Communications & External Affairs Associate

The Team:

At Gates Ventures, our work supports Bill Gates’s contributions to the world of global health, energy innovation, science, education, technology, and philanthropy. We are a small, collaborative organization and support each other across levels, teams, and workstreams.

The Role:

The Communications & External Affairs Associate for the Communications & External Affairs team will provide a wide range of support across media relations, external affairs, and correspondence. The Associate will have the opportunity to contribute to important projects, collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. Strong organizational skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role. This is a 2-year Limited Term Employment (LTE) role and is required to be in person in the Kirkland office.

Responsibilities:

• Provide support across a variety of activities for media relations and external affairs, including meeting management (agendas, recaps, follow-up) and development of briefing materials - including messaging, Q&A, bios, and relevant coverage.
• Support research needs to inform communications plans.
• Support correspondence (e.g. requests for event attendance, participation, and other varied requests for our principal’s time).
• Maintain media interactions within an existing CRM system.
• Maintain knowledge management system - update and organize content.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams - support trips, events and special projects as needed. May include onsite event support, large-scale printing projects, and creation of media lists.
• Serve as a collaborative liaison and partner to the Gates Foundation and other entities connected with Gates Ventures.
• As with most communications/PR jobs, travel may be required and some work will be required outside of normal office hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bachelor’s degree in addition to the required experience. Communications or English majors preferred.
• 3-4 years of experience in public relations, executive communications, social media, project management, or corporate affairs.
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff and external partners.
• Demonstrated capabilities in project management and diplomacy with peers, colleagues, and managers. (Must be a true team player.)
• Must have a proven track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture.
• Must be flexible and adaptable to changing situations. Proactive, able to anticipate and solve problems before they occur.
• Demonstrated experience in maintaining confidentiality and privacy during sensitive situations, and able to use discretion with communications. Must be able to uphold and ensure security and confidentiality of all information.
• Demonstrated effectiveness meeting deadlines in a role requiring continual attention to detail in composing, drafting, and proofing materials.
• Able to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude in stressful and time-sensitive situations and circumstances.
• Able to pass an extensive background investigation.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and OneNote, and general digital savvy.
• Must be able to work in person at the Kirkland office.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$100,000. Starting salary offers will vary depending on a number of factors, including education, experience, and qualifications. Gates Ventures offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and a 401(k) program with employer match. Our benefits also include generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.