Director of Strategic Communications - Africa
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Founded in 1951, the Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world's toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters, and oceans at unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. One of our core values is our commitment to diversity. Therefore, we strive for a globally diverse and culturally competent workforce. Working in 72 countries, including all 50 United States, we use a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.
The position
The Director of Strategic Communications will develop and implement communications initiatives in the countries where TNC works in Africa to advance the organization’s conservation goals. The position will primarily focus on influential audiences in the public and private sector within the continent. The position will report to the Director of Marketing and Communications, Africa Region, which has primary responsibility for private fundraising audiences and is based in the US. The Director of Strategic Communications will be based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Essential functions
The Director of Strategic Communications will create, manage, and implement highly targeted communications initiatives designed to build engagement among influential audiences in the public and private sector, and to mobilize conservation action. S/he will manage one staff member and a rotating team of contract writers, designers, news media experts, with focus on strategic use of social media, news media and high-level events to increase the organization’s reach and influence with key audiences. S/he works closely with internal and external key stakeholders, including senior management in the region and in the organization’s marketing and communications teams elsewhere around the globe, to ensure delivery of programs.
Responsibilities and scope
Design, direct and manage multiple complex and diverse programs or projects, including coordinating the work of other professionals over whom s/he may have no direct authority.
Develop and implement initiatives to strengthen and expand the organization’s influence among targeted public sector and private sector audiences, including through high-level events.
Build and leverage strong relationships with peer communications functions of key partners, government agencies, allies in the private sector and other stakeholders. Develop and manage joint communications initiatives.
Build and mobilize a constituency of advocates for the organization and its conservation goals through social media and collaborations in traditional media.
Lead in-market customization and application of organization’s global marketing initiatives in collaboration with teams in the US and Europe.
Write persuasive materials for diverse audiences, including fact sheets and talking points.
Track and analyze impacts; refine strategies for greatest impact and return on investment.
Uphold the organization’s reputation through effective management of PR issues and challenges in coordination with media relations staff, including creating talking points and leading response strategies.
Financial responsibility includes developing and managing project budget objectives, reporting, and tracking. Provides input to departmental budget.
Opportunity to act independently within broad program goals. Work checked through consultation and agreement with stakeholders.
Multiday travel to TNC offices and project sites in Africa and the United States will be required several times each year. Travel may include rugged conditions and/or to remote locations.
Minimum qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in related field and a minimum of 9 years related work experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work experience based in Africa required. Experience working in multiple countries and/or across national borders in Africa.
Experience managing staff, including ability to motivate, lead, set objectives, manage performance, and help with conflict resolution on a multi-disciplinary team.
Experience developing, implementing, and measuring strategic marketing plans and programs.
Experience cultivating and managing client, partner, and vendor relationships.
Experience with using social media strategically to build and activate a community of followers in support of business objectives.
Ability to work with a diverse team across different office locations and time zones on a daily basis.
Excellent writing, editing and presentation skills; ability to persuasively convey the mission of The Nature Conservancy to diverse groups.
Preferred knowledge, skills and experience
Demonstrated passion for conservation of Africa’s natural environment.
Strong network of contacts in the communications and marketing industry, including freelance writers, graphic designers, illustrators, and videographers.
Demonstrated ability in planning and managing budgets.
Experience fostering an environment of creativity and professional growth.
Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in communications, chiefly social media trends in key countries in Africa.
Multi-lingual skills appreciated. (Swahili, French or Portuguese)
Organisational competencies
Builds Relationships
Builds productive relationships by interacting with others in ways that enhance mutual trust and commitment.
Collaboration andeamwork
Works collaboratively with stakeholders across levels, geographies, backgrounds, and cultures to improve decisions, strengthen commitment, and be more effective.
Communicates Authentically
Communicates proactively and in a timely manner to share information, persuade, and influence with the appropriate level of detail, tone, and opportunities for feedback.
Develops
Others
Takes ownership to help develop others’ skills, behaviors, and mindsets to help them maximize their workplace contributions.
Leverages difference
Demonstrates commitment to harnessing the power of differences strategically; consistently sees, learns from, and takes strategic action related to difference; and demonstrates the self-awareness and behaviors to work across differences of identity and power respectfully and effectively with all stakeholders. Actively seeks to build and retain a diverse workforce and fosters an equitable inclusive workplace by drawing upon diverse perspectives.
Leadership
Thinks and acts from a broad perspective with a long-term view and an understanding of 1) the dynamic nature of large-scale challenges and 2) the need for integrating five key practices: skillfully engaging appropriate people; providing a clear process for change; taking a holistic view of situations; focusing on a small number of strategic actions, while learning from and adapting them over time; and being aware of how one’s own thinking or patterns of behavior may be limiting change.
Should you wish to apply – please send your CV and a Cover Letter to Eleanor Khupe - **********ele .
Company Description
Executive Search for Africa
Posted on 20 Jan 08:49
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