Public Relations & Communications Contractor

About us:

Kiva (kiva.org) is an international nonprofit with a mission to expand financial access to help underserved communities thrive. We run a global marketplace platform to crowdfund microloans for financially excluded entrepreneurs, farmers and students around the world. Through Kiva Capital, we serve as a bridge between large scale impact first investors and underserved populations. Our digital identity platform enables borrowers who don’t have a track record with traditional financial institutions to record and verify their financial history and gain access to less costly mainstream financial markets. Our organization combines the culture and technological passion of an internet start-up with the compassion and empathy of a non-profit to create impact and opportunity at global scale. Since 2005, we have raised more than $1.66 billion in loan capital for 4.1 million borrowers in 77 countries. Our lenders fund over $10 million in loans every month. With offices in San Francisco, Portland, New York, Nairobi, and Bangkok, Kiva's team includes 100+ employees and 400+ volunteers worldwide. Our team is growing as we pursue exciting new opportunities to create a financially inclusive world.

Kiva's values:

Impact first - This is why we exist. This is the drumbeat we march to. Every day. Extreme ownership - Own it; you, your relationships, your impact. Insist that others support you and hold you accountable. Be curious and bold - Never stop learning. Question assumptions. Take Risks and dream big. Inclusion. Equity. Diversity. - Without reservation and without caveat. In our hiring, in our workplace and in our impact in the world. Honor and integrity - Do the most right thing in the most right way. Cherish diversity and respect each other. Love and kindness always - Say what you mean. Mean what you say. And don't say it mean. Clarity. Courage. Kindness.

Role overview:

Independent Contractor Project Overview

• This is for a 6-8 month, remote contract project working with the Comms team at Kiva (kiva.org), starting June 1, 2023.
• 30 hours/week (flexible)
• As a PR & Comms contractor, under the direction of the Director of Communications you will lead key public relations functions. Based on your PR and communications experience you will help build a media database and pitch stories to relevant outlets, as well as develop prep documents for media interviews to support speaking opportunities for Kiva’s bench of spokespeople.  

At this time, we can only consider applicants with authorization to work in the United States on a permanent, full-time basis; unfortunately we cannot provide visa sponsorship.

Key Deliverables/ Expectations:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive media database
• Research and identify new media outlets and journalists relevant to Kiva’s mission and goals
• Support the Director of Communications in building relationships with journalists and reporters to secure media coverage
• Develop and pitch story ideas to relevant media outlets
• Monitor media coverage and provide regular updates to the team
• Collaborate with the entire Communications team to support high-quality PR and comms campaigns
• Research relevant conference panels and speaking engagements and develop relevant speaker pitch materials

Experience Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field
• Min 3 years of experience in public relations or media relations – Nonprofit experience preferred
• Currently working as a communications and/or PR consultant or freelancer who is interested in adding another client to your roster
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational and research skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Familiarity with media databases and coverage tracking
• Passion for social justice and nonprofit work

What we offer:

• An opportunity to improve real lives, solve hard problems, and change the world
• Friendly, supportive, and adventurous environment with a team of engaged colleagues
• Opportunities to connect with and learn from colleagues and partners around the world
• Kiva's Comms team is a remote-first team: work from wherever you want to be!

A diverse and inclusive workplace where we learn from each other is an integral part of Kiva's culture. We actively welcome people of different backgrounds, experiences, abilities and perspectives. We are an equal opportunity employer and a great place to work. Join us and help us achieve our mission!