[Hiring] Principal, Executive Communications @Wikimedia Foundation

Role Description

The Wikimedia Foundation seeks a senior communications professional to lead our executive communications across a growing, global portfolio. This person's main responsibility is to serve as a primary communications partner to the Foundation's CEO, providing strategic counsel and direct support across internal and external communications. This includes building a comprehensive engagement strategy spanning multiple and complex stakeholder groups.

In close collaboration with colleagues on the Foundation's media relations and internal communications teams, and with the Foundation's Chief of Staff, this person will:

• Develop, shape, and implement a strategy for the CEO to communicate and advance the vision of the Wikimedia Foundation.
• Support external communications for other members of the Foundation's executive team and the Board of Trustees.
• Proactively identify, shape, and execute opportunities to build thought leadership platforms for the CEO and other Foundation executives.
• Secure and prepare leaders for public speaking and media engagements.
• Regularly develop communications materials for the CEO, such as speeches, remarks, talking points, social media posts, internal communications, briefing documents, and blogs.
• Develop key narratives and messaging strategies that increase awareness and understanding of how Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects work and their value in the world.

This role requires a candidate with previous experience supporting C-level executives, the ability to work autonomously, and the ability to thrive in a highly collaborative environment.

Working hours: This role requires regular working hours aligned with the Eastern Time (ET) time zone, with flexibility to work across time zones as needed.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional experience in communications, with several years supporting C-level executives.
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills, including the ability to adapt communications for different stakeholders.
• Unflappable composure and ability to engage with senior leadership-level presence.
• Experience navigating crisis communications.
• Proven ability to pitch stories, engage press, and manage key relationships.
• Experience developing a social media strategy customized for specific channels.
• Strong project management skills and experience managing multiple projects and deadlines.
• Detail-oriented with experience maintaining systems and documentation for projects.
• Willingness to travel as needed (potential for 3 - 5 trips per year) and work across time zones.

Requirements

• Ability to work with colleagues who do not have English as their primary language.
• A commitment to consistently modeling the Wikimedia Foundation's organizational values.
• Preference for candidates based in the Eastern Time time zone.
• Preference for candidates with involvement or experience within Wikimedia communities and/or editing the Wikimedia projects.

Benefits

• Competitive and equitable salaries.
• Remote-first organization with staff members in 40+ countries.
• Support for a diverse workforce and inclusive workplace.