Communications Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The organization is the largest nonprofit dedicated to combating poverty, disease, and inequity globally. It was founded on the principle that all individuals, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to lead healthy and productive lives. The foundation emphasizes the importance of diversity among its employees, reflecting the varied populations it serves. It offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision coverage without premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, retirement contributions funded by the foundation, regional holidays, and opportunities for employees to engage in various community initiatives. The organization is committed to fostering a workplace environment that supports both personal and professional growth for its employees.

Job Overview:
The Communications Officer will play a pivotal role in leading external communications for the Philanthropic Partnerships Team (PPT). This position involves shaping and sharing the team's narrative with global audiences, crafting key messages, driving media engagement, and managing impactful storytelling across various platforms and initiatives. The officer will collaborate closely with colleagues across the foundation, particularly within the Communications Division, and will also work with external vendors and agencies. A significant aspect of this role includes aligning public-facing messages with partner-facing narratives, ensuring consistency in communication strategies. The position is limited-term for 11 months, with a preference for it to be based in Seattle, WA, although there is some flexibility for US-domestic remote work.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing and executing the external communications strategy for PPT, providing strategic direction and serving as the lead communications partner for program staff. Key responsibilities include leading communications for the Giving Pledge, developing and implementing its communications strategy, and creating associated collateral and resources. The officer will act as a strategic advisor for PPT leadership, preparing leadership briefs, talking points, and materials for media opportunities and high-visibility engagements. They will oversee media relations for PPT, developing messaging and support for speaking and media opportunities, and will work closely with the foundation’s communications team to respond to media inquiries. Additionally, the officer will partner with the Audience Engagement lead to create core communications materials, support global initiatives, and collaborate with the Insights team to measure and evaluate the impact of communications efforts. Managing grants and contracts related to communications components and supporting an inclusive culture within the organization are also essential duties.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have at least 5 years of experience in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field, or equivalent demonstrated experience. They should have a proven track record of developing and implementing communications strategies for large or complex organizations, with the ability to translate complex ideas into clear narratives for diverse audiences. The ideal candidate will demonstrate the ability to navigate complexity and manage competing priorities across various stakeholder groups, including senior leadership and external partners. Experience in preparing high-profile individuals for media engagements and a solid understanding of the philanthropic sector, including donor behavior and the role of communications in philanthropy, is essential. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience with the Gates Foundation or similar entities.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, ideally in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field. The educational background should support the candidate's ability to effectively communicate complex ideas and strategies to diverse audiences.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in communications, journalism, public policy, or a related field. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communications strategies for large organizations or initiatives, showcasing their ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholder relationships effectively.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential given the global nature of the role and the need to communicate effectively with diverse audiences. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a limited-term position for 11 months, and relocation assistance will not be provided. The foundation is open to hiring a US-domestic remote employee, but international remote work is not an option. The salary range for this role is between $143,000 and $214,400 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is $157,300 to $235,900 USD. The foundation aims to balance competitive pay with its mission-driven goals, and new hires typically fall within the range minimum to midpoint based on their skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the foundation is committed to providing an inclusive hiring experience for all candidates.