Senior Communications Specialist

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 strategyCultivate 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 excellenceDesign 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 sustainabilityForge high-impact partnerships with media houses, cultural platforms, educational institutions, festivals, etc, to mainstream sustainability and strengthen brand CEEW.Leadership and institutional developmentBe 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:-QualificationA 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 skillsAt 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.