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Thrive Alliance

The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation: Communications Officer

Thrive Alliance, San Francisco, California, United States, 94199


The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is looking for a Communications Officer to collaborate with the Communications team and various partners to achieve strategic communications objectives that align with the foundation's mission. This role will focus on the Education Program and one or two additional grantmaking programs, developing and executing communications plans that amplify the voices of staff and grantees. The ideal candidate should be a mission-driven problem-solver with project management skills and knowledge in philanthropy and K-12 education, with a strong belief in the positive impact of effective communication. The position reports to the Chief Communications Officer.

Make your application after reading the following skill and qualification requirements for this position. About The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation is a nonpartisan philanthropy that invests in problem solvers to tackle critical global and U.S. challenges, managing approximately $12.8 billion in assets and awarding nearly $600 million annually in grants. The foundation focuses on combating climate change, advancing gender equity, and strengthening democracy, while also supporting community-led conservation and addressing local issues like housing affordability in the San Francisco Bay Area. Committed to racial justice and enhancing the effectiveness of philanthropy, it employs around 130 individuals in an inclusive environment that fosters professional development and attracts diverse talent. Qualifications

B.A. degree in communications, journalism or similar field. Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, including proven track record of managing strategic communications and working with multiple programs or organizations concurrently (managing divergent needs and expectations along the way). Experience cultivating strong relationships with media, coalition partners, and stakeholders in education and/or philanthropy required; Washington, D.C., and/or agency experience is a plus. Superb written and oral communications skills. Knowledge of AP Style strongly preferred. Knowledge of Microsoft Office products required. Intellectual curiosity and strong appetite for news and information; ability to stay attuned to narratives, trends, and developments in communications, philanthropy, and issue areas. Experience managing external consultants, such as p.r. agencies and freelance writers. Thorough understanding of changing communications landscape, including strong facility and proven knowledge of media research tools and digital platforms for publishing, listening, engaging and analyzing (e.g. social media platforms and tools such as LinkedIn, CRMs such as Salesforce; and media databases and monitoring tools such as MuckRack). High EQ, diplomacy, and the ability to work across diverse internal and external constituents, building credibility and constructive professional relationships. Demonstrated facility in cultivating relationships, fostering inclusive ways of working, and operating through trust-building and influence rather than being directive. Demonstrated ability to manage projects and competing priorities, react nimbly when required, and set priorities without direct supervision. Strong organizational skills and attention to detail. Proven ability to think creatively and constructively to solve problems, and to work collaboratively with other communicators toward a shared goal. Strong judgment and ability to deal with sensitive issues, escalating to Chief Communications Officer when appropriate and timely. Responsibilities

Develop and implement strategic communications plans for internal clients and communications initiatives, as needed, based on a thorough understanding of grantmaking objectives, institutional brand and narrative, and diverse stakeholders and audiences relevant to a given issue as well as philanthropy and social sector. Collaborate with communications colleagues and other internal partners to develop and disseminate consistent, clear, and effective messaging about foundation-wide initiatives. Work, as needed, to align internal and external communication on institutional initiatives. Cultivate and maintain media relationships related to Education Program work and stay up to date on relevant mainstream and social media narratives. Develop messaging, talking points, press releases and other materials, as needed. Make recommendations and provide tactical assistance to build and leverage the voice of program staff to help achieve programmatic goals through a range of online and offline channels, including preparation for speaking engagements and development of articles and essays to inform, engage and mobilize target audiences. With Digital Communications Officer and other team members, coordinate timely, relevant and engaging digital content such as email newsletters, institutional social media, blogs and other website content. Anticipate, inoculate against and respond to criticism or in crisis context, partnering with program, legal and other communications staff, as needed. Work with external partners, such as co-funders and grantees, around tentpole moments and announcements to elevate and support the field’s strategic goals. Working cross-functionally, help develop and execute events and convenings, including media roundtables and grantee communications such as webinars. Retain and manage freelancers and external consultants, when relevant, in support of these efforts. Manage and contribute to institutional communications projects, as needed, such as communications guidance and policy updates, development of tools and resources, and trainings. Contribute to the ongoing learning and development of the communications team, and the wider foundation, about best practices in the field of strategic communications, narrative and culture, and healthy media ecosystems. Compensation and Benefits

The Hewlett Foundation is committed to providing compensation that is competitive within the philanthropic sector. We offer a generous total compensation package that emphasizes both base salary and comprehensive benefits. The salary range for this role starts at $165,000-$205,000. Offers are based on the candidate's years of experience and our practice of maintaining salary equity within the foundation. To Apply

Interested candidates should apply through the Chaloner application form. Chaloner will review all applicants and, upon qualification, contact you to determine next steps.

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