Job openings/Communications

WMF Job Description: Head of Communications

Title

Head of Communications [CLOSED]

Purpose

The purpose of this job is to shape and define the public face of Wikimedia, including handling public relations, media relations and issues management.

Summary

The purpose of this job is to liaise between the Wikimedia volunteer community and the media and public, ensuring that Wikimedia presents its best possible public face. This position works closely with the head of development, and the head of public outreach.

• Work with Wikimedia’s large and engaged volunteer community to collaboratively develop and execute media messaging;
• Triage all media inquiries, act as organizational spokesperson and redirect requests as appropriate
• Consult with and engage other professionals (e.g., designers, media bookers, issues management experts, etc.) on both a pro bono and paid basis, as required;
• Write, design and produce materials including press releases, plans, briefing documents and FAQs, sometimes under extremely tight deadlines;
• Create and maintain up-to-date media contact database;
• Create and maintain up-to-date volunteer media spokesperson database, including coordinating orientation and training as required;
• Coordinate Wikimedia speaking opportunities at conferences, symposia, etc.;
• Oversee the design, production and promotion of Wikimedia literature and merchandise.

Qualifications

• University degree required;
• 7+ years of experience in media, public relations, communications or issues management, preferably with a highly visible organization;
• Excellent understanding of the American and international media landscape;
• Ability to successfully juggle multiple tasks, balancing the urgent against the important, and to draft, edit and proofread under pressure;
• Comfortable and proficient using a wide variety of communications and networking tools (e.g., mailing lists, IM, IRC, wikis, LinkedIn, Facebook, etc.);
• Strong interpersonal skills including negotiating ability, flexibility, curiosity and sense of humor;
• The ability to speak multiple languages is a plus;
• Experience living or working outside the United States is a plus;
• Understanding of the free culture and open source software movements is a plus;
• The ideal candidate will be creative, motivated, and able to operate effectively in a highly-collaborative, consensus-oriented environment.