Description

The Executive Communications Lead will be instrumental in developing compelling communications materials for Foundation executives, including briefing documents, talking points, and internal communications. This role involves significant support in crafting speeches, ghostwriting blogs, and producing other written content. A key aspect will be proactively identifying and shaping public speaking and media opportunities to elevate the Foundation's thought leadership.

Reporting to the Chief of Staff/Director of Executive Communications, this position offers broad visibility across the organization. The successful candidate will work closely with and within the Product and Technology department, collaborating and learning from colleagues in media relations, digital media, internal communications, advocacy, and crisis communications. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organization that supports a global movement of volunteer editors and other contributors – a community that deeply values language and the power of precise expression, making it an ideal environment for a passionate writer.

This role is an excellent fit for a candidate who possesses

• Previous communications experience, including direct engagement with media.
• Proven expertise in working with senior leadership, ideally within the technology sector.
• The ability to work autonomously to develop thought leadership strategies and craft impactful talking points.

The ideal candidate is

• A Strong, Adaptable Writer: You possess a demonstrated ability to work with and write for diverse stakeholders and audiences. Your experience includes regularly creating internal communications such as emails and newsletters, developing thorough briefing documents and preparation materials, and skillfully ghostwriting content like blogs, op-eds, and speeches for various communication channels. You bring a strong narrative voice to compelling external content and have a proven track record of adapting your style to effectively write for others. Furthermore, you are curious and adept at identifying and developing new thought leadership materials in response to evolving industry trends and public discourse.
• A Diplomatic and Seasoned Collaborator: You thrive in collaborative environments, valuing the process of co-creation and partnership with internal and external stakeholders on communications initiatives of all sizes. You are comfortable working independently with senior leadership, offering clear guidance and constructive feedback on communications strategies and materials.
• A Self-Directed Professional: You excel at managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. This role requires someone who can effectively prioritize and manage their time across short-term, reactive communications needs and longer-term strategic initiatives. As the Foundation is a globally distributed organization, this is a primarily remote position with occasional yearly travel for in-person gatherings.
• A Connector: You are enthusiastic about becoming deeply integrated within various departments across the organization to understand their communication needs and effectively articulate the story of their work. While based within the communications function, a significant aspect of this role involves close collaboration with Product and Technology leadership to develop compelling narratives around innovation and technical advancements for diverse audiences.

You are responsible for

• Developing written materials that accurately capture the tone and voice of different executives, often under tight deadlines. This includes writing and ghostwriting speeches, op-eds, quotes, external statements, and blog posts that articulate a clear and compelling point of view.
• Monitoring relevant technology trends and public narratives, proactively identifying opportunities to enhance awareness of the Wikimedia projects.
• Leveraging relationships with reporters and conference organizers to identify new and impactful platforms for Foundation leaders to engage with key audiences.
• Anticipating challenging questions and preparing executives with necessary messaging on a range of timely and relevant topics.
• Cultivating strong relationships across the organization and within the broader volunteer movement to understand and identify emerging trends for inclusion in broader communications strategies.
• Identifying and shaping strategic thought leadership opportunities that resonate with key public audiences and enhance their understanding of Wikipedia's crucial role in society and technology today.
• Collaborating closely with the communications department to ensure alignment on overall communication strategy and key spokespeople, including the development of proactive media opportunities.
• Establishing repeatable processes and relevant metrics to evaluate and improve the effectiveness of public speaking engagements and other thought leadership initiatives.

Skills & Experience

• Minimum of six years of experience in an editorial, journalism, or communications role.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication, and editing skills, with a proven ability to produce both concise and in-depth pieces while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Strong organizational skills and demonstrated experience managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines, coupled with a capacity for both independent and collaborative work.
• Experience and comfort in working with reporters, managing media interviews, and shaping media coverage.
• Experience working with technical subject matter and the ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear and engaging narratives.
• Detail-oriented with a track record of maintaining organized systems and documentation for projects involving multiple moving parts and stakeholders.
• A strong passion for staying informed on news trends and proactively identifying media opportunities for spokespeople.
• Comfort and experience working with senior executives and spokespeople at all levels, fostering collaborative relationships on communication strategy and messaging.
• Excellent research skills.

Additionally, we’d love it if you have

• Involvement or experience within Wikimedia communities and/or editing Wikimedia projects.
• Flexibility to align your workday with US time zones, ensuring overlap with Pacific Time.
• The ability to speak and write in multiple languages.
• Knowledge of online community interaction and dynamics.

Note: If you feel strongly that you have what it takes for this role but don’t check 100% of the boxes—that’s okay—we encourage you to apply anyway and highlight what you can bring to the table.