About the Women’s Foundation of California

The Women’s Foundation of California has a nearly 40-year track record of supporting community-based organizations working to advance gender, racial, and economic justice. As a public community foundation focused on intersectional feminist funding, we have raised and granted nearly $40M in movement-building grants since 1979. Our core strategies are: investing in community organizations, training community leaders, and convening community partners in order to mobilize significant financial resources to advance the health, safety, and economic security of people impacted by gender-based oppression and violence. We support movements led by cisgender and transgender women, gender-variant, genderqueer, and non-binary individuals--especially those who are formerly incarcerated, immigrants, people of color, low-income, and/or queer.  We’re comprised of a dynamic, smart, collaborative group of people who are passionate about our work and committed to making good things happen for all Californians. As we come up on our 40^th anniversary in 2019 with a refreshed strategic plan, the Foundation is well-poised to take a significant leadership role in advancing gender, racial, and economic justice in California.

Position Summary

The Chief Communications Officer (CCO) works closely with the CEO, staff, and Board to help shape and implement the strategic vision for the Women’s Foundation of California (Foundation) communications efforts. An influential writer and presenter, accomplished leader and experienced manager, the CCO oversees all of the Foundation's communications, including thought leadership, media relations and digital engagement.

The CCO is responsible for positioning the Foundation as an expert and critical catalyst of positive change in our communities; increasing the Foundation’s visibility and brand recognition as a philanthropic leader and partner in advancing gender, racial, and economic justice; amplifying the work of our grant partners, fellows and programs; and building loyal communities and brand advocates to advance our mission and programs.

Essential Duties

STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT & IMPLEMENTATION

• Plan, implement, evaluate and refine the Foundation’s comprehensive communications strategy, including tactics for reaching specific audiences, messaging, advertising and production of print and online collateral.
• Oversee the Foundation’s brand strategy and visual identity.
• Develop and implement strategic plans and operational budgets for communications.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

• Develop messages that resonate with a variety of priority audiences (donors, advocates, allies, legislators, media); ensure consistency of message across all media.
• Oversee production of all print and electronic materials, including annual reports, media releases, position papers, brochures, website, blog and social media.
• Refine and continue implementing the Foundation’s thought leadership plan that includes drafting speeches for high impact events, writing and pitching op-eds and using events strategically to expand awareness and engage current and new audiences.
• In partnership with the Development Team, develop communications strategy to elevate the Foundation’s 40^th anniversary.
• Spearhead innovative campaigns that expand awareness of the Foundation’s programs and initiatives, build the Foundation’s reputation and engage current and new audiences.
• Position the Foundation’s programs and initiatives for media exposure and the team as lead experts on gender justice issues in California. Cultivate press relationships, place stories, write op-eds and news releases and act as a spokesperson with the media.
• Represent the Foundation at high profile events and conferences as an issue expert.
• Act as the spokesperson for the CEO. Speak and write persuasively about gender equity and justice, public policy, and philanthropy.
• Train Board and team members as brand advocates, spokespersons and fundraisers.
• Collaborate with the Development Team to ideate and execute brand-aligned donor materials and fundraising materials.

MANAGEMENT

• Serve on the Leadership Team; work closely with the CEO and other department leaders to oversee the Foundation’s strategic direction, implementation of policies and practices, budgeting and planning processes.
• Stay current and knowledgeable on issues related to the Foundation’s programs and initiatives in order to drive communications as well as overall program strategy.
• Supervise and support a Communications Manager and a team of consultants who support the Foundation’s communications efforts in areas including media relations, website, digital communications, and social media; oversee external writers, designers and other communications professionals.
• Supervise and support the professional growth of the Communications Manager; inspire, motivate and engage team members.

Qualifications

SKILLS

• 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, journalism, public relations or public affairs with strong knowledge of new and emerging technologies, digital media, state politics and news media.
• Powerful, dynamic writer; sophisticated and discerning editor.
• Proven record of excellent leadership ability, high level of initiative, motivation, confidentiality, judgment and integrity.
• Experience managing staff and consultants of diverse skills and backgrounds.
• Excellent project management, listening, oral and written communication and meeting facilitation skills with a demonstrated ability to relate to and communicate with diverse communities.
• Proactive and strategic storytelling; expertise in finding, telling and curating stories across print and digital channels and media outlets.
• High level of sophistication in visual communications; strong eye for beautiful design, photography and video; proven expertise at creating compelling multimedia stories that move people to action.
• Passion for and knowledge of issues and challenges related to advancing gender justice in California.
• Excellent oral communication and presentation skills; ability to inspire, engage and motivate through speeches and presentations.
• Proficiency with MS Outlook and Office Suite (especially Excel, Word and PowerPoint).

QUALITIES

• Possesses a strong commitment to the mission, policies, goals and philosophy of the Women’s Foundation of California.
• Able to work independently as well as within a team, set and achieve high performance goals and meet deadlines in a fast-paced work environment.
• Creative thinker, strong project manager, self-starter and detail-oriented communicator with a positive approach, can-do attitude and a sense of humor.
• Drive to innovate, use new platforms and tools, try new things and learn from failure.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to create positive, long-term working relationships; demonstrates tact, dependability, diplomacy and flexibility.
• Willingness and ability to travel to meetings and other Foundation events.

Compensation and Benefits

• This is a full-time, non-exempt position, with a salary range of $115,000-$150,000. Salary offer will be dependent on experience.
• We provide 15 days paid vacation to start which increases over time (20 days after 5 years, and 25 days after 10 years); 12 paid sick days, 15 paid holidays, and a flexible, family-friendly schedule.
• We provide generous benefits including paid parental leave, medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, flexible spending account, fitness reimbursements, a 401(k) retirement plan match, transportation benefits, and AD&D insurance with the Foundation covering 100% of the costs of the insurance package.

Our Values and Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

At the Women’s Foundation of California, we believe outstanding people are the key to our success. We value a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, trans people, gender non-conforming individuals and formerly incarcerated people to apply.

As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit and hire with the understanding of systemic oppression and of the lived reality of people with marginalized identities. We also recruit and hire without regard to race, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, prior conviction, arrest history, disability, marital status, veteran status or age.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the job’s essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to remain in a stationary position for long periods while operating a computer to create documents, conducting Internet research, sending and receiving e-mail and participating in meetings; communicate on a telephone and in person; read and write; apply logic and focus attention in the presence of distractions. Occasional requirements are to move about the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.

Application & Deadline

To apply, please email a cover letter and resume, combined in one document, with the subject line: Chief Communications Officer to: [email protected].

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All documents need to be Microsoft Word or PDF files (PDF files are preferred).