POSITION: Communications Specialist
COMPANY: Skoll Foundation
LOCATION: Palo Alto, CA
About the Skoll Foundation
The Skoll Foundation (http://www.skollfoundation.org/) was established in 1999 by eBay's first president, Jeff Skoll, who serves as our founder and chairman. The Foundation's innovative approach to philanthropy is based on the belief that small investments can spur significant social change. Sally Osberg joined the Foundation as its first president and CEO in 2001 and leads the organization's team, drawing upon more than 20 years of social sector leadership experience.
The Foundation is dedicated to realizing a vision for a more peaceful and prosperous world. We advance systemic change to benefit communities around the world by investing in, connecting and celebrating social entrepreneurs. The Foundation is focused on social entrepreneurs working in six key issue areas - tolerance and human rights, health, environmental sustainability, economic and social equity, institutional responsibility, and peace and security - and whose models are at an inflection point where our support can accelerate significant impact. The core values of the Skoll Foundation workplace include respect, responsibility, leverage, innovation and tough-minded optimism.
Position Description
The Communications Specialist will serve as a valuable member of the Skoll Foundation marketing team, providing the expertise needed to advance the organization's mission, enhance its reputation, and promote the field of social entrepreneurship. The Communications Specialist will work closely with the marketing team to develop marketing and communications materials used for external communications, including Skoll blogs and newsletters, the Skoll Web site, the annual report, press kits, backgrounders, etc. The Communications Specialist will field media requests, monitor news, and develop an expertise in the key issues and trends affecting global philanthropy, social entrepreneurship and the issue areas in which we work. This position reports to the Communications Director.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Develop and maintain content for the Skoll Web site, ensuring information is timely, accurate and appropriately positioned.
- Create and manage regular communications with Skoll stakeholders.
- Contribute content for communications materials, including press releases, fact sheets, annual reports and backgrounders.
- Support the Foundation's initiatives to provide communications and PR support to Skoll social entrepreneurs.
- Field media interview requests, develop recommendations for participation, and facilitate media interviews for Foundation executive staff.
- Ensure press kits are maintained and updated with associated materials.
- Support Communications Director in Foundation media outreach efforts.
- Serve as primary marketing liaison to Social Edge team and support their public relations needs.
- Support communications needs of annual Skoll World Forum.
- Become proficient in use of Vocus media database and ensure it is properly maintained for efficient deployment of press releases and other media content.
- Partner with measurement consultant to track and evaluate media coverage of the Skoll Foundation, its strategic partners, and social entrepreneurs.
- Monitor media coverage of developments in philanthropy and the public benefit sector.
- Identify, recruit and manage relations and negotiations with relevant professional contractors and vendors as needed and authorized, such as photographers, graphic designers, printers, etc.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrated passion for the Skoll Foundation and its mission.
- Knowledge of the practices and contributions of social entrepreneurs.
- Strong strategic media skills, including positioning and coverage.
- Superb written and oral communications skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with partners across functions on major projects to achieve mutually beneficial results.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and sound judgment.
- Desire and proven ability to work in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment.
- Demonstrated project management and implementation skills.
- High standards, integrity and a sense of humor.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor's degree in journalism or communications preferred.
- Minimum of five years in a communications position.
- A record of accomplishment in the areas of message development, media outreach and reputation management.
- Proven expertise in writing and producing effective communications reports and documents.
- International work experience is desirable.
Candidates please send a cover letter and resume to: jobs@skollfoundation.org. Please specify "Communications Specialist" in the message subject line. The Foundation will contact qualified applicants.
