Principal, Executive Communications

The Wikimedia Foundation is seeking a senior communications professional to lead executive communications for its growing, global portfolio.

This role serves as a primary communications partner to the Foundation's CEO, offering strategic counsel and direct support for both internal and external communications. You will build a comprehensive engagement strategy for complex stakeholder groups, collaborating with media relations, internal communications, and the Chief of Staff to advance the Foundation's vision. Support will also extend to external communications for other executive team members and the Board of Trustees.

Key responsibilities include proactively identifying and executing opportunities to build thought leadership platforms for executives, securing and preparing them for public speaking and media engagements. You will develop a range of communication materials, including speeches, talking points, social media posts, internal communications, briefing documents, and blogs. A core focus will be developing key narratives and messaging that enhance understanding of Wikipedia and other Wikimedia projects' value.

This position requires a candidate with proven experience supporting C-level executives, the ability to autonomously develop thought leadership strategies and excellent written materials, and a talent for thriving in a collaborative, globally-distributed, remote, and matrixed organization.

Working hours: Regular alignment with the Eastern Time (ET) time zone is required, with flexibility for global stakeholder support.

The Ideal Candidate Is:

An Executive Communications Expert: Experienced in writing for CEOs and executives, comfortable working directly with senior stakeholders to translate priorities into communication strategies. You are a strategic partner and advisor with executive presence, capable of anticipating tough questions and crafting resonant messages.
Highly Collaborative: Able to integrate executive communications into the overarching strategy of an international communications department. You will build relationships across the organization and volunteer communities to surface trends.
An Experienced Storyteller: Skilled in developing written materials that capture executive tone and voice under tight deadlines. This includes ghostwriting speeches, op-eds, quotes, external statements, and blog posts, as well as guiding social media strategy and internal communications.
Enthusiastic about Proactive External Opportunities: Adept at raising the profile of Wikimedia Foundation leadership by seeking earned media and speaking engagements, and co-creating thought leadership. You will leverage relationships with media and conference organizers to identify compelling opportunities and stay abreast of relevant technology and public narratives.

Skills and Experience:

10+ years of professional communications experience, with several years supporting C-level executives.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to adapt messaging for diverse stakeholders.
Unflappable composure and executive presence, with the ability to communicate the Wikimedia Foundation's work at multiple levels.
Experience navigating crisis communications and preparing executives for sensitive situations.
Proven ability to pitch stories, engage press, and manage key media relationships.
Experience developing social media strategies tailored to specific channels.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
Detail-oriented with experience maintaining project documentation.
Willingness to travel (3-5 trips per year) and work across time zones.

Additionally, we’d love it if you have:

Ability to work with non-native English speakers.
Commitment to modeling the Wikimedia Foundation's organizational values.
Preference for candidates based in the Eastern Time zone.
Involvement or experience within Wikimedia communities.

About the Wikimedia Foundation:

The Wikimedia Foundation is the nonprofit organization that operates Wikipedia and other Wikimedia free knowledge projects. Our vision is a world where everyone can freely share in and access the sum of all knowledge. We host Wikipedia and Wikimedia projects, build software for reading, contributing, and sharing content, support volunteer communities, and advocate for policies that enable free knowledge to thrive.

We are a charitable, not-for-profit organization relying on donations. The Wikimedia Foundation is a U.S. 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization with offices in San Francisco, California.

As an equal opportunity employer, the Wikimedia Foundation values a diverse workforce and strives for an inclusive and equitable workplace. We encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and do not discriminate based on protected characteristics.

The Wikimedia Foundation is a remote-first organization. Salaries are competitive, equitable, and consistent with our values. The anticipated annual pay range for this position within the United States is $144,765 to $220,063, with the final offer determined by factors including cost of living. Pay ranges will be adjusted for international hires. Salary history is not considered.

We are currently able to hire in the following U.S. States and Countries: [See full list in original posting].

For assistance or accommodation during the application process, please contact recruiting@wikimedia.org or +1 (415) 839-6885.

Principal, Executive Communications - Wikimedia Foundation