Communications Lead, Contract

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Arizona, +29 more states.

📋 Description

• Develop and take charge of Wikimedia Enterprise's external communications strategy encompassing media/trade press, speaking engagements, and various channels.

• Establish relationships with reporters and conference organizers to obtain coverage and speaking opportunities.

• Act as the primary media liaison, manage daily press inquiries, prepare spokespeople, coordinate interviews, and address information and speaking requests.

• Lead rapid-response media initiatives and manage sensitive, fast-paced situations.

• Collaborate with internal teams to create narratives and establish thought leadership.

• Guide, produce, and review press statements, blogs, pitch notes and lists, briefing documents, and other communication materials.

• Oversee complete communications workflows for major external launches and announcements in conjunction with the Enterprise Growth team.

• Align the Wikimedia Enterprise growth strategy with the Foundation's annual communications calendar.

• Foster relationships and spearhead collaborative efforts with Wikimedia Foundation colleagues, volunteers, affiliates, and external partners.

• Manage external vendors, including PR agencies.

• Utilize data and customer insights to enhance messaging, content, and strategy.

• Establish communications goals and KPIs, monitor results in relation to the growth plan, and provide actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders.

• Report to the Communications Manager, with a dotted line to the President of Wikimedia Enterprise.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of 8 years of communications experience, including senior/lead-level roles with minimal oversight in a tech and/or B2B tech environment or in support of a commercial product line.

• Proven experience in integrating communications and marketing/growth functions.

• Experience in developing and implementing earned media strategies and thought leadership initiatives.

• Skilled in building relationships with press, partners, conference organizers, and broader stakeholders.

• Exceptional stakeholder management abilities, including the capacity to influence senior and executive stakeholders.

• Strong judgment regarding reputational risk and sensitivity issues.

• Ability to navigate ambiguity and take ownership with limited onboarding.

• Proficient writing and editing skills for press materials, marketing content, and internal briefing documents.

• Strong editorial judgment for marketing materials, campaigns, web content, social media, blogs, and thought leadership pieces.

• Experience linking communications to business outcomes through metrics and impact assessments.

• Familiarity with working in a matrixed organization with dotted-line reporting structures.

• Experience collaborating remotely across multiple time zones and emerging markets.

• Proven experience in overseeing and managing relationships with external agencies.

• Current work authorization required in the applicant's location for non-US candidates.

• Preferred: experience in nonprofit, open-source, mission-driven, or community-governed organizations.

• Preferred: knowledge of AI, data licensing, and content provenance discussions.

• Preferred: familiarity with Wikimedia, Wikipedia, or free-knowledge/open-content initiatives.

• Preferred: background in tech, media, or platform companies dealing with AI-related content, licensing, or data issues.

🏝️ Benefits

• Opportunity for contract extension based on organizational needs.

• Remote-first work environment.

• Compensation adjusted to the country of hire for applicants outside of the United States.

• Commitment to an equal opportunity and inclusive workplace.

• Disability accommodations available during the application process.