Senior Communications Consultant

New York, NY, USA

About the SDSN

The UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) has been operating since 2012 under the auspices of the UN Secretary-General. The SDSN mobilizes global scientific and technological expertise to promote practical solutions for sustainable development, including the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Paris Climate Agreement. We aim to accelerate joint learning and promote integrated approaches that address the interconnected economic, social, and environmental challenges confronting the world. SDSN works closely with United Nations agencies, multilateral financing institutions, the private sector, and civil society. It is directed by Professor Jeffrey D. Sachs and operates through offices in New York, Paris, and Kuala Lumpur.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of the Networks Program, the Senior Communications Consultant will be responsible for oversight of the SDSN’s strategic communications strategy for SDSN’s major public events July - September 2025, including the UN High-Level Political Forum, SDSN Conference on UN Reform, Network Chairs Meeting, and the SDSN Leadership Council Meeting. The incumbent will supervise the Communications Manager and serve in an advisory capacity to the SDSN’s Chief of Staff for events-related strategy. 

Principal Responsibilities

Communications Strategy (80%)

• Serving as the SDSN’s global lead on communications and a trusted advisory resource for teams on communications strategies and engagement for the launch of their publications and events during July – September 2025.
• Advising on targeted communication strategies and campaigns for SDSN’s programs, events, and publication launches ahead of the September events, working to elevate the SDSN’s brand and thought leadership and streamline messaging.
• Providing guidance to the Communications Manager on the development of strategic communications assets and messaging, including monthly newsletters, social media, press releases, video, email campaigns, and promotional kits. 
• Collaborating with external partners and organizations on the co-creation of shared communications strategies for joint work, ensuring that we effectively reach our target audiences and stakeholders.
• Updating the SDSN Leadership Team (as necessary) on critical communications challenges and needs.
• Helping to lead weekly Communications team calls to ensure that the broader Communications team feels supported and engaged.
• Working to advance SDSN’s internal communications in partnership with the Chief of Staff to ensure that staff are informed and actively engaged in the SDSN’s September events.

Events Advisement and Engagement (15%)

• Collaborating with the Chief of Staff and the Communications Manager on an engagement strategy for the Leadership Council and staff during the September events.
• Providing guidance and support as needed to the Chief of Staff and Communications Manager on events-related strategy, coordination, and logistics.

Admin (5%)

• Oversight of the communications budget. 
• Approving communications and events-related purchasing requests.
• Approving PTO for Communications Manager.

Qualifications, Education, and Experience

• Professional fluency in English required; other languages are considered a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited educational institution in communications, public relations or international affairs or other related discipline.
• A minimum of six years of experience in communications, public relations or equivalent, with increasing managerial responsibility, preferably in a UN Agency, or a large NGO.
• Extensive experience developing targeted communications strategies and messaging for publication launches and events, integrating traditional, digital, and new media tactics.
• Experience crafting messaging for internal and external audiences and various communications channels, including newsletters, social media, and web.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to craft clear and persuasive messages for diverse audiences.
• Track record of providing communications and logistics support on high-level events. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively with different stakeholders across time zones.
• Outstanding organization and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing demands simultaneously.
• Graphic design, video, and content management experience strongly preferred, including familiarity with Adobe Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, Publer, and Airtable.

Important Information

Location: The position reports to the SDSN Office in New York City. Candidate can work on a hybrid model, with the expectation that they will be able to support events on-site in New York.

Travel: N/A

Contract Type: Full Time

Contract Length: Consultancy (3~months), June 16, 2025 - September 20, 2025 *dates may be amended slightly based on consultant’s hire date*

Benefits: As part of their work, team members have the opportunity to meet and interact with some of the world’s leading sustainability leaders - professors, economists, best-selling authors, educators and academics - and follow stimulating discussions on sustainable development. Additionally, the SDSN team is made up of bright and dynamic sustainability professionals from different countries and backgrounds. With this unique exposure and environment, every SDSN member can learn and grow while doing the work they love and contributing to making a positive impact.

Reports to: Reports to the Vice President of Networks

SDSN is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

SDSN provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to unlawful considerations of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sex, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, military or veteran status, age, and physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.

Application Process

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter on the HR PARTNER platform. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. In addition, please include 2-3 references, with contact information. Finally, please include a proposal with your required budget for full-time engagement from June 16, 2025 - September 20, 2025 on the tasks described in this document. Please note that due to the high volume of applications received, only pre-selected candidates will be contacted.