Please note: The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will collaborate with the outside search firm, Taylor Bennett, to conduct this search for a stellar candidate to take up this exciting and challenging appointment. Should you wish to apply for this position, we kindly ask you to submit your CV for consideration via [email protected]
The Senior Communications Officer will act as the strategic communications lead and drive day to day execution of the foundation’s external communications strategy in the UK and Nordics (currently defined as Sweden and Norway). The Senior Communications Officer (SCO) will form a crucial part of the small Europe and Middle East communications team based in London, Berlin and Paris and will work closely with the Government Relations leads for their countries of focus to build integrated advocacy and communications strategies. The core focus of the role will be on UK communications as one of the most significant partners of the foundation with a secondary focus on the Nordics (roughly a 70/30 split which may vary over time given key priorities).
- Lead on media relations activities in the UK and Nordics to ensure we have a sustained media relations strategy and engagement program in place for priority markets.
- Manage day to day media requests in core markets to ensure that we respond quickly and thoughtfully to media requests as they occur
- Work with the EME DD to develop the key relationships with the influential and emerging media voices
- Work with agency resources to develop the digital infrastructure and management framework that will support our advocacy and communications objectives in market
- Work with Seattle teams to develop integrated editorial calendar across traditional print, online and digital media to support the foundation’s priorities
- Act as the communications interface into partner community in priority markets with a view to creating a more joined up approach to building momentum for our issues in these markets
- .Act as day-to-day liaison with grantees and partners in priority markets to ensure clear, compelling and consistent communications on our principle issues and to ensure that we maximize communications opportunities as they arise
- In addition to the above job responsibilities, we are also seeking experience as described below:
- Significant professional experience in public relations or related communications field
- Background in journalism, communications, public policy, or a related field is required.
- Fluency in English required, familiarity with Swedish or Norwegian is a positive but not required.
- Excellent experience of working with full range of media, including print, broadcast and digital in the UK is required. Experience in Nordic media is desired.
- Experience of working across broader range of communications disciplines required.
- A strong analytical mindset to understand and react to real-time data and insights.
- Strong communication skills both written and oral and the ability to influence and negotiate with individuals at all levels internally and externally.
- The ability to assimilate and understand sometimes complicated new subjects including scientific, medical and policy areas.
- Ability to confidently represent the foundation when dealing with media, strong analytical and writing skills; sound media judgment.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment under deadline, with demonstrated ability to juggle multiple and competing demands and establish priorities, to remain flexible, and to work collaboratively as part of a team. Ability to effectively cultivate and manage relationships both with internal staff and foundation partners.
Education:
- BA required; advanced degree preferred with 7 years of experience