Strategic Communications Officer

In order to be considered, please submit both a resume and a cover letter by Friday, August 15, 2025.

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

The Ford Foundation seeks a Strategic Communications Officer (SCO) to play a key role on a dynamic team that is harnessing strategic communications to expand the influence and global impact of the Ford Foundation, one of the world’s largest social justice philanthropies. As a member of a small, specialized team of communication officers that serves as the brain trust for the foundation’s strategic communications efforts, the SCO reports to the Head of Strategy, in the Office of Communications and works closely with program directors, regional directors, and teams for which they serve as a primary communications partner. These relationships provide important direction for the SCO and in turn allow the SCO to meaningfully contribute to wider foundation communications.

A critical role of the SCO is acting as a day-to-day communication thought and action partner for assigned program and regional teams, helping them to realize the greatest potential impact of their work. The SCO builds deep, supportive relationships with program teams; provides excellent ongoing communications counsel; and helps teams deliver on their communications ambitions in smart, effective ways. As part of larger foundation communications, the SCO helps curate compelling stories that speak to the work and impact of grantees, demonstrating how change happens, and influences others to support this work.

HOW YOU WILL CONTRIBUTE

As a Strategic Communications Officer, you will work on the following and/or similar activities:

• Develop and write diverse communication materials, including messaging, press releases, and opinion pieces.
• Strengthen foundation-wide communication capacity through learning tools, resources, and workshops.
• Provide media interview and speaking engagement preparation and support.
• Collaborate on storytelling initiatives to demonstrate impact and highlight grantee work.
• Lead project teams to ensure clear communication of institutional stories to target audiences.
• Teams with the Head of Media Relations to undertake media outreach where appropriate, seeking opportunities to proactively enhance the reputation of the Ford brand
• Oversee the selection and management of communications consultants, facilitating successful partnerships.
• Serve as the strategic communications lead for key program areas and regional offices, offering advice and support.
• Develop and execute communication opportunities for key program initiatives
• Cultivate strong internal and external relationships, staying updated on communication trends.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• 6 years of communications experience in fields related to the foundation's mission and grant making
• Experience developing and implementing successful communications strategies to advance social change work
• Strong knowledge of strategic communications and media
• Strong understanding of digital platforms related to communications; and the range of media outlets, including web-based and social media
• Strong project management skills, including managing multiple stakeholders, consultants, and project based teams from concept to execution
• Superior written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and experience in social justice related fields
• Proven analytical and research skills
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally
• Ways of working and engaging that aligns with the Foundation’s mission, core values and commitment to creating a culture of excellence
• BA/BS degree or equivalent work experience

HELPFUL BUT NOT REQUIRED

• Strong understanding and experience of social, economic, and cultural issues and contexts in the U.S. and globally
• Familiarity with philanthropy, foundations and the nonprofit sector
• A global perspective gained through international work experience
• Fluency in a language other than English spoken in one or more of Ford’s regional offices

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with internal staff, access files, office machinery and a copy machine/printer.

The Ford Foundation is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its programs, and operations. As part of this commitment, the Foundation will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If a reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application process, please contact, talentacquisitionhr@fordfoundation.org

SALARY: 

The Ford Foundation is committed to practicing salary transparency. The annualized gross salary for this position is 150,000 USD. We review global compensation on a regular basis to ensure market competitiveness and equity. The hiring range for this position has been carefully crafted in alignment with the market.

LOCATION: 

This position is based in the foundation’s New York office. We operate in a hybrid model and require staff to be in the office three days per week.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: This is a permanent position.