Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Position Description
Press Officer – Foundation Communications Summary: The Foundation Communications team is responsible for planning and managing the use of the foundation’s “voice” in support of key issues, for extending and protecting its reputation and for managing key events. It does so by leading and coordinating foundation communications efforts; managing relationships with the philanthropic sector and other key foundation partners, the media, foundation staff, the foundation community, and other external and internal stakeholders, as well as with the general public, on a global basis. The Press Officer position, based in the foundation’s Seattle headquarters, will assist with the implementation of the media relations portion of the foundation’s integrated communications plan, with a primary focus on media relations for the Co-Chairs and CEO. This position will provide collaboration with Foundation Communications team members and the foundation’s Agency of Record to actively pursue select media opportunities for the Co-Chairs and CEO in national and international media outlets. Responsibilities:Implement the media relations portion of the foundation’s communication plan, focusing on media relations for the Co-Chairs and Chief Executive Officer. Participate in the development of executive platforms for Co-Chairs and CEO and drive implementation through a proactive media strategy.
Assist in the strategy development and management of leadership media relations to include; news monitoring and press clippings, drafting and dissemination of press materials. Manage and support the Co-Chairs and CEO in their interactions with media. Triage and prioritize media inquiries, speech requests, interviews, etc., for the Co-Chairs and CEO in partnership with other Foundation Communications leads. Travel with Co-Chairs on key field trips and manage media participation as appropriate. Provide media training and coaching Participate in crisis relations and reputation management. Prepare leadership communications and assist in managing media relations as appropriate.
In collaboration with Foundation Communications team members and Agency of Record, actively pursue select media opportunities for the Co-Chairs and CEO in national and international media outlets.
Develop pitches to targeted media, preparing and coordinating media interviews/briefings, and responding to media inquiries. Monitor internal and external program groups and philanthropic developments to identify and communicate connections between the Co-Chairs and CEO and sector trends. Contribute to messaging and communications research, as appropriate.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree required, with a minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations and public affairs. Graduate degree and/or journalism experience preferred. Previous professional communications experience with top-tier media. Experience serving as spokesperson for a significant, high-profile organization such as a major non-profit entity, government agency, or public corporation. International media experience preferred. Work experience requiring strong written and oral communication skills for a broad and diverse audience, including experience preparing communication materials with complex subject matter. Experience working directly with high profile individuals. Ability to bridge the needs of the media and internal constituencies. Demonstrated success in developing and managing communications for organizational leadership around policy initiatives, communications programs, and projects.
Apply URL:http://gatesfoundation.org