Humanitarian Program Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

About the Organization:

The Aurora Humanitarian Initiative  is a foundation that supports local humanitarian responders on the front lines of global conflicts and whose work focuses on helping the most vulnerable. Aurora’s flagship initiative, the Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity, is one of the fastest-growing and most innovative humanitarian prizes in the world. Granted to an individual whose actions have had an exceptional impact on preserving human life and advancing humanitarian causes, the Aurora Prize Laureate receives a $1 million award, a portion of which s/he uses to support other local individuals/organizations that help people in need. 

2025 is Aurora’s 10th anniversary and the organization is hosting several flagship events, culminating with the Aurora Prize Ceremony on Ellis Island in November.  Since 2015, Aurora has funded 516 projects in 63 countries benefiting over 3.5 million people. Aurora’s mission is anchored by a Humanitarian Network of over 100 grassroots humanitarians and activists (“Aurora Luminaries”) supporting and protecting communities around the world.

For more information on Aurora, visit www.auroraprize.com.

About the Role:

With traditional donors dramatically cutting funding for humanitarian programs globally, Aurora seeks to elevate and expand the role of individuals and small community-based organizations within an evolving humanitarian response architecture. To support this effort,  we are seeking a self-motivated, versatile, and mission-driven Communications & Advocacy Associate to join our hands-on, high-impact team. This role blends strategic communications strategy and press management, program development and execution, and engaging with external stakeholders and partners to advance Aurora’s mission and enhance its public profile and the profiles of Aurora Luminaries–a global network of approximately 110 local humanitarians and human rights. .  

Reporting to Aurora’s Director of Impact, the Communications & Engagement Associate will play an essential role in telling and amplifying Aurora’s story by: (i) developing press and communications strategies; (ii) building and strengthening relationships with journalists, new media leaders, and other external partners; and (iii) working with Aurora staff and external consultants to developing and executing initiatives that raise the visibility of individuals within  Aurora’s Humanitarian Network.   to influence the international humanitarian system to scale and sustain support for local actors. The role requires a strong communicator  who thrives in a fast-paced environment, is comfortable working independently or as part of a multicultural and multinational team, and believes in Aurora’s mission to identify, support, and maximize the impact of local humanitarians. 

This position is based in Washington, D.C. with some ability to work on a hybrid basis. 

You Will:

• Develop and execute communication and press strategies in support of Aurora-hosted events and the participation of Aurora principals at conferences and high-profile convenings
• Draft, edit, and aggregate a range of communications materials, including press releases, talking points, op-eds, speeches, newsletters, and internal memosSecure press coverage of Aurora and members of the Aurora Humanitarian Network through coordinated press and media outreach
• Increase coverage of Aurora and Aurora Luminaries in non-traditional media, including podcasts and social media platforms
• Assist in the planning, execution, and tracking of cross-functional projects across communications and program areas
• Collaborate with internal teams, external consultants, and third-party partners and constituencies to ensure smooth and timely information/workflow.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Director of Impact on comms/press strategy and advocacy initiatives
• Support Aurora’s social media team in developing and executing online campaigns/advocacy initiatives
• Develop and spearhead advocacy initiatives focused on advancing humanitarian reforms to increase international funding for local humanitarians
• Maintain and update work plans; manage project execution

You Have/Are:

• 3–5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or external affairs
• An excellent writer, editor, and verbal communicator with a clear, compelling style
• A background in nonprofit, humanitarian, international development, or UN agency settings preferred
• An existing network of press, new media, and communications contacts
• A strong, detail-oriented multi-tasker with a roll-up-the-sleeves mentality
• A team-player and collaborator, providing high-level support to both internal and external constituencies, including consultants and vendors 
• Strong project-management skills and comfort balancing multiple priorities and constant change
• Experience with most MS Office applications, with an emphasis on Excel, Word and Powerpoint
• Experience working, studying, or traveling internationally strongly preferred
• Comfort working in cross-cultural, mission-driven environments
• Based in the D.C. area 
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed 

You Will Get:

• Competitive compensation
• Health and dental coverage
• An opportunity to do globally impactful work with a dedicated and passionate team
• The ability to make an immediate and highly visible impact in a fast paced, collaborative organization

To apply for this role, please submit a resumé/CV, cover letter of 400 words or less, and two writing samples, preferably different types (e.g. op-ed, press release, blog/Substack post, short essay, etc.)

Aurora Humanitarian Initiative is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply.