International Communications Consultant

Introduction

Rutgers is seeking an experienced International Communications Consultant to provide targeted support to its international communications work from mid-May to mid-September 2025. This consultancy will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of Rutgers’ international communications approach, ensuring it is aligned with the organisation’s evolving brand narrative and strategic ambitions. The Consultant thus also contributes to the implementation of the following International Programmes: Right Here Right Now, Generation G, Power to You(th) and She Makes Her Safe Choice.

With shifts in programme focus and communications capacity, there is a timely opportunity to refine how Rutgers engages international audiences—particularly through digital channels. The consultant will contribute both strategic insight and operational guidance to help sharpen messaging, strengthen digital engagement and support internal alignment with the organisation’s brand direction.

This role is about enhancing the quality, clarity, and impact of international communications at a moment of transition—laying the groundwork for a more streamlined, consistent and future-fit approach.

Background and context

Rutgers is committed to strengthening a unified and impactful brand identity through its international work (especially the following programmes: Right Here Right Now, Generation G, Power to You(th) and She Makes Her Safe Choice). As part of this ambition, we are working to further align our international communications with our broader brand strategy—ensuring they consistently reflect our values, expertise, and vision across platforms and audiences.

With a leaner communications capacity in our international portfolio, it is increasingly important that all communications are strategic, well-framed, and aligned with Rutgers’ positioning. While programme activity may be reduced, the need to maintain a strong, credible international presence remains critical to advancing our mission and reinforcing Rutgers’ identity as a centre of knowledge and expertise in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), particularly in relation to young people.

Goal

To support this ambition, Rutgers is seeking an experienced Digital Communications Consultant to assess and enhance the effectiveness of its strategic and digital international communications (within its international programmes). The consultant will support the organisation in developing a more cohesive approach that strengthens brand consistency, amplifies our impact and ensures (digital) international communications are fit for purpose within the evolving SRHR landscape.

Scope of work

The International Communications Consultant will work closely with key internal stakeholders, including the International Communications Team, national communications team, Rutgers’ international colleagues, content teams (webmaster, social media) and external stakeholders where applicable. The consultant will focus on ensuring alignment with the brand strategy. The consultant will:

1. Assess current international digital communications:

   • Review existing digital content, channels, processes, monitoring and messaging across international communications, also connected to national communications and international programmes.

   • Advise on the most effective digital strategies and platforms to communicate about the international programmes (Right Here Right Now, Generation G, Power to You(th) and She Makes Her Safe Choice)

   • Evaluate the effectiveness of current strategies, including social media, website presence, and digital campaigns.

   • Identify areas of alignment with the brand strategy and opportunities for improvement.

2. Develop strategic recommendations:

   • Provide recommendations to strengthen the alignment of international communications with the new Rutgers strategy and brand.

   • Advise on messaging and framing strategies to position Rutgers as a leading global expert in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

   • Suggest ways to streamline and integrate international communications across (Rutgers) platforms and teams.

3. Support digital content strategy:

   • Collaborate on the development of a Rutgers digital content strategy to enhance engagement with international stakeholders and audiences.

   • Ensure content is strategic, impactful and reflective of Rutgers' values and brand.

   • Support efforts of the social media and content teams to ensure consistency in tone, messaging and visuals across digital platforms.

4. Internal engagement:

   • Support efforts to ensure international programmes feel connected to and reflected in the overall communications strategy.

5. Monitor and report on effectiveness:

   • Provide insights and suggestions for ongoing improvements based on feedback, data, and evolving trends in the international SRHR sector.

6. Implementation support for the communications roadmap:

   • Assist in the implementation of the communications roadmap, ensuring that the strategic recommendations are integrated into existing workflows and practices.

   • Collaborate with internal stakeholders such as the webmaster, content team, and social media team to implement new strategies across digital platforms.

   • Provide support in adapting strategies and tools as necessary, ensuring ongoing alignment with the brand vision.

Deliverables

By the end of the consultancy, the consultant is expected to deliver the following:

• Assessment report:
  A comprehensive evaluation of current international communications, including an analysis of messaging, digital channels, content and engagement strategies, with clear identification of gaps with the brand strategy.

• Strategic recommendations and implementation roadmap:
  A set of actionable recommendations that outlines how to enhance alignment, strengthen digital engagement, and improve overall international communications strategies.

A clear plan for integrating the new communications strategies into existing workflows, including timelines, key actions and responsibilities.

• Digital content strategy:
  Support new digital strategy that includes key messaging, content pillars and platform recommendations for engaging international audiences effectively and consistently.

• Implementation support:
  Hands-on support in the implementation of the communications roadmap, assisting internal teams such as the national communications team, social media, and content teams in the integration of strategic recommendations and ensuring alignment with the brand strategy.

• Monitoring and reporting framework:
  A framework for tracking and measuring the impact of international [PD1]  digital communications efforts, including proposed key performance indicators (KPIs) and methods for evaluating success.

 [PD1](digital)

Profile

The ideal candidate will bring a solid understanding of international SRHR trends and dynamics, with the ability to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for diverse global audiences. They will have proven expertise in strategic messaging and framing, particularly in digital contexts, and experience aligning communications across teams, countries and platforms.

A strong grasp of digital communications is essential—including content strategy, social media, digital storytelling, and audience engagement. Familiarity with global branding, multi-country programme contexts, the ability to navigate complex organisational environments and willingness to provide hands-on support to the team will be key to success in this role.