Communications Associate

Job Title: Communications Associate

Department: Communications

Reports To: Chief Executive Officer

Location: Mumbai (Goregaon) | On-site

Employment Type: Full-time

About Veruschka Foundation

Veruschka Foundation empowers individuals with developmental disabilities to become contributing members of society through the power of food. Using cookery as a medium, the organisation provides sustainable livelihood opportunities and promotes independence through entrepreneurship, mainstream employment, and life skills development. Website: https://theveruschkafoundation.org

Purpose of the Role

The Communications Associate will be responsible for shaping and amplifying the organisation's voice across a wide range of stakeholders by crafting compelling narratives, driving visibility, and strengthening the organisation's positioning as a thought leader in skill development and intellectual disability. Veruschka Foundation is entering a critical growth phase. Through strategic storytelling and effective engagement, this role will enable Veruschka Foundation to attract meaningful partnerships and unlock new opportunities for growth.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategy and Planning

Design and implement an annual communications strategy and quarterly content calendars aligned with the programme and fundraising goals.

Create structured plans to position Veruschka Foundation as a thought leader in skill development and intellectual disability.

Track and report progress against communication targets, and ensure timely execution of plans.

2. Brand development

Develop and roll out brand guidelines to ensure consistency in tone, design, and messaging across all platforms.

Conduct and analyse a brand perception survey across stakeholders to inform brand positioning.

Craft a compelling organisational narrative through storytelling.

3. Collateral Development

Create, review, and update all organisational collaterals including master proposals, concept notes, programme decks, pitch decks, brochures, and event materials.

Collaborate with internal teams to collect relevant stories, visuals, and updates.

Ensure all content adheres to branding guidelines and communicates the impact effectively.

4. Social Media Management

Manage Veruschka Foundation's presence on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other relevant platforms.

Develop and maintain a dynamic social media calendar and increase engagement through consistent and meaningful content.

Coordinate with external agency.

5. Media and Public Relations

Build relationships with journalists, digital media platforms, and press outlets to amplify the organisation's work.

Draft press releases, pitch stories, and secure meaningful media coverage.

Manage the representation of the organisation, and coordinate participation at relevant panels, conferences, and campaigns.

6. Thought Leadership

Strategise, initiate and manage collaborative campaigns with partner organisations, funders, and sector peers.

Design thematic newsletters on relevant topics such as intellectual disability and skill development to engage stakeholders.

7. Annual Reporting

Lead the process of creating the organisation's Annual Report, working closely with internal and external contributors.

Ensure timely collection of data, narratives, and design inputs for the final publication.

Key Requirements

Education

Graduate (mandatory)

Postgraduate or relevant degree in communications/media (preferred)

Experience

Minimum 1 year in communications (mandatory); social sector experience (preferred)

Skills and Knowledge

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Strong writing and storytelling ability across formats (impact stories, reports, social media, decks)

Proficiency in Canva, PowerPoint, and basic design tools (Illustrator a plus)

Understanding of social media management, including campaign planning and analytics

Process-oriented, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects

Creative, analytical, and strategic thinker

Desired Attitude and Mindset

Self-starter with a proactive approach to content collection and execution

Deadline-oriented with strong ownership and planning

Creative mindset with a keen eye for innovation in communication

Collaborative and confident in engaging with cross-functional teams and external partners

Passionate about inclusion, equity, and disability rights

Collaboration and Stakeholder Interaction

The Communications Associate will closely work with:

Internal: Chief Executive Officer, Faculty, Program managers, Program officers, Programs and Partnerships Lead

External: Consultant for Annual report

Partner organisations and external stakeholders for testimonials, joint posts, and campaigns

Why Join Veruschka Foundation

At Veruschka Foundation, we empower individuals with intellectual disabilities through a unique culinary-based model that blends disability advocacy, skill-building, and livelihood creation. As we grow, we offer our team:

A chance to build systems from the ground up in a dynamic, scaling organisation

Opportunities to lead, problem-solve, and make decisions

A diverse, collaborative team culture with professionals from multiple sectors

A positive, supportive work environment with strong mentorship and leadership access

Regular team bonding activities, an open-door policy, and an emphasis on personal growth