Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager

Kirkland, WA, United States

Founded in 2015 by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal expands opportunity and equality for all people through high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy. We accelerate social progress by removing barriers that hold people back.

We strive to be creative and innovative in our work and flexible in the approach we take to solving problems. To date, we have invested in over 150 organizations, including nonprofits, private sector companies, venture funds, and advocacy groups that are on the frontlines of the issues we work on. Some areas we currently focus on: women in technology and innovation; women in public office; women and girls of color; adolescent mental health; paid family and medical leave; and caregiving.

Inspired by our founder, we reach across communities and sectors to bring together changemakers who can scale up proven ideas and catalyze new ones. We learn from their experiences, amplify their resources, then step back so they can lead.

Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible.

ROLE DESCRIPTION:

The Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager is an integral member of the Pivotal Ventures team, playing a crucial role in helping advise, shape and implement multiple facets of the Principal's voice, profile and communications activities. The Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager must work closely and collaboratively with internal team members, partner organizations (Foundation) and a diverse range of external partners (NGO partners, consultants, contractors, agencies and support organizations) to appropriately position the Principal's voice and brand nationally and internationally. Additionally your work will support advancing the Leadership, Influence and Voice goals and drive awareness and influence for key issues.

The Senior Communications & Media Relations Manager, will partner closely with Director, Communications & Media Relations to cultivate a strong, direct and trusted consultative relationship with the Principal, setting strategy and advising her on communications, media relations, messaging and staffing for a diverse set of communications engagements including prepping the Principal for interviews and providing communications counsel.

The candidate should be comfortable in a sophisticated organization that places a high premium on culture, collegiality, intellectual curiosity and collaboration. At the same time, this person must be comfortable with a fast-paced, dynamic role.

This is a Limited Term Employee (LTE) position and is expected to have a duration of 2 years.

ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead in the development and execution of communications strategies-including a global media strategy-that advance the Principal's profile and key priorities involving her philanthropy and advocacy work including in key European and African countries.

Support development and lead implementation of the overarching media strategy set by the Director, Communications & Media Relations.

Build new relationships with premier media, including global outlets, while maintaining current connections.

Advise the Principal on communications and media, offering constructive feedback early and often.

Prep and staff the Principal for media opportunities and external engagements, travel with the principal when needed.

Draft and shape the Principal's key narratives and talking points, including on sensitive topics and issues.

In partnership with the broader communications team, play a leading role in running a proactive, multi-platform content strategy to amplify the Principal's voice and her priorities

Partner with the Writing Team to shape the Principal's speeches and play a leading role in preparation for her engagements.

Partner closely with the Digital Team on campaigns to ensure consistent messaging and approach.

Lead or support other communications campaigns that are beyond the day-to-day scope, implement strategies to seize on emerging news topics, plan for risk and crisis mitigation.

Lead Principal's communication approach

Build strong relationships across the organization from a variety of backgrounds and teams in order to successfully complete the work.

Serve as a thought partner with external collaborators, such as the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Provide direction and partner closely with external agencies and consultants.

Represent the Communications & Media Relations team and the Director, at times communicating on behalf of the team and acting as a proxy for the Director.

Act as a coach and mentor to others across the communications team, helping drive inclusiveness and accountability across the communications team and with its partners.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or behavior required to be successful in this role. Knowledge of the global media landscape and key players and how to effectively communicate in both mainstream and digital media environments.

Ability to work and handle multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, while maintaining a high level of attention to detail, accuracy in work product and focus on service.

High integrity, sound judgment in decision-making, and discretion with confidential matters and sensitive information.

Excellent written and verbal communications skills including strong negotiating/diplomacy skills.

Strong analytical skills and judgment. Ability to synthesize and command complex information and apply it effectively and with sensitivity.

Strong interpersonal skills and consistent track record of building trust with key stakeholders.

Self-starter who manages time well and comes up with proactive solutions.

Understanding of the online landscape and the intersections between earned, owned and paid media.

Understanding of effective communications and media campaigning and the appropriate channels to reach target audiences.

Understanding of integrated campaign models (advocacy, media, partners and so on) and applicability of audience segmentation and related taxonomies.

Experience working with, and extracting value from, agency networks and contractors.

Able to work efficiently and collaboratively under tight timelines.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS 10-12 years of experience in communications (public or private sector)

Experience working with premier media outlets, international media experience a plus.

Background working directly with principals-including C-suite executives, philanthropists or political leaders-advising them on communications strategies and securing media opportunities on their behalf.

Experience crafting communications strategies and plans. Experience crafting policy through communication is a plus.

Ability to travel - including international travel as needed.

Base annual compensation range for this role is from $190,200 - $198,900. This is a Limited Term Employee (LTE) position and is expected to have a duration of 2 years. This means that, absent some change the position will end within that timeframe as defined in the offer letter. The limited duration of the position does not alter the at-will nature of the position or work at Pivotal Ventures.

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, backup caregiving solution, 144 hours of vacation, 96 hours of sick leave, 401k, HSA, FSA, discretionary annual target performance bonus and more.

APPLICATION

To apply, send submit your application via the Pivotal Ventures Careers page.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Pivotal values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and all applicants seeking employment. All employment decisions at Pivotal are based on the candidate's or employee's capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, or marital status, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact [email protected].