Principal 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 an exceptional benefits package that includes comprehensive 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.

Job Overview:
In the role of Principal Officer, you will provide critical support to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and the Director of Strategy Planning and Management (SPM) & Chief of Staff (CoS). Your primary responsibility will be to help establish and advance the strategic vision of the global Communications Division. This position requires you to act as a trusted advisor, offering strategic oversight and thought partnership for key projects within the division. You will be involved in creating new initiatives, such as the foundation's misinformation strategy, and will design and implement pilot programs for innovative communication approaches. Additionally, you will collaborate with the Measurement & Insights team to evaluate the effectiveness of these efforts, ensuring that strategies are informed by both qualitative and quantitative data.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include serving as a principal advisor to the CCO and the Director of SPM and CoS, helping to build and refine the communications strategy. You will work closely with the SPM team and executive leadership to align divisional strategies with cross-functional goals. You will represent the Communications Strategy in various foundation forums and participate in the Communications Executive Team. A significant part of your role will involve leading the development of a comprehensive misinformation strategy, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation plans. You will also design and oversee pilot programs that test new communication approaches, ensuring that outcomes are measured and evaluated for scalability. Furthermore, you will partner with the Measurement & Insights team to ground strategies in data, presenting options for decision-making and assessing tradeoffs. Change management will also be a key focus, as you will collaborate with the SPM and CET to implement new initiatives smoothly and foster an inclusive organizational culture.

Required Qualifications:
To qualify for this position, you must possess a Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience, with an advanced degree preferred. You should have at least 10 years of experience in strategic communications planning and execution, demonstrating a proven ability to design and deliver data-informed strategies that incorporate both qualitative and quantitative insights. A successful track record of leading multifaceted initiatives is essential, along with experience in misinformation, media, communications, or public affairs strategies. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are crucial, as you will need to influence, negotiate, and build trust among diverse stakeholders. A deep understanding of global and organizational contexts relevant to strategic communications and foundation initiatives is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, with an advanced degree being preferred. This educational foundation should provide you with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of strategic communications and to effectively contribute to the foundation's mission.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, with a focus on planning and execution. Candidates should have a proven ability to lead initiatives that are informed by data, showcasing both qualitative and quantitative insights. Experience in advising on misinformation and media strategies is highly valued, as is a history of successful project management in complex environments.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the role and the organization’s global focus. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the foundation's areas of operation.

Additional Notes:
This position is expected to involve up to 30% domestic and international travel. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship. The salary range for this role is between $261,700 and $405,700 USD, with specific adjustments for high-wage markets like Seattle and Washington D.C., where the range is $285,300 to $442,100 USD. The organization aims to balance competitive pay with its mission, and new hires typically fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range based on their skills and experience. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check, and the organization is committed to providing accommodations for candidates with disabilities during the application process.