At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead engagement strategies with cultural champions to amplify our mission for a better world.
- Company: Join the largest nonprofit dedicated to fighting global poverty and inequity.
- Benefits: Enjoy comprehensive health coverage, generous paid time off, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by collaborating with influential artists and creators on meaningful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic communications and relationship management with celebrities and cultural leaders.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity and inclusion in the workplace.
The predicted salary is between 150000 - 225000 £ per year.
The Foundation
We are the largest nonprofit fighting poverty, disease, and inequity around the world. Founded on a simple premise: people everywhere, regardless of identity or circumstances, should have the chance to live healthy, productive lives. We believe our employees should reflect the rich diversity of the global populations we aim to serve. We provide an exceptional benefits package to employees and their families which include comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with no premiums, generous paid time off, paid family leave, foundation-paid retirement contribution, regional holidays, and opportunities to engage in several employee communities. As a workplace, we're committed to creating an environment for you to thrive both personally and professionally.
The Team
The Communications Division, led by the Chief Communications Officer, oversees the foundation's global communications strategy. The division brings together internal and external communications to advance the foundation's mission to create a more equitable world.
The foundation launched Goalkeepers in 2017 to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are 17 global goals world leaders agreed to at the United Nations to make the world a better place. These ambitious goals include no poverty, zero hunger, good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality and clean water and sanitation for all. Through an annual data report, events, media outreach and digital engagements, Goalkeepers share cutting-edge data and tell stories that inform, inspire and empower people around the world to advance the Global Goals.
Your Role
As a Senior Communications Officer, Champion Engagement and Creative Partnerships, you will lead the strategy for identifying, cultivating, and managing high-impact relationships with Goalkeepers cultural champions, including influential artists, creators, and public figures across key markets such as the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Nigeria, and South Africa. You will design and execute tailored engagement strategies that ensure each partnership is authentic, strategic, and aligned with both the champion's voice and the mission and values of the foundation and of the Goalkeepers community. This role also oversees creative and media partnerships with these champions, translating these relationships into compelling storytelling and artistic expression through events, digital campaigns, and media collaborations.
The position demands exceptional relationship-building skills, strong creative judgment, and the ability to operate with discretion and professionalism in highly visible environments. You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams across Goalkeepers, Regional Offices, our Content and Campaigns team, and Global Policy & Advocacy, as well as external media organizations, producers, publicists, talent agencies, and advocacy partners, to deliver cohesive and impactful engagement strategies that resonate with priority audiences.
What You'll Do
Champion Engagement Strategy
Lead the development and implementation of a champion engagement strategy in priority markets (e.g., U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Nigeria, South Africa, etc.). Identify, recruit, and manage a diverse portfolio of champions including celebrities, content creators, and cultural leaders whose influence and values align with the Goalkeepers mission. Design and maintain detailed engagement plans for each champion, outlining objectives, opportunities, key messages, and activation moments across the year. Design and deliver learning trips for key champions, ensuring a strong learning agenda, including meetings with local partners and experts. Provide strategic counsel on champion engagement for foundation initiatives and campaigns, ensuring mutual value and authentic representation.
Relationship Management
Build and sustain trusted relationships with champions and their professional teams (agents, managers, publicists, and production partners). Act as the primary liaison between champions and the foundation, ensuring seamless coordination, clear communication, and high-quality engagement. Manage communications, logistics, and long-term relationship stewardship with discretion and cultural fluency.
Creative Content and Media Partnerships
Collaborate with creative and content teams to design and deliver storytelling, media, and digital campaigns featuring champions. Develop creative partnerships with production companies, media outlets, and agencies to amplify champions' voices and extend Goalkeepers' reach in donor markets. Oversee creative deliverables ensuring brand consistency and impact, including videos, interviews, social content, and media collaborations.
Event Integration
Integrate champions into major Goalkeepers moments, including the annual event in New York, regional events (e.g., Goalkeepers Lagos), and high-profile donor-market engagements. Support the planning and execution of champion appearances, panels, and media opportunities. Collaborate with events and media relations colleagues to ensure aligned storytelling and logistics.
Measurement and Learning
Ensure alignment of champions to audience data by partnering with our Strategy and Insights teams. Track and analyze the performance and influence of champion activations, assessing reach, resonance, and impact. Share insights, lessons, and best practices to strengthen the foundation's global champion engagement strategy.
Your Experience
Bachelor's degree required (Master's preferred) in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field. Significant years of experience in strategic communications, talent relations, or partnership management, ideally within entertainment, philanthropy, or international development. Proven success building and managing relationships with celebrities, creators, and cultural leaders in the U.S., U.K., and European donor markets. Experience developing customized engagement strategies and managing high-profile partnerships from concept to activation. Strong background in creative content development and media partnerships across digital, social, and experiential platforms. Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication, and negotiation skills, with sound judgment and discretion. Deep understanding of global culture, influence dynamics, and media landscapes in donor markets.
*Must be able to legally work in the country where this position is located without visa sponsorship.
Hiring Requirements
As part of our standard hiring process for new employees, employment will be contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
Candidate Accommodations
If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request here.
Inclusion Statement
We are dedicated to the belief that all lives have equal value. We strive for a global and cultural workplace that supports ever greater diversity, equity, and inclusion — of voices, ideas, and approaches — and we support this diversity through all our employment practices. All applicants and employees who are drawn to serve our mission will enjoy equality of opportunity and fair treatment without regard to race, color, age, religion, pregnancy, sex, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and prior protected activity.
Senior Communications Officer, Champion Engagement and Creative Partnerships in London employer: Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
Contact Detail:
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Communications Officer, Champion Engagement and Creative Partnerships in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential champions or colleagues. You never know who might help you land that dream role!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to chat with someone from the foundation, let your enthusiasm for their mission shine through. Share your ideas on how you can contribute to their goals and make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the foundation’s recent projects and initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your skills align with their mission and values. Tailor your responses to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After any meeting or interview, send a quick thank-you note expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you on their radar and shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Communications Officer, Champion Engagement and Creative Partnerships in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who you're addressing. Tailor your application to resonate with the foundation's mission and values. Show us that you get what we're all about!
Be Authentic: We want to see the real you! Share your unique experiences and perspectives that align with the role. Authenticity goes a long way in making your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your experience in strategic communications and partnership management. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and how they relate to the Senior Communications Officer role.
Check Your Details: Before hitting send, double-check your application for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
✨Know Your Champions
Before the interview, research the cultural champions and public figures associated with the foundation. Understand their values, past collaborations, and how they align with the Goalkeepers mission. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're genuinely interested in building authentic relationships.
✨Showcase Your Creative Strategy
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've developed and executed engagement strategies in previous roles. Highlight your ability to tailor approaches for different audiences and champions, and be ready to share creative ideas that could resonate with the foundation's mission.
✨Demonstrate Relationship Management Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience in managing high-profile partnerships. Share stories that illustrate your interpersonal skills, discretion, and ability to navigate complex dynamics with agents, managers, and publicists. This will show that you can handle the visibility and responsibility of the role.
✨Align with the Foundation's Values
Familiarise yourself with the foundation's mission and the Sustainable Development Goals. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to creating a more equitable world. This connection will resonate well with the interviewers.