JENIFER VAUGHAN
Summary
A senior international communications executive with more than 25 years of experience shaping global narratives, building institutional reputations, and driving engagement across high-stakes political environments. I have led communications for senior UN diplomats, humanitarian agencies, and international media networks — strategizing to most effectively guide public messaging, manage crises, advise leadership, and direct teams across continents. My approach blends editorial rigor with diplomatic acumen and media fluency. From CNN and Al Jazeera to the United Nations, I have executed strategies that influence policy, mobilize support, and resonate with stakeholders and the public. I bring a wide and trusted network of journalists and government and NGO leaders, exceptional editorial judgment, and a strong track record of creating public-relations strategies that help attract and sustain confidence.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Senior Media Adviser / Spokesperson
UN Envoy for Syria
05.2019 - Current
- Lead spokesperson and head of communications for one of the UN’s most sensitive diplomatic missions.
- Oversaw strategic messaging, public engagement, and internal UN coordination.
- Represented the office publicly and briefed media on key developments.
- Drafted, edited, and reviewed public messaging and internal materials.
- Built and maintained OSE digital platforms and website presence.
- Served as co-penholder with UNESCO on the UN’s offer to Syrian interim authorities regarding media and freedom of expression issues.
Associate Director of Communications
Demos
07.2018 - 05.2019
- Directed integrated media strategy across legal, policy, and campaign initiatives, aligning messaging with economic and justice goals.
- Crafted narrative strategies to elevate institutional voice and advocacy impact.
- Managed press relations and media training for key spokespeople, including preparation for congressional testimony.
- Produced digital content to support campaign milestones and public outreach.
Freelance Producer & Trainer
AJ
03.2018 - 05.2019
- Developed editorial content and led training on narrative framing.
- Produced short-form video segments aligned with audience-first strategy.
- Trained staff in outreach and story development.
Poynter Fellow-in-Residence
Yale University
09.2017 - 06.2018
- Designed and taught course content on 'Truth and Media Information'.
- Delivered lectures on refugee narratives, bias, and global media ethics.
- Mentored students and supported curriculum development on journalism.
Senior Press Adviser / Consultant
UNHCR
08.2016 - 10.2017
- Provided strategic counsel on global communications, with a later focus on the Nansen Refugee Award and public engagement.
- Managed press outreach and coordinated high-level media bookings.
- Shaped messaging and content strategy for key global events.
Executive Producer – Talk to Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera America
10.2013 - 04.2016
- Directed news production, editorial planning, and cross-platform storytelling.
- Led newsroom teams producing all aspects of Talk to Al Jazeera.
- Oversaw guest booking, writing, and editorial direction.
Program Editor / Executive Producer
Al Jazeera English
07.2011 - 05.2013
- Managed the planning, scripting, and live production of 2.5 hours of daily news.
- Supervised international editorial and production teams.
- Delivered breaking news coverage and in-depth global segments.
Contributor
Financial Times
01.2012 - 12.2012
- Reported on Qatari policy, society, and development issues.
- Wrote analytical features and reported on economic trends.
Senior Producer
CNN International
07.2009 - 07.2011
- Launched CNN's Abu Dhabi bureau and produced the CNN flagship show.
- Planned coverage across the Middle East, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
- Coordinated high-profile interviews and regional partnerships.
Senior Producer
CNN International
06.2006 - 07.2009
- Produced primetime shows and global news specials, including the Eye On series.
- Led show coverage from field and studio across Europe.
- Managed show development, scripting, and breaking news response.
Freelance Field Producer / Assignment Desk
CNN
12.2005 - 06.2006
- Produced field reports and coordinated live and breaking news.
- Liaised with bureaus and local teams for real-time coverage.
- Provided editorial and logistical support in a high-pressure environment.
Writer / Editor / Consultant
UN OCHA
07.2004 - 09.2005
- Drafted situation reports and coordinated humanitarian data on the occupied Palestinian territories.
- Produced policy briefs and humanitarian updates for donors and partners.
Various Production Roles
CNN
05.2000 - 01.2004
- Advanced from production assistant to show producer on shows including American Morning and Wolf Blitzer Reports.
- Managed daily rundowns, scriptwriting, and live segment coordination.
- Supported editorial development for top-tier CNN programming.
Education
LL.M. - International Law
University of London
M.A. - International Relations
Troy State University
B.A. - Journalism
University of Arizona
Skills
- Executive Leadership and Organizational Change
- Strategic Communications and Public Messaging
- High-Level Advocacy
- Public Affairs
- Diplomacy
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Crisis Communication
- Reputational Risk Management
- Media Relations
- Spokesperson Duties
- Media Training
- Digital Strategy
- Social Media
- Brand Development
- Editorial Oversight
- Institutional Publications
- Cross-Cultural Team Building
- Global Coordination
Certification
- UN Political Mission and Peacekeeping Training
- Surviving Hostile Regions – Advanced
- Digital Video Editing (Premiere Pro)
- UN Procurement and Management Courses
Languages
English
French
Awards
- National Association of Black Journalists Excellence Award, 06/01/16
- Gracie Award Winner, 06/01/15
- Peabody Award – Reporting of the Arab Spring: Libya Uprising; Egypt – Wave of Discontent, 06/01/11
- Peabody Award – Gulf Oil Spill, 06/01/10
- Peabody Award – Presidential Primary Campaigns and Debates, 06/01/08
- National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences – Honor for contributions to 9/11 reporting, 06/01/XX
Timeline
Senior Media Adviser / Spokesperson
UN Envoy for Syria
05.2019 - Current
Associate Director of Communications
Demos
07.2018 - 05.2019
Freelance Producer & Trainer
AJ
03.2018 - 05.2019
Poynter Fellow-in-Residence
Yale University
09.2017 - 06.2018
Senior Press Adviser / Consultant
UNHCR
08.2016 - 10.2017
Executive Producer – Talk to Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera America
10.2013 - 04.2016
Contributor
Financial Times
01.2012 - 12.2012
Program Editor / Executive Producer
Al Jazeera English
07.2011 - 05.2013
Senior Producer
CNN International
07.2009 - 07.2011
Senior Producer
CNN International
06.2006 - 07.2009
Freelance Field Producer / Assignment Desk
CNN
12.2005 - 06.2006
Writer / Editor / Consultant
UN OCHA
07.2004 - 09.2005
Various Production Roles
CNN
05.2000 - 01.2004
M.A. - International Relations
Troy State University
B.A. - Journalism
University of Arizona
LL.M. - International Law
University of London
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