Communications Manager

Description:

The Wikimedia Foundation, the nonprofit organization behind Wikipedia and other free knowledge projects, is seeking a Communications Manager to lead high-impact media and communications strategies that promote and protect the organization's reputation, legal and public policy initiatives, and global community interests.

This part-time remote role will focus on leading proactive and reactive communications campaigns, managing media relations, handling crises, and developing clear narratives around the Wikimedia Foundation’s work. The successful candidate will be integral to the Media Relations team and will report to the Senior Communications Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Communications & Media Management:

• Serve as a lead communications partner to Legal, Global Advocacy, Product, Trust & Safety, and Technology teams.

• Design and implement multi-channel strategic communications plans with measurable objectives aligned to organizational priorities.

• Develop narratives and messaging for key initiatives with a focus on Wikipedia’s societal impact and public value.

• Write, edit, and review diverse content including press releases, blogs, pitch decks, newsletter content, and briefing documents.

• Shape clear, consistent public messaging for complex legal and advocacy efforts.

2. Media Relations & Crisis Response:

• Act as a primary point of contact for journalists and media outlets, managing daily inquiries and interviews.

• Lead rapid response efforts and crisis communications by creating detailed plans and managing sensitive, fast-moving issues.

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with top-tier journalists to drive thoughtful coverage of Wikimedia’s work.

• Enhance internal workflows to support efficient, cross-team response during media crises.

3. Team Management & Vendor Oversight:

• Work collaboratively with the Senior Communications Manager to shape team objectives and ensure their execution.

• Provide mentorship and performance feedback to direct reports.

• Manage external vendors (e.g., PR agencies) to meet campaign goals and deliverables.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum 8 years of experience in communications, media relations, and public advocacy.

• Strong background in legal, advocacy, and policy communications, with success in campaign design and execution.

• Proven ability to manage crisis communications, develop rapid response frameworks, and handle evolving global media issues.

• Excellent writing, verbal communication, and editing skills.

• Familiarity with global media networks and the ability to build and leverage journalist relationships.

• Comfort working across departments, time zones, and cultures with high autonomy.

• People management experience and a commitment to Wikimedia’s values and equity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in the United States market and the tech policy sector.

• Prior involvement in a global nonprofit or public interest organization is highly desirable.

About the Wikimedia Foundation:

The Wikimedia Foundation operates Wikipedia and other open knowledge platforms, supported by millions of volunteer contributors and readers. Their mission is to ensure free knowledge access for every person globally. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, the Foundation values transparency, diversity, and equity, and is funded primarily by individual donations.

This is a remote-first organization, with employees across 40+ countries and competitive compensation packages tailored by location. The Foundation encourages applicants from all backgrounds and does not discriminate based on race, gender, disability, or any protected status.