About GEO

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations (GEO) exists to help grantmakers turn their desire to improve into real progress. The GEO community bridges the gap between grantmaking as usual and transformational change. Our community includes more than 6,600 grantmakers working together to turn a hunger for more effective philanthropy into clear pathways for achieving it. We're cutting through the noise to lift up the practices that matter most to nonprofits. GEO cultivates a community for grantmakers to work with their peers while they are navigating the same journey towards improvement. To learn more about how GEO is making faster progress possible, visit www.geofunders.org.  

Position Description The Communications Specialist plays a central role in supporting and coordinating GEO’s core communications activities and strategies that advance the organization’s mission and priorities and increase visibility and awareness. This role requires a highly motivated person that will require skills in digital media, writing and editing, maintenance of web-based platforms, email marketing, graphic design, document design and layout. S/he is a self-starter, has a knack for keeping track of loose ends and can easily toggle between multiple projects. This position reports to the Director of Communications. Depending on interest and organizational need, this position may involve up to 10-15% travel.  

When working with us in this role you will:

• Support and coordinate core communications activities, including keeping the organization’s web-based platforms (e.g. websites, blogs and social media) up-to-date, email marketing, graphic design, and document design and layout
• Coordinate publications and editorial calendars
• Provide editorial guidance for web-based platforms (e.g. website, blog, social media, email, etc.)
• Provide writing and editing support for staff
• Collaborate with staff, external stakeholders and vendors to develop and execute communications strategies
• Collaborate with staff, external stakeholders and vendors to develop and execute communications strategies
• Support the development and execution of media and public relations strategies that increase the visibility and awareness of GEO
• Contribute to work that is helping to advance GEO’s organizational culture and work on racial equity
• Research potential professional development opportunities for yourself in preparation for goal setting conversations with your supervisor

  Minimum Qualifications

A minimum of 3 to 5 years of progressively responsible, relevant work experience in communications, or a combination of training, education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties for this position

• Solid writing, editing, communications and strategic thinking, project management, and research skills
• Experience managing the online presence of an organization (e.g. website and social media) and familiarity with strategies for increasing supporter participation and engagement
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, external stakeholders and vendors
• Ability to think creatively and proactively
• Ability to work on multiple writing projects simultaneously and meet deadlines
• Ability to work quickly under pressure and work well in a team environment
• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills
• Strong communication, listening and interpersonal skills
• High degree of personal integrity, ethics and demonstrated respect and sensitivity for cultural differences

  Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with content managements systems (e.g. Wordpress or Drupal), email marketing tools (e.g. Salesforce Marketing Cloud), social media management tools (e.g. SproutSocial), and basic knowledge of HTML or CSS
• Experience in membership communications
• Experience writing to amplify the voice of organizational leadership
• Experience creating communications materials through a racial equity lens with the intent to increase understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion principles

  How to Apply Interested applicants should apply on our jobs page at https://www.geofunders.org/about-us/jobs, a resume and cover letter are required to be considered for this position. In your cover letter, please address the following:

• Why are you a good fit for this position?
• Tell us about your experience managing multiple communication channels.
• What are your greatest professional strengths and weaknesses?
• What appeals to you about working at GEO?

  We will accept applications until the position is filled.   Note:  Our team is currently full-time remote in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. For the time being, we will be conducting the hiring process virtually.  

Salary and Benefits

GEO offers a competitive salary starting at $64k and a generous benefits package, including 100 percent employer paid health insurance, three weeks of vacation, twelve sick days, a 7 percent employer retirement contribution, a commitment to professional development and growth, along with a Metro accessible location in downtown D.C.  

Grantmakers for Effective Organizations is an equal opportunity employer. GEO is committed to equal employment opportunities in recruitment, hiring, promotion, training, compensation and disciplinary action with regard to the terms and conditions of employment. GEO does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, color, age, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, personal appearance, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation or any other legally protected characteristic.