Branding & Strategic Communications Consultant @Unknown

About PILnet

PILnet is an international, locally present non-governmental organization (NGO) that partners with legal professionals and nonprofit organizations globally to protect civic space, address global challenges, and work to build just, equitable, and sustainable societies. PILnet does this by supporting civil society, engaging legal professionals, and nurturing the next generation of legal professionals in three strategic priority areas: civic space, climate justice, and people on the move. PILnet currently has offices in New York, Budapest, and Hong Kong, but operates globally.

Position Summary

The Branding & Strategic Communications Consultant will work closely with our Director of Communications and Events to refresh our branding strategy that resonates with donors, legal professionals, nonprofit civil society partners, and the public. This is a senior advisory role that requires strategic thinking, supporting the organization at a pivotal moment. The ideal candidate brings a sophisticated understanding of brand positioning within the nonprofit or public interest sector, combined with experience navigating the communications demands of an organization that works globally.

Key Responsibilities (Deliverable packages)

1. Brand Strategy & Identity (starting in September)

• Conduct a brand audit to assess current positioning, messaging consistency, and visual identity across all channels and materials.
• Refresh and refine a compelling, cohesive brand narrative that reflects the organization’s mission, values, and impact.
• Update existing brand guidelines with a fresh perspective to ensure consistent application across digital, print, and event contexts.
• Support the Director with the oversight of the implementation of the brand strategy including alignment of visual assets, logos, typography, and color palettes, ensuring they reflect the organization’s institutional tone.
• Support the Director with the standardization of messaging across all platforms, including the website, annual reports, social media, and fundraising campaigns.

2. Internal Support & Capacity Building (from October)

• Act as a sounding board and strategic partner for the Communications Director, providing expert feedback and support.
• Develop a brand toolkit to empower staff and board members to act as effective brand ambassadors.
• Facilitate a branding workshop with staff to align internal culture with external brand promises.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8 years of relevant experience in strategic communications, brand development, and at least 3 years in nonprofit communications.
• Proven and documented track record of working on branding projects for mission- or impact-driven, nonprofit, or public interest organizations.
• Able to provide before and after examples of previous work on projects that you have led.
• Able to provide client references from the nonprofit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages a plus but not required).
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and work collaboratively across teams.
• High degree of autonomy and the ability to manage a portfolio of work with limited oversight.

Application instructions

Interested candidates should submit their application package via an online form as well as through recruitment@pilnet.org with the subject line “Application for Strategic Communications & Branding Consultant” by July 31. The applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis starting from July 27, 2026

The application package should include:

• Submitted online form
• Resume
• A cover letter highlighting experience working on similar projects including a proposed fee structure
• Portfolio of recent branding work examples

PILnet is committed to providing a professional environment free of discrimination and harassment. All contracting decisions are based on regional strategic needs, consultancy requirements, and individual expertise. We welcome and encourage proposals from experts of all backgrounds and perspectives.

Personal data provided by applicants will be used strictly in accordance with PILnet’s Privacy Policy.