Communications Officer

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop an integrated communications strategy for the Water Foundation to convey its work in compelling human-centered ways through a myriad of communication channels (including earned, social, and trade-based media), galvanize new partners to support its work, and establish communications protocols for its team. This strategy will be developed in partnership with the CEO and other staff.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify key messaging and target audiences for Water Foundation communication campaigns and initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and adjust strategies as needed to achieve desired outcomes.

Content Creation and Storytelling

• Oversee the execution of organizational communications strategy, including drafting and editing content and managing design, production, and translation of public-facing materials such as website pages and features, periodic partner updates, social media content, op-eds, blog posts, and other communications collateral.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather stories, data, and testimonials that showcase water successes.
• Ensure that all communication materials adhere to brand guidelines and convey the Foundation’s values and messaging accurately.

Internal Communications and Collaboration

• Build internal relationships and work closely with Water Foundation staff members to synthesize program activities and data for communication materials. Build alignment around how to articulate the brand identity and work of the Water Foundation.
• Collaborate with and provide expertise and guidance to Water Foundation staff members working on programmatic communications campaigns and initiatives, as requested and practicable.
• Develop and facilitate processes for Water Foundation communications to ensure alignment and coordination across departments and teams.

Digital Engagement and Public Affairs

• Oversee the website, social media accounts, and web-based communications platforms with support from external vendors, when applicable.
• Coordinate dissemination of publications and publicize events in partnership with program staff.
• Increase the Water Foundation’s capacity to respond rapidly in key moments, including quickly drafting and posting public/press statements and placing quotes with journalists.
• Support the CEO and other external-facing staff with thought leadership, public comments, and other speaking engagements.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate is a communications strategist who is deeply motivated by Water Foundation’s mission and the power of philanthropy in building a sustainable and just future.

The Communications Officer will possess a blend of strategic vision, creative flair, and collaborative spirit, along with a deep commitment to advancing water resilience and equity. They can effectively navigate between high-level strategy and hands-on implementation in partnership with staff across the organization. 

They will possess strong skills for working closely with internal teams to identify key messaging and target audiences for communication campaigns and initiatives. Additionally, the ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in monitoring and evaluating the impact of communication efforts, adeptly adjusting strategies as needed to maximize engagement and drive desired outcomes across a variety of communication channels.

The Communications Officer will excel in content creation and storytelling, overseeing the development and execution of compelling narratives and materials that highlight the success stories and impact of the Foundation’s efforts. They will possess strong editorial skills, managing the production and dissemination of public-facing content such as website updates, social media posts, op-eds, and other collateral.

Desired Qualifications

With the understanding that no person will offer every desired skill and characteristic outlined below, compelling candidates will offer much of the following:

• 7+ years of experience working in a communications role, preferably in philanthropy or social change organizations.
• Demonstrated success planning, executing, and evaluating communications strategies.
• Excellent writing, editing, and synthesizing skills.
• Proven experience in writing successful high-quality communications materials.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Strong commitment to a collaborative, team-oriented organizational culture.
• Demonstrated success in managing and prioritizing multiple, complex projects, preferably with the use of team-oriented project management tools (e.g., Asana).
• Strong background in content creation and media relations.
• Experience with social media management and website development.
• Exceptional attention to detail.
• Strong work ethic, initiative, follow-through, and good judgment.
• Patience, grace, and humor under pressure.
• Passion for and commitment to the Water Foundation’s mission.
• Commitment to advancing the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace and in the Foundation’s work with its partners.

The Water Foundation strongly encourages Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Intersex, Trans and Gender non-conforming people; individuals from under-resourced communities; immigrants; differently-abled people; and others with diverse perspectives and experiences to apply.