Make Impact as a Communications Officer, Speech Writer (12-Month Contract) at the Gates Foundations
Job Opportunity: Communications Officer, Speech Writer (12-Month Contract)
Locations: Seattle, WA or Washington, DC
Time Type: Full-time
Deadline to Apply: March 7, 2025
Job Requisition ID: B020815
About the Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit organization fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Our core belief is simple: people everywhere, regardless of their identity or circumstances, deserve the opportunity to live healthy, productive lives. We aim to ensure that our workforce reflects the diverse global populations we serve. As part of our commitment to employees, we provide an exceptional benefits package, including comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, a foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in various employee communities.
About the Team
The Leadership Communications team shapes and executes impactful communications for the foundation’s Chair, Bill Gates, CEO, Mark Suzman, and other members of the Executive Leadership Team. This team plays a crucial role in advancing the foundation’s advocacy priorities, contributing to its brand and reputation, and leading speechwriting efforts for key foundation figures.
About the Role
As the Communications Officer, Speech Writer, you will be an integral part of the Leadership Communications team within the Global Communications Division. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Leadership Communications, you will work collaboratively with colleagues across the foundation to research and craft high-quality speeches, op-eds, and other written content for the Foundation’s senior leadership.
This position will involve working closely with colleagues across various departments and the Chair’s private office to create speeches, op-eds, reports, social media posts, and other editorial content. Your role will be pivotal in helping the foundation meet its communications goals and advancing its mission globally.
What You’ll Do:
- Write speeches, scripts, and op-eds for the foundation’s co-chairs and other leaders, working under the guidance of the Speechwriter.
- Collaborate with diverse teams within the foundation, including program teams, leadership teams, country offices, and communications divisions, to research and create written content that aligns with the foundation’s goals.
- Manage a complex review process with tight deadlines, incorporating feedback from multiple specialists and executives.
- Develop trust with foundation leaders, crafting content that authentically reflects their ideas and preferences, despite limited face-time.
- Occasionally oversee writing contractors and freelancers.
- Contribute to the editorial process by identifying compelling stories, voices, and statistics to support the foundation’s work.
- Up to 20% travel may be required for this role, both domestically and internationally.
What You Bring:
- Exceptional skills in research-based writing and editing, particularly for global health, development, climate, and gender equality topics.
- The ability to draft high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Experience with ghostwriting or writing in someone else’s voice.
- Strong understanding of how to communicate complex, technical information to broad, non-specialist audiences.
- Facility with working with both quantitative and qualitative data.
- A collaborative mindset, with experience integrating feedback from various stakeholders while maintaining a cohesive and authentic narrative.
- Experience advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, both internally and externally, and working with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.
Additional Desired Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
- At least 5 years of experience in speechwriting, executive communications, or a similar field.
- Proven experience writing for high-level principals.
- A track record of translating scientific or technical material into clear, engaging content.
Application Process:
To apply, please submit:
- Your CV.
- A writing sample (max. 1,500 words), such as a speech or op-ed. The sample should reflect your ability to write in someone else’s voice (not your own).
- Your cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this position.
Applications must be submitted by 5 PM on Thursday, March 6, 2025.
Salary: The salary range for this position is $140,200 to $210,200 USD, depending on experience and location. For Seattle and Washington, DC, the range is $152,800 to $229,200. As a mission-driven organization, we strive to offer competitive pay that aligns with our values.
Why Join Us?
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a global mission that’s tackling some of the most pressing issues of our time. You’ll be part of a highly collaborative team, working to create impactful communication strategies for global health, development, and equity initiatives. This 12-month position offers competitive compensation, benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the world.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to a global, culturally diverse workplace and we support inclusion through all our employment practices. We strive for equal opportunity and fair treatment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Ready to apply? Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to join a leading organization focused on making the world a better place. Apply by March 6, 2025, and be part of an impactful, global mission.
