Job Description: |
Description:
The goal of the Global Development Program is to reduce poverty and hunger in the developing world. We are supporting new ways to help poor farmers increase their productivity and sell their crops, we are working to make a wide range of financial services products available to the poor, and we are seeking help to improve people’s lives by connecting them to a world of information through increased, no-cost access to computers and the Internet in their public libraries.
Work with the Senior Public Affairs and Communications Officer to: - Help design and implement an overall communications strategy, messaging and tools for each of the Global Development Program’s core focus areas: Agricultural Development, Financial Services for the Poor, Global Libraries, and Special Initiatives.
- Develop a program to support the communications capacity of Global Development grantees worldwide, including reviewing grantee press releases, providing quotes, and providing talking points to leadership who are speaking for the foundation.
- Build and maintain a global network of key media and other contacts, handling media calls, determining appropriate messaging and spokesperson, and ensuring that response is delivered.
- Manage the finalization of core advocacy materials for all aspects of the Global Development Program.
- Ensure that the President of Global Development and other senior foundation officials have timely, updated written and other materials on all aspects of the program’s work.
- Develop or contribute to case studies to use in supporting the Global Development Program in broader foundation advocacy messaging
- Develop and oversee strategic grantmaking program and partnerships to increase the quality and quantity of media coverage around the Global Development Program’s priorities.
- Develop appropriate outreach plans for listening to outside voices, sharing the Global Development teams’ strategies and thinking about how we communicate impact assessment.
- Support program staff in preparing, briefing for, and arranging visits by the foundation leadership team.
- Contribute to the Global Development Program’s website content and related materials.
Qualifications:
- A minimum of eight years experience working on strategic communications and advocacy ideally with experience on development issues including working in a developing country or with partners in developing countries.
- An advanced degree in communications, public policy international relations, development or a related field is strongly preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills with a proven ability to express complex ideas in a clear and compelling manner.
- Proven experience in the conception, design, implementation and management of strategic communications and advocacy strategies, preferably within a government, multicultural agency or non-profit.
- The ability to leverage internal and external voices to articulate the foundation’s point of view to policy makers and other key audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to identify, establish and maintain effective working relationships with critical media contacts and experience as a spokesperson in roles requiring knowledge of complex and technical issues.
- Ability to exercise sound judgment.
- Ability to travel up to 20%. Position is based in Seattle, WA.
Company Profile:
Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to help all people lead healthy, productive lives. In developing countries, it focuses on improving people’s health and giving them the chance to lift themselves out of hunger and extreme poverty. In the United States, it seeks to ensure that all people—especially those with the fewest resources—have access to the opportunities they need to succeed in school and life. Based in Seattle, the foundation is led by CEO Patty Stonesifer and co-chair William H. Gates Sr., under the direction of Bill and Melinda Gates and Warren Buffett. |
