Communications Associate

At Waverley Street Foundation we’re turning imagination into reality by investing in community-led programs that will help us grow better food, preserve our farmland, get cleaner, more affordable energy, build smarter, more successful businesses, and cultivate a healing planet. Our work drives lasting change through strategic funding of renewable energy and regenerative agriculture programs — targeted community investments that boost economic growth and improve health outcomes. WSF prioritizes representation, diversity, equity, and inclusion in all facets of its work.

Unlike most philanthropies, WSF is spending down its assets—approx $3 Billion— over the next decade, a decision that empowers it to support not only sensible and pragmatic solutions but also daring bets and breakthroughs that can alter the trajectory of the climate crisis and unlock a new and better future for humanity.

WSF strives to do things differently, and be entrepreneurial and innovative in our grantmaking approach. As we take on the task of addressing global climate change, we are adopting a campaign mindset where we look to empower people and communities.. Our goal is to demonstrate the collective will of humanity to reside on a livable planet, and to develop momentum for climate improvements across the globe that results in a global transition to clean energy sources and sustainable living.

WSF does its work in deep collaboration with field experts and advisors, as it is essential that the Foundation’s strategy is developed not in conference rooms but out in the world, informed by the lived experiences and innovative ideas of the people most directly impacted by the problems the foundation seeks to address. Specifically, WSF convenes experts from a variety of disciplines who are close to communities – their experiences, and their solutions. In order to execute against our ambitious goals, we are seeking our Communications Associate.

THE ROLE

The Communications Associate reports to Samantha Wright, Director of Communications, and will be a vital member of our dynamic and rapidly expanding philanthropic organization.

This role will work collaboratively across the organization and with external vendors to ensure all communications activities and projects run smoothly and meet expected deadlines. The Communications Associate will provide essential project management and coordination support, tracking deliverables, coordinating meetings, scheduling, managing contracts, and conducting research to support communications strategies and initiatives. By playing a crucial role in project and knowledge management, the Communications Associate will support the team and facilitate the seamless implementation of our communications programs, maximizing WSF’s impact and effectiveness.

This position is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, reporting to the office 3 days per week.

YOUR MISSION

• Project management: Manage email inquiries and general correspondence, maintain program files and contracts, and coordinate logistics for meetings and events: Handle correspondence efficiently, ensure timely responses, and keep program files and contracts organized and up-to-date. Coordinate logistics for meetings and events, including scheduling, venue arrangements, and material preparation, ensuring smooth execution and clear documentation.
• Stakeholder coordination: Coordinate with internal teams and external vendors to ensure alignment and communication among all stakeholders: Facilitate updates and status reports, manage stakeholder expectations, and ensure prompt and accurate dissemination of information. Identify and resolve communication gaps to maintain project cohesion and drive successful outcomes.
• Campaign management: Support the development of new campaigns, ranging from coordinating stakeholders, scoping new vendors and tracking campaign progress -- especially in the early stages. Identify gaps and opportunities in the field ripe for campaigns and strategic communications.
• Meeting support: Prepare meeting agendas, track next steps, and develop project management tools for budgeting and planning: Organize and prepare comprehensive meeting agendas. Document outcomes, track action items, and ensure follow-up to keep projects on schedule. Use project management tools to plan, budget, and monitor project timelines and milestones, supporting efficient resource allocation and adherence to deliverables.
• Track deliverables and project status: Maintain detailed records of project deliverables and milestones. Monitor project status, identify risks or delays, and implement corrective actions as needed. Ensure all project activities progress according to plan, addressing any deviations promptly.
• Manage contracts and ensure compliance: Oversee project contract administration, ensuring terms and conditions are met. Track contract deliverables and ensure timely completion of all contractual obligations.

WHO YOU ARE

• 3+ years of experience in communications or marketing coordination, focusing on creating effective messaging.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to match brand tone and effectively convey messages.
• Strong ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, fostering collaboration across various cultures and backgrounds.
• Excellent organizational skills, capable of managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Creative and resourceful in developing innovative communication strategies and solutions.
• Proficient in managing multidisciplinary projects, demonstrating strong problem-solving abilities.
• Familiarity with the philanthropy or nonprofit sector is preferred.

Key Attributes for Success

• Passionate about advancing equitable and transformative solutions to the climate crisis
• Able to synthesize information and distill complex ideas into clear, concise, and actionable forms
• Proven track record within complex, multi-stakeholder projects/organizations
• Skilled at building strong relationships and cultivating diverse networks
• Humble and open to differing views and perspectives
• Intellectually curious and stays current on news in their field
• Comfortable with radical approach to diversity
• Able to break down barriers to getting things done, while always operating with unassailable integrity
• Willing to pitch in when needed
• Low drama, good humor and joie de vivre