About the Foundation

The William T. Grant Foundation supports research to improve the lives of young people ages 5-25 in the United States. Our grantmaking centers on high-quality empirical research that has the potential to advance theory, build evidence, and inform policy and practice. Our current focus areas are: 1) programs, policies, and practices that reduce inequality in youth outcomes; and 2) strategies to improve the use of research evidence in policies and practices that affect youth. Our funding spans various social science disciplines and across child welfare, juvenile justice, mental health, employment, youth programs, and education systems.

About the Position

The Communications Specialist works with the Manager, Communications to execute content and communications strategies that engage and inform the Foundation’s audiences, including applicants, grantees, researchers, policymakers, and other influential leaders. The Foundation’s highly collaborative work environment requires the Communications Specialist to work with other departments and develop relationships with external parties to accomplish Foundation goals on time-sensitive basis.

This is an exempt position. The salary range is $60,000 to $70,000 and is commensurate with experience. The Foundation also offers a highly competitive benefits package, which includes health, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending account; 403(b) contributions; 11 yearly paid holidays; and an annualized 25 total vacation, personal, and sick days. We require all employees to be fully vaccinated against the coronavirus as a condition of employment. The Foundation will consider requests for reasonable accommodations on an individual basis in accordance with applicable legal requirements.

The expected start date is March 1, 2024, but is negotiable in the event of conflicting prior commitments. The candidate hired for this position is required to work in the Foundation’s New York City office. Currently, employees may work remotely up to two days per week.

Responsibilities:

1. Collaborate with Content and Communications Manager, senior staff, and subject matter experts in iterative editorial processes that span content conception, development, production, publication, measurement, and reporting.
2. Support development of cross-channel social media strategies, create content to grow and engage audiences, and track related metrics.
3. Write, edit, and proofread blog posts, news articles, project summaries, and other content; engage with others to create and realize dissemination plans.
4. Maintain content calendars to ensure consistent presence on Foundation social media platforms.
5. Perform basic website maintenance, including updates to content and metadata.
6. Assist in data collection, analysis, and reporting related to content and communications performance metrics.
7. Maintain Mailchimp contact lists and contribute to email production and distribution.
8. Edit media files including photos, graphics, and video clips as needed.
9. Identify and recommend new tools and practices for pursuing strategies communications goals.
10. Take on special projects or serve on office workgroups as necessary.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of hands-on digital communications experience, preferably in an academic, research, policy, advocacy, or philanthropy setting.
2. Ability to distill unfamiliar or complex scientific information into clear, concise content.
3. Excellent written skills, with strong editing, proofreading, fact-checking abilities.
4. Strong grasp of and interest in digital communications tools, trends, and best practices for organizations.
5. Demonstrated ability to craft professional social media engagement strategies and create smart, high-quality social content.
6. Experience entering and updating content in WordPress. Proficiency with HTML and CSS a plus.
7. Expertise managing data in Excel.
8. Familiarity with email production and list management (preferably in Mailchimp).
9. Basic knowledge of visual design principles and familiarity with professional design software including InDesign and Photoshop.
10. Capacity for both collaborative and independent work.
11. Exemplary communication skills with all levels of internal and external parties required.

How to apply:

Submit a cover letter describing your interest in and qualifications for the position, a resume, and contact information for three references to jlui@wtgrantfdn.org. In the subject line, name the job for which you are applying and indicate where you saw this announcement. We are reviewing materials on a rolling basis; applications submitted by January 24 will be in the first set for review. The position will remain open until filled. The William T. Grant Foundation is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer.