Los Altos, CA

Communications Officer, The David and Lucile Packard Foundation

The Organization

Communications Officer
The David and Lucile Packard Foundation
Los Altos, CA

The Packard Foundation seeks a Communications Officer to lead communications strategies and initiatives for its U.S.-based issue areas, which include support for women, children, and families; local grantmaking; and its justice and equity commitments.

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation (the Foundation) is dedicated to improving the lives of children, families, and communities—and restoring and protecting our planet. Guided by the principles of our founders, we think big and serve with humility.

Our grantees are making positive change all over the world and in our own backyard. We are known for our work protecting the climate, oceans, and land and for advancing reproductive health and rights. We also work hard to ensure that all children and families have what they need to succeed. Our capacity-building projects help non-profit leaders build more powerful and impactful organizations and movements.

The Communications Team develops and implements communications strategies in partnership with our grantmaking program staff that are designed to further the Foundation’s vision and issue area objectives. Reporting to Felicia Madsen, Communications Director, the Communications Officer will be part of a strategic, cohesive, and collaborative team.

To learn more about the Foundation, please visit www.packard.org.

Position Overview

The Opportunity

The Communications Officer will develop and lead communications about the Foundation’s initiatives, shape Foundation thought leadership, and use communications to further reach, understand and motivate people to act. Specific responsibilities include:

  • Collaborate with staff to develop and implement communications for the Foundation’s grantmaking related to women, children, and families, and our justice and equity fund.
  • Lead on message development, media engagement, and drafting and editing content including articles, blogs, social media posts, and other external and internal communications to expand the reach and impact of our work.
  • Provide active thought partnership and counsel, guiding colleagues through communications planning, campaign strategy, and execution.
  • Work directly with grantees and partners, organizing around shared projects, and providing communications counsel and/or technical assistance.
  • Serve as a supportive, creative, and flexible Communications Team member on Foundation-wide projects, initiatives, and learning.

·       Identify and analyze both problems and solutions and identify key metrics to communicate effectively across a wide range of platforms and audiences.

·       Actively participate in the Foundation’s work to integrate justice and equity into all facets of the Foundation’s work.

The ideal candidate will have the following professional and personal qualities, skills, experiences, and characteristics:

Passion for the Mission

Mission-driven, the ideal candidate understands that social change is complex, necessary, and requires a long-term commitment to create lasting change. Experienced at translating policy issues into compelling communications that inspire action, they harness their analytical and technical communications skills to see the big picture, align communications strategies with organizational values and priorities, and help position the Foundation to achieve its goals.

Technical Communications Skills

Grounded in evidence-based practice, they have led social change communications for a nonprofit, philanthropy, government agency, and/or other policy advocacy organization. They have demonstrated success leading communications strategies and advocacy campaigns, effectively and efficiently engage new and emerging audiences, set communications objectives, and deliver consistent messages, activities, and materials across a wide range of channels.

Leadership Through Influence

A trusted advisor, they provide excellent communications counsel to both staff and executive leadership. They build trust with internal and external collaborators and audiences, bringing a deep sense of contextual intelligence that advances their organization’s reputation in the field. An accomplished communications strategist, project manager, collaborator, and relationship builder, they expertly manage competing priorities, confidently make informed decisions, and move easily across projects and initiatives.

Project Management

An excellent project manager, they effectively navigate and manage competing priorities with diplomacy and respect, underpinning communications strategies and tactics with decisive, data-driven decision-making. They have experience managing budgets and consultants, and leading teams of people to a common goal.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The successful candidate is actively engaged in efforts to increase the capacity of nonprofits and foundations to support diverse communities. They center inclusion, developing communications collateral that acknowledges and values the diversity of the communities that they serve.

Location: This position is in downtown Los Altos, California. Initially, the role may start remotely but will require occasionally working onsite at the Foundation offices in downtown Los Altos, California once the Foundation offices reopen. All employees must be/become California residents. Ability to travel domestically (as conditions allow) is a requirement for this opportunity.

Compensation: The position is full-time, exempt. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and education and begins in the $150K+ range. The David and Lucile Packard Foundation offers excellent benefits for eligible employees.

How To Apply

Contact: Koya Partners, the executive search firm that specializes in mission-driven search, has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Malissa Brennan of Koya Partners is leading this search. To express interest in this role please submit your materials here. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. View the full position profile here.

……………..

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse candidate pool.

 

*Proof of COVID vaccination required (subject to applicable law).

Sign up