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Communications & External Affairs Associate

Kirkland, WA

Our mission is to catalyze innovations that solve global problems and improve the lives of the world’s poorest people. We do this by incubating products, advocating for important causes, engaging with global organizations, and managing venture investments.

Gates Ventures is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The Team:

At Gates Ventures, our work supports Bill Gates’s contributions to the world of global health, energy innovation, science, education, technology, and philanthropy. We are a small, collaborative organization and support each other across levels, teams, and workstreams.

The Role:

The Communications & External Affairs Associate for the Communications & External Affairs team will provide a wide range of support across media relations, external affairs, and correspondence. The Associate will have the opportunity to contribute to important projects, collaborate with a variety of internal and external stakeholders, and handle a wide variety of activities and confidential matters with discretion. Strong organizational skills and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for this role. This is a 2-year Limited Term Employment (LTE) role and is required to be in person in the Kirkland office.

Responsibilities:

  • Provide support across a variety of activities for media relations and external affairs, including meeting management (agendas, recaps, follow-up) and development of briefing materials - including messaging, Q&A, bios, and relevant coverage.
  • Support research needs to inform communications plans.
  • Support correspondence (e.g. requests for event attendance, participation, and other varied requests for our principal’s time).
  • Maintain media interactions within an existing CRM system.
  • Maintain knowledge management system - update and organize content.
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams - support trips, events and special projects as needed. May include onsite event support, large-scale printing projects, and creation of media lists.
  • Serve as a collaborative liaison and partner to the Gates Foundation and other entities connected with Gates Ventures.
  • As with most communications/PR jobs, travel may be required and some work will be required outside of normal office hours, including occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Qualifications:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  • Bachelor’s degree in addition to the required experience. Communications or English majors preferred.
  • 3-4 years of experience in public relations, executive communications, social media, project management, or corporate affairs.
  • Demonstrated outstanding interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to build relationships with stakeholders, including staff and external partners.
  • Demonstrated capabilities in project management and diplomacy with peers, colleagues, and managers. (Must be a true team player.)
  • Must have a proven track record of working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, requiring attention to detail while maintaining focus on the big picture.
  • Must be flexible and adaptable to changing situations. Proactive, able to anticipate and solve problems before they occur.
  • Demonstrated experience in maintaining confidentiality and privacy during sensitive situations, and able to use discretion with communications. Must be able to uphold and ensure security and confidentiality of all information.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness meeting deadlines in a role requiring continual attention to detail in composing, drafting, and proofing materials.
  • Able to maintain a positive, cooperative, and professional attitude in stressful and time-sensitive situations and circumstances.
  • Able to pass an extensive background investigation.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and OneNote, and general digital savvy.
  • Must be able to work in person at the Kirkland office.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

The salary range for this position is $90,000-$100,000. Starting salary offers will vary depending on a number of factors, including education, experience, and qualifications. Gates Ventures offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance and a 401(k) program with employer match. Our benefits also include generous paid time off for vacation, sick leave, and holidays.

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