Communications Manager

About the Internet Society & Internet Society Foundation

The Internet Society (ISOC) supports and promotes the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. Our work aligns with our goals for the Internet to be open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. We seek collaboration with all who share these goals.

Together, we focus on building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work; advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and advocating for policy that is consistent with our view of the Internet.

The Internet Society Foundation (Foundation) is a newly formed, non-profit organization that works in concert with the Internet Society. It exists to demonstrate and support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere and promote the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society.  Learn more at https://www.internetsociety.org/foundation/.

Summary of the Position

The Communications Manager is responsible for the development, implementation and management of an overarching strategic communications plan that brings the Internet Society Foundation’s mission to life. As a key brand ambassador, he/she will work to position the Internet Society Foundation brand with external stakeholders and the general public in the most effective manner through the use of the full mix of marketing communications disciplines.

He/she will manage relationships with the Executive Director and Program Officers to ensure that communications efforts are aligned in support of the Foundation’s strategic, operational, and programmatic goals. The Communications Manager will be the main reference point for communications expertise and will lead on communications initiatives, planning approaches and tactics as well as identify opportunities to raise awareness of the Foundation and its work. This spans the execution of integrated projects across digital, social media, and media relations.

There are five grant program areas on which the Communications Manager will focus as well as the Foundation as a whole:

1.    Beyond the Net Funding Programme. Chapter grant funding for local and regional projects aligned with the Internet Society’s mission.

2.    Community capacity building. Support for broader initiatives that improve Internet access and bridge the digital opportunities gap.

3.    Disaster relief and recovery. Support to partner efforts to ensure communities can be reconnected quickly after natural disasters.

4.    Research. The Foundation will explore opportunities to fund research and strengthen research capacity across technical, economic and public policy topics.

5.    Innovation. This fund will encourage and fund technology initiatives and innovative technologies that contribute to the open Internet.

Location: Open to European Regions

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop, lead, and implement a proactive communications strategy for the Foundation;
• Develop a portfolio of core messaging appropriate for all stakeholder groups;
• Identify key audiences and influencers (community and external) to drive interest and visibility for the Foundation and position it appropriately in the market;
• Provide strategic direction for the development of the website and digital marketing;
• Collaborate with  a team of Internet Society staff as well as select freelancers responsible for developing content for impactful communications;
• Develop and implement the foundation’s social media strategy to drive engagement with key audiences. Evaluate how engagement can be maximized;
• Maintain the Foundation’s presence on the website;
• Provide expert communications and media/press relations counsel to Foundation staff and act as primary media contact;
• Conduct proactive media pitching; and press engagement;
• Identify conference and event opportunities as well as speaking opportunities for the Foundation;  plan and coordinate strategic event participation;
• Regularly review communications strategy and tactics against defined metrics to evaluate effectiveness; assess and make adjustments as needed.