SCHULTZ FAMILY FOUNDATION

The Schultz Family Foundation, established in 1996 by Howard and Sheri Schultz, creates pathways of opportunity for populations facing barriers to success. By investing in innovative solutions and partnerships we aim to help unlock people’s potential and in doing so, strengthen our businesses, our communities, and our nation. We focus our efforts on two groups with enormous promise: the 5.6 million young adults who are out of school and out of work and the 3.6 million post-9/11 veterans transitioning to civilian life now and in the next few years. These two groups of young people have grit, ambition, talent, and resiliency. They are America’s future.

FOCUS AREAS

Onward Youth

With unemployment among young adults at a rate that’s twice the national average, too many young people are disconnected from the training, tools, and education they need to enter the job market. We believe that young people who are out of work and school yet show untapped potential are the “opportunity youth” of this generation; they have the willingness and talent to improve their own lives and make a positive impact on the lives of others. Through our Onward Youth initiative, the Foundation helps close the opportunity gap for young people by leveraging unique partnerships and investing in clear pathways to employment, service and civic engagement, and tailored supports. We also work to stimulate conversations among business leaders, philanthropists, and those who support young people every day to ensure that their potential can be realized for us all.

Onward Veterans

Millions of post-9/11 veterans are returning to civilian life with diverse skills and tremendous potential but many lack opportunities to connect to meaningful jobs, get the health resources they need, and become leaders in their home communities. Through our nationwide Onward Veterans initiative, the Foundation empowers post-9/11 veterans and their families in their transition to civilian life. We focus on investing in research and treatment of post-traumatic stress and traumatic brain injury, enhancing and accelerating employment opportunities through innovative training and career placement programs, and facilitating access to services for veterans and their families. To further these efforts, we work to ensure that the civilian population increasingly understands the strengths and talents of our veterans, and the contributions they can make when they return home.

POSITION OVERVIEW

Reporting to the Deputy Director, the Communications Officer will lead and manage all aspects of the foundation’s strategic communications, both internal and external. S/he will set and guide the Foundation’s brand and strategy for all communications, including digital communications, public relations messages, and collateral to consistently articulate the Foundation’s mission and strategic direction across a diverse range of audiences. Working closely with the Executive Director and Deputy Director, this position will be expected to identify, build, and manage external relationships with key media outlets, and counterparts in the public and private sectors. The ideal candidate is both strategic and hands-on, able to translate creative and bold ideas into a communications plan then get down to brass tacks and execute while maintaining the agility to change direction as needed. S/he is a self-starter who is inspired by the mission of the Foundation and the opportunity to work in an open, collaborative culture.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Communications Strategy. Lead the development of the Foundation’s organizational communications plan and messaging framework, to further the Foundation’s mission and vision, its two key grant programs and the complex issues surrounding veterans and youth. Work with the Foundation team and external partners to implement the communications strategy across all Foundation communications and educate staff to ensure consistency of voice. Collaborate with program teams to identify and research emerging issues that impact the Foundation’s key focus areas. Proactively update leadership and incorporate into the Foundation’s communications plan and materials, as needed.
• Communications Management. Create a messaging platform, as well as visual style guide; ensure the messaging platform has strength and consistency across all communications. Lead and manage content development and deadlines surrounding all communications, including the Foundation website, social media, videos, presentations, speeches, and collateral materials, with bold and fresh communications to engage new and existing audiences. Develop and manage annual communications budget, manage and collaborate with external consultants and vendors, and develop/maintain contracts, as needed. Monitor progress to ensure deliverables are being met and goals achieved.
• Cultivate the Foundation’s Voice. Cultivate the Foundation’s voice and point of view on the myriad of social issues surrounding its strategic goals, and addressing the relevant diverse range of audiences. Identify and forge relationships with top-tier media on key Foundation issues; prepare releases, pitch stories, secure speaking opportunities for leadership, and orchestrate media tours and events to ensure placement of positive stories. Provide input to Executive Director and Deputy Director on opportunities for Trustee engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field is required; an advanced degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience in communications, media relations, marketing, public relations or related field.
• Demonstrated experience leading a strategy development and implementation process to support a multi-year communications plan that works across platforms, targets diverse audiences, and leverages key partnerships.
• Maturity and leadership with demonstrated ability to serve as a unifying force and to position communications discussions at both the strategic and tactical levels of an organization.
• Experience working on complex social issues; ability to translate policy and research for stakeholders and public consumption.
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills; a demonstrated ability to create clear and persuasive communications in all forms, traditional and digital, and with varying audiences.
• Strong track record of success dealing with top-tier media and creating/implementing social media as part of an integrated communications strategy.
• Ability to prioritize, focus, manage and carry out action plans in a fast-paced and complex environment.
• Ability to travel.
• Other special projects or duties, as assigned.

LOCATION & COMPENSATION

Position is based in Seattle, Washington and will occasionally require travel. Salary will be competitive.

TO APPLY

Please send a resume and cover letter to:

• [email protected]
• Subject line should include your last name and position title as “CO”
• Example: Smith CO

Submission deadline: April 15th or until filled.

Schultz Family Foundation is an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, national origin, marital status, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a comprehensive background check.

Schultz Family Foundation has retained the services of The Giving Practice to conduct this search. Inquiries may be directed in confidence to:

Dawn Chirwa, Senior Advisor

[email protected]