ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks a Strategic Communications Officer (SCO) to play a key role on a dynamic team that is harnessing strategic communications to expand the influence and global impact of the Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest social justice philanthropies. As a member of a small, specialized team of communication officers that serves as the brain trust for the foundation’s strategic communications efforts, the SCO reports to the Head of Strategy, in the Office of Communications and works closely with program directors, regional directors, and teams for which they serve as a primary communications partner. These relationships provide important direction for the SCO and in turn allow the SCO to meaningfully contribute to wider foundation communications.
A critical role of the SCO is acting as a day-to-day communication thought and action partner for assigned program and regional teams, helping them to realize the greatest potential impact of their work. The SCO builds deep, supportive relationships with program teams; provides excellent ongoing communications counsel; and helps teams deliver on their communications ambitions in smart, effective ways. As part of larger foundation communications, the SCO helps curate compelling stories that speak to the work and impact of grantees, demonstrating how change happens, and influences others to support this work.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

As a Strategic Communications Officer, you will work on the following and/or similar activities:

• Develop and write diverse communication materials, including messaging, press releases, and opinion pieces.
• Strengthen foundation-wide communication capacity through learning tools, resources, and workshops.
• Provide media interview and speaking engagement preparation and support.
• Collaborate on storytelling initiatives to demonstrate impact and highlight grantee work.
• Lead project teams to ensure clear communication of institutional stories to target audiences.
• Teams with the Head of Media Relations to undertake media outreach where appropriate, seeking opportunities to proactively enhance the reputation of the Ford brand
• Oversee the selection and management of communications consultants, facilitating successful partnerships.
• Serve as the strategic communications lead for key program areas and regional offices, offering advice and support.
• Develop and execute communication opportunities for key program initiatives
• Cultivate strong internal and external relationships, staying updated on communication trends.

Please refer the Job description for details