About the Vilcek FoundationWhat We DoThe Vilcek Foundation raises awareness of immigrant contributions in the United States and fosters appreciation of the arts and sciences.Who We AreThe Vilcek Foundation was established in 2000 to amplify the diverse ways immigrants and cultural leaders enrich artistic and scientific communities in the United States. Since its formation, the foundation has awarded over $17 million in prizes and grants to foreign-born individuals and like-minded organizations committed to progressing our society.ResponsibilitiesThe Communications Manager is responsible for developing and writing the Vilcek Foundation’s public communications. This role serves as the foundation’s primary writer and editor and is responsible for drafting most of the organization’s public-facing written communications, including press releases, announcements, website articles, newsletters, and other editorial materials.Working closely with the President, the Communications Manager develops written communications that support the foundation’s programs, including prizes, grants, exhibitions, and other public initiatives. The role also coordinates communications campaigns and helps maintain a clear and consistent public voice for the foundation.The Communications Manager collaborates with the Digital Department to prepare written content for publication across the foundation’s website, email communications, and social media platforms.Writing and Editorial ContentServe as the primary writer for the Vilcek Foundation’s public communications, including press releases, announcements, and media materials.Write website articles, feature stories, and other editorial content that communicate the foundation’s work to public audiences.Prepare newsletters and email communications for the foundation’s mailing lists.Draft speeches, remarks, or statements for foundation leadership when needed.Review and edit communications materials prepared by staff or external contributors to maintain clarity, accuracy, and a consistent institutional voice.Maintain and update the foundation’s communications style guide.Media Relations and Press CommunicationsDevelop and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and cultural organizations.Respond to press inquiries and prepare written responses to media requests.Coordinate press outreach related to exhibitions, publications, prize announcements, and foundation initiatives.Monitor media coverage related to the foundation and its prizewinners, grantees, and community members.Maintain and update press contact lists and media distribution lists.Campaign CommunicationsWork with the President, Director of Digital, and Programs Department to develop communications strategies that promote the foundation’s mission and initiatives.Develop messaging frameworks and written content that support communications campaigns.Maintain an editorial calendar that coordinates announcements, publications, and communications initiatives across the foundation.Plan communications initiatives that support prizes, grants, exhibitions, and other institutional activities.Develop messaging and key language for social media campaigns, working with the Director of Digital and Digital Media Coordinator to translate communications into platform-specific content.Coordinate email communications and campaigns.Work with the Programs Department to promote prize and grant programs through targeted outreach.Consult with external partners or communications consultants when needed to support communications campaigns.Coordinate special events for the President to enhance organizational messaging and outreach.Communications AdministrationManage the foundation’s communications email account and direct inquiries to appropriate staff.Coordinate communications with board members, consultants, and institutional partners when needed.Proofread communications materials prior to publication.Track communications projects and maintain organized records of press materials and communications assets.Other General ResponsibilitiesAll staff members are expected to provide general support to the President as needed. All staff members are expected to help greet visitors as needed.All staff members are expected to ensure that all correspondence sent from the Foundation is handled in a professional and accurate manner.All staff members are expected to perform additional duties as assigned.Maintaining a convivial atmosphere and cooperative spirit at the workplace is highly desirable.All staff members are expected to maintain up-to-date contact and organizational records in Salesforce.Physical RequirementsThis is a full-time, on-site position. The position is primarily a sedentary role. However, the person in this position may need to occasionally move about inside the office to liaise with staff, access files, office equipment, and other devices. The Vilcek 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.QualificationsBachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience of 5-7 years. A master’s degree in a related field is preferred.Exceptional writing and editing skills with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly to public audiences.Demonstrated experience writing press releases, editorial content, or institutional communications.Professional experience in communications, journalism, publishing, public relations, or a related field.Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple communications projects and deadlines.Willingness to support occasional evening or weekend events as needed.The candidate must be authorized to work in the United States.Required Skills and ExperienceStrong attention to detail and the ability to edit and proofread communications materials.Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues across departments.Strong interpersonal skills and professionalism when interacting with colleagues, partners, media representatives, and the public.Experience using common office and communications tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, email marketing platforms, and social media management tools.Familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms, and analytics tools is preferred.Experience working with project management tools such as Monday.com, or similar platforms is helpful.Comfort working in a Mac-based environment.The Vilcek Foundation reserves the right to modify job responsibilities as needed. While this description reflects the primary duties of the position, responsibilities may evolve over time as the needs of the organization change.The Vilcek Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with anti-discrimination law, it is the purpose of this policy to effectuate these principles and mandates. The Vilcek Foundation prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type and affords equal employment opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, sexual orientation, physical ability and neurodiversity status, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, marital status, pregnancy/parenthood/familial status, domestic partnership status, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or any other characteristic protected by law. The foundation conforms to the spirit as well as to the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.
