Director of Philanthropy Communications

About the Internet Society Foundation

The Internet Society (ISOC) supports and promotes the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society. Our work aligns with our goals for the Internet to be open, globally connected, secure, and trustworthy. We seek collaboration with all who share these goals.

Together, we focus on building and supporting the communities that make the Internet work; advancing the development and application of Internet infrastructure, technologies, and open standards; and advocating for policy that is consistent with our view of the Internet.

The Internet Society Foundation (Foundation) is a non-profit organization that works in concert with the Internet Society. It exists to demonstrate and support the positive difference the Internet can make to people everywhere and promote the development of the Internet as a global technical infrastructure, a resource to enrich people’s lives, and a force for good in society.  

The Foundation is committed to a culture of diversity and inclusion, where all individuals are valued for their distinct contributions.  Our people are the most valuable strengths we have. The collective sum of the individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, inventiveness, innovation, self-expression, unique capabilities and talent that our staff invests in their work represents a significant part of not only our culture, but our reputation and the Foundation's achievements.

About the Position

The Director of Philanthropy Communications is responsible for the development, implementation and management of an overarching communications strategy that brings the Internet Society Foundation’s Philanthropy work to life. As a key brand ambassador, he/she will work to position the Internet Society Foundation’s Philanthropy work with internal and external stakeholders in the most effective manner through the use of the full mix of communications disciplines.

The Director of Communications will be the main reference point for communications expertise around our Philanthropy work, and will lead on all communications initiatives, planning approaches and tactics for the Philanthropy function and its evolving portfolio of grant programs. This spans the execution of integrated projects across digital, social media, events, media relations, Program Communications, and Board communications.

Location

Remote

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy and Management

• Formulate and implement a comprehensive communications strategy for the Foundation’s Philanthropy function that aligns with the organization’s 2030 strategy.
• Lead the planning, organizing and coordination of the activities of the Communications Department – spanning digital, social media, events, media relations, Program Communications, and Board communications.
• Lead and manage a team of Communications professionals, providing career development support and mentoring.
• Develop and manage the annual Communications budget, allocating resources strategically.

• Regularly review communications strategy and tactics against defined metrics to evaluate effectiveness; assess and make adjustments as needed.
• Work with Content, Marketing and Communications Team’s Vice President at ISOC to coordinate messaging between the two organizations.

Media, Public Relations, and Partnerships

• Provide media/press relations counsel to Philanthropy staff, liaise with external PR agencies as needed, and act as primary media contact.

• Conduct proactive media pitching and press engagement.
• Conduct media trainings for staff as needed.
• Nurture relationships and build a network with journalists and other influencers including but not limited to: news media (both print and digital) and other specialist media covering topics relevant to the Foundation’s Philanthropic portfolio, including areas such as digital inclusion, Internet access and connectivity, and Internet safety.   

• Work closely with the Executive Director and Programs Team to develop a long-term Partnerships strategy targeting like-minded organizations that can add value to the Philanthropy function’s work and the Internet Society Foundation’s vision of an Internet for Everyone.

Content Strategy and Development

• Develop and continuously update a portfolio of core messaging appropriate for all stakeholder groups.

• Ensure the production and distribution of high quality and informative print, visual and digital materials that enhance the Foundation’s image and raise awareness about its Philanthropic work and impact.

• Support Philanthropy staff, Executive Director and Managing Director with all communications content needs including high-profile speaking engagements, media interviews, and Board updates.

Event Strategy and Management

• Identify key events and sponsorships that would add value to the Philanthropic function, develop an annual event plan and secure participation for Philanthropy staff as appropriate.
• Oversee all event management tasks related to events organized by the Foundation’s Philanthropy function. (May include event conceptualization, project coordination, logistics and content development).

Digital Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for the Foundation’s digital channels, including websites, social media channels, and email marketing; identifying opportunities to increase and improve our digital presence, ensure Accessibility, and make an impact with these channels.

Desired Qualifications

• 10+years of communications work experience.

• A strong track record of relevant and progressive experience in senior communications fields (corporate, non-profit and/or foundation).
• Demonstrated ability and necessary expertise to lead the implementation of a department’s Communication strategy, with a focus on building successful teams, systems, processes, and programs.
• Exceptional writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Exceptional stakeholder relationship management skills, with the ability to handle critical and sensitive situations.
• Desire to lend skills and expertise to creating positive change in the world through Philanthropy.

• Agility and flexibility to pivot between high-level strategy and implementation.
• Experience in gathering and analyzing data to evaluate communications activities.
• Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and adaptable.
• Passion for, and demonstrated commitment to, a more accessible and trustworthy Internet for all.

• Experience working with a globally distributed workforce and ability to work across time zones.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability interact positively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Able to build and maintain strong relationships at all levels.

What You'll Love About Us

• Make an Impact. We have an exciting vision and mission to bring the internet to everyone!
• Great Company Culture. We are a global team and live our values of collaboration, inclusion, respect, people and passion in all of our HR programs including our new recognition program!
• Holiday/Vacation. Generous paid time off and paid public holidays.
• Benefits. Based on local in-country guidelines.
• Give back. Get paid to volunteer in your community!
• Professional Development and Educational Benefits. Annual company contribution towards professional development or higher education.
• Flexible Work Models. Flexible work-from-home.

Compensation and benefits for this position will be paid in local currency and based on the country and geographic location’s local salary and benefits market data for the position. Exact pay will be based on factors including but not limited to relevant qualifications, experience, geographic location, education, business and organizational needs. 

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Employment selection and related decisions are made without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, color or any other protected class. Compensation and benefit package for this position will be competitively commensurate with the successful applicant’s qualifications.  Applications will be evaluated until the position has been filled. The list of applicants will not be posted publicly and will be reviewed in confidence by members of the evaluation committee.