Digital and Engagement Officer - Contractor - London

CIR is looking for an energetic, creative and outward-facing Digital and Engagement Officer to manage and grow our digital presence while helping to raise our profile among policymakers, think tanks, journalists and others working in international affairs.

This is a varied, hands-on role. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of CIR’s digital channels: creating content, sharpening our voice, increasing engagement and finding new ways to bring our research and impact to life. You will also be one of CIR’s representatives in London. You will attend relevant events, build relationships across Westminster and the wider policy community, and identify opportunities for CIR and its experts to contribute to important conversations.

The balance between digital communications and external engagement will vary from week to week. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable producing a compelling social media post and introducing themselves to someone at a policy event., Digital channels and content (50% of the role)

• Manage CIR’s day-to-day presence across its social media and other digital channels.
• Plan and maintain a regular content calendar, working with colleagues across CIR to identify stories, research and expertise worth promoting.
• Write clear, accurate and engaging copy suited to different platforms and audiences.
• Develop a stronger, more distinctive and more human voice for CIR online.
• Create or coordinate graphics, short-form video and other digital content where appropriate and with support of project teams.
• Translate complex research and international developments into accessible and compelling digital content.
• Monitor relevant news and online conversations, identifying timely opportunities for CIR to contribute.
• Engage constructively with CIR’s online audiences and help build an active community around our work.
• Use analytics to understand what is working, improve content and grow CIR’s reach and engagement.
• Manage and maintain CIR’s website including ensuring content is up to date and liaising with the external 3rd party provider should there be any issues.
• Provide adhoc support on newsletters and project channels where required.

Policy and stakeholder engagement (25% of the role)

• Build and maintain relationships with MPs’ offices, parliamentary staff, think tanks, policymakers, civil society organisations and other relevant stakeholders.
• Attend policy events, roundtables, receptions, conferences and briefings across London on CIR’s behalf.
• Maintain an overview of the Westminster and think-tank events calendar and identify opportunities for CIR colleagues to attend, speak or contribute.
• Introduce CIR and its work confidently to new audiences and follow up contacts to develop meaningful relationships.
• Help organise meetings, briefings, roundtables and other events involving CIR experts and external stakeholders.
• Maintain clear and useful stakeholder lists and records of engagement.
• Help keep colleagues informed about relevant political and policy developments, events and opportunities.

Media and communications support (25% of the role)

• Support proactive and reactive media activity, including maintaining media lists, monitoring coverage and preparing background material.
• Assist with press releases, opinion pieces, briefings and other communications materials.
• Work flexibly with colleagues during major news events or the publication of significant CIR research.

• Proven track record of developing and delivering engaging digital content across multiple platforms.
• Strong, intuitive understanding of social media, online culture and what makes digital content effective.
• Experience managing and maintaining a website for maximum engagement.
• Understanding of UK politics, public policy and international affairs and a genuine interest in developing this.
• Understanding of how media operate in the UK, and a willingness to grow a network of media contacts.
• Confidence and enthusiasm to attend events, meet new people and build professional relationships.
• Strong editorial judgement, including the ability to communicate responsibly about sensitive or fast-moving subjects.
• Creativity and an eye for strong presentation and visual storytelling.
• The ability to organise your own workload and manage competing priorities.
• A proactive, collaborative and resourceful approach.
• Ability to make strategic suggestions and share creative ideas and to follow through on these.
• Ability to be regularly present in London and attend occasional early-morning or evening events

Desirable Criteria

• Existing network of journalists and media outlets.

• Planning your ideas and thoughts
• Checking the spelling and grammar of your CV and cover letter
• Researching CIR
• Generating mock interview questions for you to practice before your interview
• Use AI as a support tool, not as a substitute for your own thinking or judgement

Don’t use AI to:

• Invent or misrepresent your skills and experience
• Complete any tests provided by CIR
• Assist you during an interview to help answer the questions being asked by the panel

The Centre for Information Resilience (CIR) is an independent organisation dedicated to exposing human rights violations, disinformation and harms against women and minorities. We achieve this through open source research, digital investigations, capacity-building with local partners, and collaboration with media to amplify our impact.

CIR was born out of a determination to expose those spreading harm - online and offline - around the world, particularly in areas of violent conflict, such as Afghanistan, Myanmar, Sudan and Ukraine. Our projects are at the forefront of efforts to investigate and document human rights abuses, war crimes, and harms against women and minorities. We work closely with multilateral and national justice accountability bodies.