Communications Officer

Partnering with and reporting to the Director of Communications, the Communications Officer leads the Foundation digital communications and social media presence and supports strategic communications activities for each of the core grantmaking programs. The Communications Officer plays a key role in elevating the profile of the Raikes Foundation in order to build support from and engage partners in the work Foundation’s work to build a more just and equitable country.

The Communications Officer works closely with the staff, and grantees on communications strategies to support their work. The role collaborates with the Raikes’ Executive Office, North Forty Group to ensure the Trustees communication platform and strategies amplify and are in support of the Foundations priorities. The role requires thoughtful planning and execution of strategic and proactive communications initiatives, as well as timely responses to unanticipated opportunities and events.

The Communications Officer is a digital-savvy writer and strategist with experience developing and executing communications strategies to support issues.

The digital communications strategy, social media campaigns, and day-to-day content generation are an ongoing area of focus for the Communications Officer.

Role Responsibilities

The Communications Officer works closely with the Director of Communication, staff, and grantees on communications strategies to support their work. The role requires thoughtful planning and execution of strategic, proactive communications initiatives as well as timely responses to unanticipated opportunities and events. They play a proactive role in the Foundation’s organizational learning; seek opportunities to collaborate and contribute to exploring synergies across the Foundation’s strategy areas

The following are areas of responsibility for the Communications Officer.

Social Media & Web Management

• Collaborate with RF Director of Communications to develop, curate, and execute a multi-channel digital strategy that supports the Raikes Foundation’s work and brand objectives

• Collaborate with the RF Director of Communications, RF departments, and Raikes EO to create/update social media calendar

• Collaborate with RF grant partners and colleagues in the field to develop a diverse range of creative storytelling campaigns related to the RF portfolio

• Lead web specialist in charge of day-to-day website updates and projects

• Create compelling content, telling Foundation and grantee stories through a variety of channels

Internal Communications

• Works as thought partner with the Director of Communications to redesign our existing Communications systems

• Collaborates with HR, RF departments, and EO to develop and execute multimedia and written content for internal communication channels

• Collaborates with RF departments to develop program materials for a variety of audiences

• Leads Lunch & Learn events/trainings for the Foundation

• Maintains the RF Editorial Calendar up to date

Partner Communications

• Collaborates with RF departments and EO to develop biannual newsletters for external audiences

• Collaborates with the Director of Communications to produce the RF Annual Report

• Collaborates with the Director of Communications to curate and facilitate stakeholder events & partnerships in the field

• Collaborates with the Director of Communications on carrying out field-facing communications strategies

Role Requirements

A successful Communications Officer is a communications practitioner with a broad base of skills deployed across a wide variety of channels – from print and video to speeches and social media. The Communications Officer demonstrates familiarity with the full array of communications channels and will know how to use them in complementary and comprehensive plans.

As communications work inherently leverages and responds to real-world events, the Communications Officer is able to flex with changing situations and prioritize shifting tasks – all while maintaining a focus on long-term goals. Nimbleness, flexibility, and comfort “wearing many hats” are musts for this role.

Writing and connecting with a variety of audiences are central to the role. The Communications Officer is called upon frequently to take dense policy or academic research materials and make them easily understandable and compelling for a wide variety of audiences.

Familiarity with education or youth development issues, trends, and stakeholders, as well as with nonprofit, advocacy, and/or philanthropic work, is helpful.

Deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and an understanding of the systemic, structural, and historical challenges that impact youth, especially youth of color and LGBTQ youth.

At least 2 – 5 years of experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans is required, with strong digital communications and social media skills.

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The Raikes Foundation is currently in a hybrid work environment, with a 1 day per week requirement to be in their Seattle Office. There may be an increase in office days.

The Raikes Foundation is committed to building a fair society. We encourage applicants from people of color; LGBTQ+ people; and people from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.

COMPENSATION:

The Foundation anticipates compensating the new Communications Officer, between $120K - $136K annually, depending on skills and experience.

BENEFITS:

Insurance:

• Fully Paid healthcare coverage for employees and their dependent children

• Fully Paid Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) for Dental & Vision for employees & their family

• Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance

• Short- & Long-Term disability insurance

• Employees have the option to sign up for a Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

Other Benefits:

• Transit Card

• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

• A $2,500 annual student loan reimbursement benefit

• A 9% employer-paid 401k contribution (no employee match required, after one year eligibility)

• 15 days of paid vacation, 10 sick days, 10 paid holidays, (subject to start date) and paid parental leave