Communications Consultant – Media & Publications (Parental Leave Coverage)

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR), which shared in the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997, is a U.S.-based international advocacy organization working at the intersection of medicine, science, and law. With a global network of thousands of medical, scientific, and legal experts, PHR uses the power of medical and scientific evidence to document violations of human rights and humanitarian law, prevent abuses, protect survivors, and promote justice and universal human rights for all.

Building upon its highly respected place in the field, and supported by a committed and talented team, PHR seeks a Communications Consultant – Media & Publications to provide parental leave coverage for the organization’s Communications Director.

Work Authorization: Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

Location: Remote (preference for New York-based hybrid model)

Reports to: Executive Director

Organizational Overview

Physicians for Human Rights was founded in 1986 by five physicians who were united in the belief that health professionals, with their specialized skills, ethical duties, and credible voices, are uniquely positioned to prevent harm and promote respect for human rights. Since its founding, PHR has built a long and distinguished record of accomplishment by conducting groundbreaking investigations and advocacy, in concert with strategic partners.

PHR’s approach includes extensive documentation of the use of illegal and inhumane weapons in armed conflicts, attacks on civilians, and the physical and psychological impacts of torture and sexual violence as a weapon of war. Other core activities include protecting the rights of those seeking asylum in the United States, the human rights implications of the COVID-19 pandemic, and halting attacks on medical facilities and frontline health professionals.

Role Description

Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) seeks a Communications Consultant – Media & Publications to serve as a parental leave cover for the organization’s Communications Director. This temporary consultancy is planned for 22 total weeks across two intermittent periods: Eight weeks (estimated for mid-January until mid-March 2026) later followed by 14 weeks (estimated for late May-end August 2026). During the 22 total weeks, the consultant will serve for 40-hours per week (9am-5pm U.S. Eastern, M-F).

Reporting to the Executive Director, the Communications Consultant – Media & Publications will develop and execute communications strategies that advance PHR’s mission and brand. The consultant will lead PHR’s communications efforts to elevate the organization’s project, priorities, and people with global audiences, with a focus on PHR’s media relations and publications portfolio.

The Communications Consultant – Media & Publications will lead cross-departmental communications in support of PHR’s advocacy, research, network-building, and fundraising. They will execute PHR’s media, publications, and other communications efforts, while collaborating with PHR colleagues responsible for the organization’s digital, social, and email portfolio. The consultant will advise PHR leadership and staff on communications strategies to strengthen the reach and impact of PHR’s work.

Responsibilities

Strategy and planning:

• Lead communications for PHR, including for key projects and campaigns, with a focus on media relations and publications

• Provide strategic communications guidance, counsel, and training to EMT/SMT, board, staff, network members, and partners

• Lead key communications processes at PHR, including strategy and work-planning, Publications Pipeline and Editorial Calendar, publications and outputs review

• Lead coordination with internal departments (i.e. Research, Advocacy, and Legal; Capacity Strengthening; Development) and external partners on joint communications efforts

• Globalize PHR’s communications reach and impacts, reflecting the diversity and voices of the people with whom we work

Execution and implementation:

• Guide and execute PHR’s media and PR strategy, identifying opportunities for PHR to break and shape news

• Oversee PHR’s publications portfolio (including research reports), visual identity, and brand stewardship

Management and supervision:

• Manage external vendors/consultants (e.g. graphic designer)

• In collaboration with Communications and Digital Development Deputy Director, help steward PHR communications departmental budget as well as communications components of institutional grants

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree

• At least ten years demonstrated successful experience in strategic communications;

• Demonstrated experience at integrating communications strategy into the fabric of mission-driven organizations and effectively reaching and influencing intended audiences;

• Extensive media relations experience and a network of journalist contacts

• Superb interpersonal and leadership skills with an impressive history of forging strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders;

• Excellent writing and editing skills and demonstrated ability to handle complex issues and translate information about them to broad audiences;

• Ability to exercise sound judgment and leadership, and to operate in a collaborative, professional, and ethical manner;

• Excellent organizational skills, including ability to conduct and coordinate multiple tasks under pressure to ensure deadlines are met;

• Strong commitment to the mission and goals of PHR;

• Demonstrated experience in content strategy development and execution;

• Strong knowledge of the international human rights and health sectors;

• Strong understanding of media and digital best practices;

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, especially MS Word, MS Excel, MS Outlook;

Qualifications of the Ideal Candidate

• Advanced degree;

• Familiarity with WordPress, Adobe Creative Suite, Meltwater, and/or Canva a plus.

Compensation

This is a short-term consultant role working 40 hours per week. As an independent consultant, the selected candidate will not be eligible for employer-provided benefits. Salary range is $45-50 per hour and is commensurate with experience. See “Role Description” section for dates of the consultancy.

How to Apply

Please email cover letter and resume to resumes@phr.org. Please include the job title of the position you are applying for in the subject line of your email and where you saw this job posting in the email body. This job description is subject to change at any time.

Physicians for Human Rights is an equal opportunity employer. We recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status, or age.