Senior Communications Specialist

Job Description Purpose: At CEEW, we believe ideas must travel across boardrooms, newsrooms, parliaments, and public squares. We're looking for a seasoned communications leader (preferably from the media) who brings gravitas, diplomacy, and magnetic presence someone who can deepen high-level relationships, co-create flagship convenings, amplify our leadership's voice, and navigate the media ecosystem with fluency and flair. You'll work closely with our Director Strategic Communications, offering editorial-level counsel, convening power, and critical media intelligence. You'll play an essential role in co-piloting our public voice, strengthening our reputation, and building coalitions that mainstream sustainability into national discourse. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in high-stakes conversations, is equally comfortable in a newsroom or a diplomatic corridor and wants to be at the heart of India's sustainability story. Key Accountabilities: - Editorial-level leadership and media strategy - Cultivate and deepen editor/CXO-level relationships across top-tier media - national, regional and global. - Build and maintain strong working relationships with senior journalists working on sustainability and ensure CEEW has top-of-mind recall on key issues. - Co-build a media strategy for the CEO and senior leadership. - Serve as CEEW spokesperson when needed, lead media trainings for senior staff. - Advise the existing media team to proactively pitch and place CEEW research, data visualisations, and leadership op-eds, secure exclusives and recurring columns. High-level convenings and events excellence - Design and deliver flagship events, ambassadorial roundtables, and closed-door dialogues in coordination with programme teams. - Moderate discussions at the highest levels involving MPs, ministers, ambassadors, thought leaders, and national/ international delegates. - Ensure flawless execution and curate experiences that leave an impression. - Build a signature events portfolio that reflects CEEW's intellectual leadership and convening power. Strategic partnerships to mainstream sustainability - Forge high-impact partnerships with media houses, cultural platforms, educational institutions, festivals, etc, to mainstream sustainability and strengthen brand CEEW. Leadership and institutional development - Be a strategic sounding board to the CEO and Director-Strategic Communications on public positioning and external engagements. - Run annual crisis simulations; monitor information and support rapid response during a crisis. Mentor and elevate mid-management to build executive presence; run a media academy for storytelling, on-camera readiness, etc. - Contribute to organisational growth by embedding a strong culture of strategic outreach and narrative-building. Selection Criteria:- Qualification - A master's degree in journalism, Communications, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field from a reputed institution. - A bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is essential. - Additional certifications or fellowships in strategic communications, media, or public affairs will be an advantage. Work experience and other skills - At least 12-18 years of prior experience with a leading national and international media house is preferred. - Demonstrated ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diplomats, media leaders, senior government officials, and public figures. - A well-established professional network across various media outlets. - Prior experience in conceptualising, hosting, and moderating high-profile public events, closed-door briefings, and roundtable/ panel discussions. - Exceptional presence and public speaking skills, with the ability to moderate conversations with senior stakeholders.