Senior Manager, U.S. Goodwill Ambassador Program

At USA for UNHCR, our people are the driving force behind our mission of delivering hope and opportunity to refugees worldwide. We're not just a workplace - we're a vibrant community of passionate, forward-thinking professionals committed to making a real difference. If you thrive in a dynamic, transparent, and data-driven environment, and want your career to directly impact lives across the globe, we invite you to join us!

SUMMARY 

This role oversees a selection of U.S.-specific high-profile relationships and partnerships with celebrities and other influencers to drive fundraising, public engagement and advocacy in support of refugees. In addition to talent relationship management, the incumbent will develop and execute media and communications strategies—including announcements, campaign planning, media outreach, content delivery, crisis communications and impact reporting—while ensuring alignment with organizational messaging and operational protocols. The role requires strong coordination across internal teams, UNHCR teams and external PR/media networks, proactive media placement strategy and leadership in monitoring, evaluation and risk management, including potential international mission travel.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set and drive annual objectives, priorities, and success metrics for high-profile relationships and related media efforts, aligning fundraising and engagement outcomes with organizational strategy.
• Lead identification, recruitment, stewardship and strategic deployment of U.S. specific Goodwill Ambassadors (GWAs) and High-Profile Supporters (HPSs), including due diligence, risk assessment and content alignment.
• Manage select U.S. GWA and HPS relationships as required, including leading missions and outputs.
• Develop and execute tailored communications strategies for key campaigns, partnerships, events and GWA activities, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and brand messaging.
• Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, including setting media approach and messaging direction, handling press inquiries and cultivating strong relationships with U.S. media and PR contacts.
• Manage high-profile announcements, such as new GWA appointments or strategic advocacy moments, ensuring timely coordination and internal approvals.
• Strategize and oversee the placement of long-lead and feature stories to elevate visibility of GWAs, campaigns and priority issues in the U.S.
• Provide primary crisis communications support and risk mitigation guidance for GWA-related activities, missions and reputational matters.
• Ensure strategic oversight of the production and timely delivery of high-quality media assets and PR materials in collaboration with internal teams and external partners.
• Oversee monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting of GWA media activities, ensuring alignment with KPIs and strategic objectives.
• Serve as USA for UNHCR’s primary liaison and subject matter lead to UNHCR’s global Goodwill Ambassador Programme; collaborate with UNHCR global and U.S. focal points to ensure consistent application of GWA guidelines and best practices.
• Lead cross-functional planning and execution across External Relations, Development, and Executive teams to deliver integrated, high-impact initiatives within the high-profile engagement portfolio. 

Other Functions 

• Other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS 

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE 

• Bachelor’s degree required,
• At least 8-10 years of progressive experience in managing high-profile spokespeople and related media strategy and outreach, 
• Deep understanding of the U.S. media, entertainment and public affairs landscape, including how public figures can influence public opinion, policy and philanthropic engagement. 
• Familiarity with the UN system, global humanitarian issues and the strategic use of high-profile supporters to advance advocacy and fundraising goals. 
• Knowledge of reputation and risk management, including legal, ethical and public-facing considerations when working with celebrities and influencers.  
• Exceptional communication skills, including writing, messaging and media pitching tailored to U.S. audiences across digital, broadcast and print platforms. 
• Strong relationship management and diplomacy skills, with the ability to work effectively with high-profile individuals, agents, publicists and internal stakeholders. 
• Strategic planning and project management skills, with a track record of executing complex communications campaigns involving multiple partners and channels.  
• Ability to identify, engage and cultivate U.S.-based high-profile supporters whose values align with the organization’s mission and priorities. 
• Ability to navigate high-pressure, high-visibility environments with sound judgment, discretion and professionalism. 
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams, manage competing priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced, mission-driven setting. 
• Proficient in Microsoft applications and other programs and software utilized.
• Understanding of displacement issues. 

WORK LOCATION    

Hybrid + New York, NY + May also involve travel to some locations within the company’s region 

COMPENSATION   

$125,792 - $150,950

APPLICATION DEADLINE

Please apply immediately or by February 5, 2026. 

• Comprehensive health coverage, including employer-paid employee medical options (traditional and HSA plans)
• Flexible savings accounts, including FSA and HSA
• Industry-leading 401(k) match
• Lifestyle Spending Account to support your wellness
• Mental and financial wellness resources
• Paid time off, including a paid winter break and sabbatical leave at key milestones
• Volunteer Time-Off to support your community engagement
• Professional development support
• Access to tools like Headspace for mindfulness and mental health

DISABILITY SPECIFICATIONS   

USA for UNHCR will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.   
 

USA for UNHCR is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Refugees and all other protected classes are encouraged to apply. 

Why Join USA for UNHCR?

Joining USA for UNHCR means becoming part of a people-first organization that lives its values every day. We're passionate about creating meaningful change, dynamic in our collaborative approach, and transparent in how we work together to support refugees. By embracing cutting-edge solutions and a data-driven mindset, we stay forward-thinking, ensuring your unique talents fuel innovation and impact. Here, you'll grow alongside a supportive team, develop your skills in a nurturing environment, and see the transformative power of your work - on the lives of refugees and on your own journey. 

Ready to make a difference while being a part of a team that truly cares about you? We'd love to hear from you! Apply today, and let's create a brighter future together.