SOS MEDITERRANEE is an international humanitarian organization dedicated to saving lives at sea. Founded in 2015, the initiative emerged as a response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Central Mediterranean, and the lack of adequate state rescue capacity on the deadliest maritime migratory route in the world. Created by a group of European citizens, our maritime and humanitarian organization has three missions:
- To rescue people in distress at sea
- To protect and assist survivors on board our ship
- To bear witness and raise awareness about the tragedy unfolding in the central Mediterranean.
Today, SOS MEDITERRANEE is a network composed of four European entities (Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland) sharing the objective to support our rescue operations at sea. Search and Rescue (SAR) operations have been carried out since February 2016 in the Central Mediterranean off the Libyan coasts with the chartered ships Aquarius and Ocean Viking. To date, over 40,000 people have been rescued by SOS MEDITERRANEE.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
SOS MEDITERRANEE is recruiting an English Communication Manager for a six-month maternity leave replacement to support the organization’s International Development through communication and fundraising activities, with a specific focus on expanding engagement in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Gulf countries. Reporting to the International Development Director, the role involves managing a Digital Communications Coordinator and a Content and Multimedia Development Officer, while collaborating with SOS MEDITERRANEE communication managers and directors across the network.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The person will:
- Implement and lead SOS MEDITERRANEE’s English communication strategy, ensuring alignment with international development goals.
- Oversee the production and strategic development of English-language content across multiple platforms.
- Build and maintain partnerships with key media, academic, cultural, and NGO sectors to enhance the organization’s international presence.
- Contribute to fundraising efforts, including overseeing digital fundraising initiatives and supporting international fundraising campaign development.
- Manage and mentor the Digital Communications Coordinator and Content and Multimedia Development Officer.
- Uphold SOS MEDITERRANEE’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by ensuring that communication efforts reflect the organization’s values and amplify diverse voices.
Strategy and leadership
The English Communications Manager will lead the English-language communication strategy in line with SOS MEDITERRANEE’s international development priorities. This person will be responsible for coordinating the production of English content and leading strategic communication initiatives. In addition, the manager will oversee the work of the Digital Communications Coordinator and the Content and Multimedia Development Officer, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational goals.
Content production
The manager will work closely with teams across the SOS MEDITERRANEE network to produce, translate, and edit written, print, and multimedia content in English. The position will be responsible for defining and prioritizing content needs for international development purposes and supporting the production of communication materials in various formats, including online, print, and videos.
Digital communication
The English Communications Manager will oversee the management and editorial strategy of SOS MEDITERRANEE’s English-language website, ensuring regular updates and high-quality content. The role will also include writing and coordinating monthly newsletters and email campaigns to support engagement and fundraising efforts. The manager will work closely with the Digital Communications Officer to implement and refine the international development social media strategy, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and enhancing engagement with English-speaking audiences. Together, they will support other digital content initiatives, monitoring best practices to strengthen SOS MEDITERRANEE’s digital presence.
International media relations
The manager will monitor international (English-language) media coverage and ensure that media clippings related to SOS MEDITERRANEE are tracked and analyzed. In collaboration with the operations communications team and the International Development Director, the manager will identify and engage with key international media outlets to support SOS MEDITERRANEE’s international development objectives.
Partnership Development
The manager will play a key role in building and maintaining partnerships with external organizations, including media, NGOs, cultural and academic institutions. This responsibility is central to SOS MEDITERRANEE’s international development strategy to increase its visibility as an international humanitarian actor. The manager will represent the organization in external meetings, conferences, and events relevant to the international development department.
Fundraising
The English Communications Manager will play an active role in supporting SOS MEDITERRANEE’s fundraising efforts. This includes participating in meetings with fundraising consultants to align communication strategies with fundraising goals. The manager will oversee the Digital Communications Officer’s work on digital fundraising initiatives, ensuring effective online engagement to support donation drives. Additionally, the manager will contribute to piloting a U.S. fundraising campaign, collaborating on strategy and execution. Responsibilities also include drafting proposals for foundations and identifying potential leads for corporate and foundation fundraising opportunities.
Reporting
The English Communications Manager will be responsible for reporting on all international development communication activities, tracking impact, and evaluating the success of communication efforts. Regular reports will be shared with internal and external stakeholders, providing updates on the organization’s reach and engagement in target markets.
Internal communication
The manager will participate in weekly international communications coordination meetings and collaborate with the network to develop communication tools and campaigns in English. Sharing news on international developments across the network will be a key aspect of this role.