communications and the potential for negative coverage.
• Guide and approve final versions of external content, working with a team of content developers to amplify CIMMYT’s messages.

Social and Digital Communications

• Lead digital communications to support communications goals and objectives.
• Oversee strategic decisions on channels, digital strategies, and campaigns.
• Oversee CIMMYT’s communications and outreach digital platforms and regularly provide analysis and recommendations for improvements.
• Provide quarterly CIMMYT’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for social media, media, website, and publications.

Internal Communications

• Lead, mentor, and manage a team of development professionals, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support to succeed.
• Develop and manage the DFS department budget, track fundraising performance, and report on progress to the Board and leadership.
• Lead annual plans, regular 1:1s and annual appraisals to ensure objectives and targets are accomplished.
• Develop and lead the development of strategic and annual plans, regular 1:1s with managers, and annual appraisals to ensure objectives and targets are accomplished.
• Promote collaborative work across the department.
• Develop and maintain systems to monitor and evaluate the objectives and activities of the team including reporting on performance.
• Develop and utilize systems to monitor and evaluate the achievement of objectives and activities of the Department including reporting on performance.
• Drive the accepted application of values and behaviors among the members of the DFS Department, promoting adherence to CIMMYT’s culture.

Executive Communications

• Oversee executive communications to ensure CIMMYT’s key messages to position the organization within different stakeholders.
• Review speeches, remarks and visuals prepared for executive team communications.
• Manage systems to ensure quality assurance and streamline event engagement for leadership team members.
• Provide guidance and support to senior leaders on communication matters, including media relations, crisis communications, and public speaking.

Regional Communications

• Manage a regional team focused on creative services, media relations, social & digital communications, internal and executive communications to make sure all these services are aligned with CIMMYT’s mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Ensure all regions contribute to building reputation and maximize the policy and development impact of CIMMYT’s impact across the main target regions Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Administration

• Supervise a multicultural team of staff and consultants across multiple time zones to maximize their productivity, innovation, and outputs in support of CIMMYT’s communications strategy.
• Oversee workflow and plans of CIMMYT’s communications department and ensure all output and deliverables are produced cost-efficiently and according to predetermined timelines guaranteeing internal clients’ satisfaction.
• Create a high-performing team that strives for excellence and supports the CIMMYT mission for impact with a culture of shared accountability and results orientation.
• Develop and constantly update a global roster of cost- efficient, high-quality freelance editors, translators, designers, web programmers and other specialists.
• Mentor and empower the communication department to pursue innovative approaches and set demanding metrics for engagement that deliver results in a fast-changing, competitive external communications environment and build the organization’s brand.
• Develop and manage the communications budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.
• Conduct recruiting and onboarding processes to expand the team as needed.
• Drive the correct application of values and behaviors among the team, to promote CIMMYT’s culture in the Unit.

Requirements

• Advanced degree in communications, journalism, digital communications, marketing, or similar related field.

• Minimum of 10 years of relevant professional experience in communications, preferably in the fields of agricultural research, international development, or related sectors (of which at least five years’ experience in a comparable position).
• Certification or training in project management, communications strategy development, or related areas is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical information into clear, compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

• Strong editorial skills, including writing, editing, and proofreading, with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proficiency in digital communication tools and platforms, including content management systems, social media management tools, and email marketing platforms.
• Ability to develop and implement strategic communication plans and initiatives, aligning them with organizational goals and priorities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience in media relations, including building relationships with journalists and securing media coverage for organizational initiatives and activities.
• Familiarity with fundraising strategies and techniques, particularly in the context of international development or research organizations.
• Commitment to integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct in all aspects of work.
• Flexibility and adaptability to navigate complex organizational structures and changing priorities.
• Passion for CIMMYT's mission and a genuine interest in contributing to global agricultural research and development efforts.
• The selected candidate must exhibit the following competencies: Critical and Creative Thinking, Problem-Solving and Decision-Making, Team Leadership, Negotiation and Conflict Resolution, Communication.

Benefits

The position is for an initial fixed-term for three (3) years, after which further employment is subject to performance and the continued availability of funds. CIMMYT’s internationally competitive salary and benefits include housing allowance, car, comprehensive health and life insurance, assistance for children’s education, paid vacation, annual home travel airfare, contribution to a retirement plan, and generous assistance with relocation shipment.

Candidates must apply online for IRS25119_Head of Communications.

 Screening and follow up of applications will begin on Wednesday, May 28th, 2025. Applications must include a CV with contact details (telephone and email address) of 3 work-related references along with the confirmation that Recruitment can contact them) and a cover letter. Incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

This position will remain open until filled.

CIMMYT is an equal opportunity employer. It fosters a multicultural work environment that values gender equality, teamwork, and respect for diversity. Women are encouraged to apply.