Senior Manager, Communications

Our mission is to catalyze innovations that solve global problems and improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. We do this by incubating products, advocating for important causes, engaging with global organizations, and managing venture investments.

Gates Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Summary

This is a full-time position with the Communications & External Affairs team to support activities that further Bill Gates’ work and contributions to global health, climate change, education, technology, and philanthropy. This role is focused on media relations work, including engagements with domestic and international news outlets, as well as podcasters, influencers and other external partners (e.g., academics, philanthropists, and business leaders who Bill may engage with publicly).  
 
The successful candidate will have experience managing external media relations in a dynamic media environment, an awareness of cultural, economic, and political viewpoints, and be a great teammate with an exceptional work ethic. 

The candidate will be a great writer and storyteller, have good media instincts, and be able to provide strong strategic counsel to the CCO and other leaders across the org; with the emotional intelligence to both influence decisions and maintain diplomacy.  

Responsibilities:

• Contribute to shaping a team culture of kindness, honesty, integrity, and FUN.
• Develop proactive media relations strategies for trips, events, and campaigns.
• Maintain strong working relationships with media outlets, journalists, producers, and influencers.
• Contribute to the development and execution of strategies designed to build relationships with top tier media and influencers.
• Lead briefing materials for media interviews, engagements, announcements; coordinating across partners internally and externally.
• Handle incoming press enquiries, triaging with partner organizations on responses when needed.
• Provide media expertise and support to the Chief Communications Officer on media engagements.
• Identify timely and relevant storytelling opportunities to pitch to journalists which help support broader stories the comms team is building throughout the year.
• Serve as a collaborative liaison to partner organizations including the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Breakthrough Energy, and TerraPower.
• As with most communications and external affairs jobs, work outside of normal office hours—including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays—and some travel may be required.

Qualifications:

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

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in addition to the required experience.  
• 10+ years of experience in media relations, executive communications, public or corporate affairs. 
• Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and communications skills, including the ability to write clearly, creatively, and quickly. 
• 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. 
• Able to work independently, and able to disseminate information clearly and concisely. 
• Demonstrated effectiveness meeting deadlines in a role requiring continual attention to detail in composing, drafting, and proofing materials. 
• Able to work on several projects at a time with constant interruptions.   
• Understanding of DEI and cultural empathy. 
• Able to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude in stressful and time-sensitive situations. 
• Must be able to pass comprehensive Background Investigation. 
• Position requires proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Compensation & Benefits 

The salary range for this position is $140,000 – $175,000 per year. Starting salary offers will vary depending on several factors, including education, experience, and qualifications. This role also qualifies for a discretionary annual bonus. Gates Ventures offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and