Founded in 2015 by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal expands opportunity and equality for all people through high-impact investments, philanthropy, partnerships, and advocacy. We accelerate social progress by removing barriers that hold people back.
We strive to be creative and innovative in our work and flexible in the approach we take to solving problems. To date, we have invested in over 150 organizations, including nonprofits, private sector companies, venture funds, and advocacy groups that are on the frontlines of the issues we work on. Some areas we currently focus on: women in technology and innovation; women in public office; women and girls of color; adolescent mental health; paid family and medical leave; and caregiving.
Inspired by our founder, we reach across communities and sectors to bring together changemakers who can scale up proven ideas and catalyze new ones. We learn from their experiences, amplify their resources, then step back so they can lead.
Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible.
ROLE DESCRIPTION
The Communications & Media Relations Lead is a key member of the Pivotal Ventures team, playing a crucial role in supporting and executing on the Principal's global communications and media efforts.
The Communications & Media Relations Lead will coordinate the Principal’s editorial calendar, organize briefing materials for interviews and public appearances, and provide research and recommendations for media and events. This role also involves organizing and maintaining media assets and lists, and supporting both domestic and international media engagements.
This is a Limited Term Employee (LTE) position and is expected to have a duration of 3 years. This means that, absent some change, the position will end within that timeframe as defined in the offer letter.
ROLE RESPONSIBILITIES
- Maintain the Principal's earned media editorial calendar.
- Support communications campaigns as directed by, and in partnership with, the Director and members of the Communications & Media Relations Team.
- Engage with reporters, editors and external organizations as directed to gather information on events and media opportunities. Provide recommendations to the team and assist in implementation.
- Own the collation of the Principal's briefing books and preparation materials for any upcoming media interviews, speeches or public appearances.
- Lead internal communications on behalf of the team, updating the organization on campaigns, articles, and Principal-related news.
- Coordinate internal meetings and planning sessions, facilitating brainstorms and inputting into the team’s broader editorial calendar.
- Update, organize and maintain media assets, media lists and CRM.
- Partner closely with the scheduling team to support Principal's national and global media engagements and communications-related events.
- Own responsibility for the organization-wide media inbox and triage incoming media requests and messages.
- Provide the team updates on changes to the media landscape (reporter moves, new outlets) as well as emerging digital trends.
- Support the development and execution of communications strategies that support the Principal’s core narrative, key messages, and programmatic priorities.
- Travel to support interviews, events and campaigns.
- Build and maintain relationships with key reporters and media outlets as directed.
SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or behavior required to be successful in this role.
- Knowledge of the domestic media landscape, key players and how to effectively communicate in both mainstream and digital media environments. Understanding of current events, cultural and geographical considerations, the digital world and the intersections between earned, owned, and paid media.
- Experience collaborating with, and extracting value from, agency networks and contractors.
- Exceptional diplomacy, written and verbal communications skills.
- Demonstrated project management and execution skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, while ensuring a high level of attention to detail and accuracy in work product.
- Comfortable working both independently and as part of team with a proactive approach to propel work forward and complete projects on time.
- High integrity, sound judgment in decision-making and discretion with confidential matters and protected information.
- Ability to synthesize and command sophisticated information and apply it effectively while collaborating with various teams (creative, program, digital) to align plans and achieve shared objectives.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to partner collaboratively and build trusting relationships with respect and humility to drive impact
- Ability to gracefully navigate high-pressure scenarios and maintain a positive, cooperative and professional demeanor under a variety of circumstances.
- A well-developed sense of humor, humility and ability to collaborate and build rapport with diverse teams and audiences.
- A mindset that embraces and prioritizes personal growth and development.
QUALIFICATIONS
- 3-5 years of experience in media communications (public or private sector).
- Ability to occasionally work on nights and weekends.
- Ability to travel up to 20%.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Experience with principal or executive communications
- Background in social impact or philanthropy
Base annual compensation range for this role is from $116,200-$121,800 and the role is based in Pivotal’s Kirkland office.
This is a Limited Term Employee (LTE) position and is expected to have a duration of 3 years. This means that, absent some change, the position will end within that timeframe as defined in the offer letter. The limited duration of the position does not alter the at-will nature of the position or work at Pivotal Ventures.
Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life, long-term disability and long-term care insurance, fertility benefit, backup caregiving solution, 144 hours of vacation, 96 hours of sick leave, 401k, HSA, FSA, discretionary annual target performance bonus and more.
APPLICATION
To apply, send submit your application via the Pivotal Ventures Careers page.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Pivotal values diversity and is strongly committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all employees and all applicants seeking employment. All employment decisions at Pivotal are based on the candidate’s or employee’s capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, age, national origin, citizenship, veteran, military, or marital status, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information or any other status or characteristic protected by applicable law. If you need assistance and/or reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or recruiting process, please contact [email protected].
What We Do
Founded by Melinda French Gates, Pivotal Ventures accelerates social progress in the United States by removing barriers that hold people back.
Pivotal Ventures expands opportunity and accelerates equality in the United States through high-impact investments, partnerships, and advocacy. We focus on areas where social progress has stalled—and where we can have the biggest impact.
Like Melinda, we’re clear-eyed about the stubborn problems our country faces. But we also see those problems as potential turning points in our nation’s story. Our impatience with the status quo is fueled by an optimism that progress is always possible—especially when we seize the moment together.
We do not review or return unsolicited requests for funding or other types of support.
For media inquiries, please reach out to [email protected]
