Women’s Funding Network (WFN) is a network of 150+ women’s foundations and funds of various sizes and capacities from around the globe with assets totaling more than $535 million. More than 80% of women’s funds’ grants are made to marginalized populations of low or no income, and are directed to programs that address social justice issues through women-led solutions. Women’s Funding Network supports and champions the work of member funds around the world who believe that a better world for women is a better world for all.
About the Position
The Communications and Marketing Manager will develop and implement communications initiatives to support Women’s Funding Network’s vision, mission and revenue objectives. Using skills in marketing, copywriting, digital media, press relations, and event management this Manager will coordinate communications/engagement strategies with all key constituencies, including foundation/fund members, donors, external stakeholders, and the general public. The Manager will help propel WFN’s visibility to new levels and shape the debate on the importance of social investment in women.
The position reports to the Director of External Affairs and is part of a cross-functional department that spans development, communications and network member relations. In addition, this role works closely with WFN’s program department to create and promote network convenings, special forums, and document results from signature program grants. With the goal of developing a truly two-way relationship with key constituencies, the Manager is responsible for helping to execute strategy and overseeing implementation of engagement tactics utilizing digital and social networking tools along with compelling story-telling and other communications skills. The Manager is responsible for graphic design and layout of print and digital collateral materials as well as working with outside designers or technical consultants when appropriate. The Manager is responsible for content and updating of WFN website, and coordinating work of other WFN communications staff as well as website technology consultants. The Manager is responsible for creating and overseeing an organized system for integrated communications flow from WFN, overseeing design and branding elements to assure consistency and alignment with vision and culture of the organization.
Areas of Responsibility
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Marketing Communications and PR Projects
• Creates and implements communications/marketing/PR plans for delegated projects.
• Writes and edits communications and marketing materials, including web copy, fact sheets, in-house marketing collateral, annual report, briefing papers, speeches, position papers and news releases.
• Oversees external communications and newsletter distribution across the organization to ensure coherence of brand and message.
• Oversees development of robust communications systems, including: media database/media monitoring processes; case study library; library of communications assets, including photography, video and publications.
• Manages vendors, including graphic designers, photographers, technology consultants.
• Develops relationships with key media, pitches stories, develops creative ideas for media outreach and planning.
Website, E-marketing, Social Media
• Oversees content for Women’s Funding Network’s website, including managing and implementing regular content updates.
• Works with team to create online communications strategies, including newsletters, listservs, social media/community engagement and other engagement tools for members and donors.
• Creates and implements strategies for integrating social media marketing for key Women’s Funding Network programs and events, including our annual conference.
• Liaises with website maintenance vendor on back-end updates and as-needed refreshes.
Conference/Event Planning and Project Management
Serve on cross-functional team to produce WFN annual conference and other high-profile events, responsible for promotion and communication plan, speaker liaison, and content support as required.
Manage communication with speakers and presenters to coordinate required materials and information needed for printing and or web-based production.
Support executive speaking engagements, industry conferences, events as appropriate to further WFN positioning and value to women’s philanthropy community.
Communications capacity building with Network Members
• Offers advice and counsel to member women’s funds on communications issues.
• Coordinates collaboration by member funds communications staff and provides services to help them upgrade their communications capacity.
• Creates and manages online resource kits member women’s funds can use to increase visibility and advocacy around key issues.
Minimum Qualifications
• Undergraduate degree required. (Preference for Journalism, Marketing or related fields).
• Relevant graduate degree (Marketing, Journalism, Communications) a plus.
• 5-7 years experience in Marketing and Communications.
Required Experience
• Writing for the media and for a range of marketing applications (including marketing collateral, speeches, social media and web).
• Experience managing integrated online and offline communications projects.
• Successfully pitching stories to the media.
• Working with, briefing, and managing marketing vendors, including designers, web agencies and photographers; as well as event management vendors.
• Producing and implementing marketing and PR plans for projects – including demonstrable evidence of outcomes.
Required Skills and Attributes
• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including:
Strong editorial and proof-reading skills and high level of attention to detail.
Ability to quickly build rapport with a wide range of stakeholders.
Ability to work with and understand the needs of senior influencers and VIPs.
• Strong project management skills with ability to drive accountability across stakeholders, matrixed team and volunteers.
• Technology literacy, including fluency with Microsoft Office suite and social networking tools.