Communications Manager at Habitat for Humanity International

Specific Job Responsibilities:

Develop and Implement Communication Strategies:

• Develop comprehensive communication strategies that align with Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s mission to facilitate access to decent and affordable shelter for low-income families.
• Develop realistic annual plans and budgets to enable the execution of the communications strategies.

Manage Internal and External Communications:

• Develop clear and effective guidelines and protocols for internal and external communications.
• Manage external communications to enhance Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s public image and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the community.
• Help coordinate media interviews and other external communications opportunities related to HFH work in Kenya, including preparation of key spokespeople.

Program Communications Support:

• Develop project-specific communication plans for HFHK’s new and ongoing donor-funded projects and oversee their execution throughout the project's lifespan.
• Build the capacity of project leads and technical specialists to identify and document stories of change, including case studies, photos, and multimedia products that communicate the impact of our work to key public audiences and for media use, as well as for quality reporting purposes.
• Support field program teams in ensuring that the HFHK brand and donor requirements are fulfilled for all visibility and communications materials.

Content Creation and Management:

• Supervise the creation of compelling content (e.g., articles, press releases, social media posts, newsletters) that communicates Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s impact and initiatives effectively -this includes overseeing website management and social media engagement.
• Ensure all content aligns with organizational goals and resonates with target audiences. Reinforce Habitat for Humanity brand and communications standards among content-gatherers, setting clear guiderails around the development of stories, images, videos and other assets.
• Monitor and evaluate the impact of communication efforts and campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed to maximize effectiveness.

Enhance Public Image and Stakeholder Engagement:

• Implement strategies to enhance Habitat for Humanity Kenya’s public image and increase visibility in relevant sectors.
• Collaborate with advocacy, donor relations and other relevant teams to engage stakeholders, including donors, volunteers, government agencies, and the media, to garner support and advocacy for the organization’s initiatives.
• Collaborate with fundraising teams to develop communication materials that support fundraising campaigns and initiatives.
• Assist in PR efforts by crafting compelling stories, organizing media appearances, and managing media relations to generate positive coverage and support.

Staff Capacity Building:

• Train key senior staff on media engagement and support the National Director and other senior managers in their roles as designated spokespersons.
• Coordinate periodic training of staff in communication skills, tools, and best practices; the HFHK Communications strategy, policies, and brand guidelines; and empower team members to effectively execute communication strategies and initiatives.
• Develop and implementation a crisis communication policy within the first 6 months, with annual refresher training for all staff.
• And any other duties as may be assigned by your supervisor.

KEY PERFORMANCE MEASURES / INDICATORS

• Annual strategic communication plans, achieving at least 90% of set objectives.
• HFHK communications related to Kenya are useful for fundraisers, advocacy and program staff within the organization.
• Number of quality communications assets produced and effectively used by the Habitat for Humanity network.
• Number of successful external engagements via news media, events and other opportunities.
• Communications consistently reflect Habitat for Humanity brand and ethical standards.
• Number of successful stakeholder engagement events per year.
• Annual brand audits with a minimum 5% increase in brand perception score
• Engagement figures on national website and social media channels

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES REQUIRED

• Proficiency in building creative concepts and demonstrated ability to see storytelling projects through to completion, including both written and visual aspects.
• Proven ability to write, edit, evaluate and curate strong content and design, while meeting brand, marketing and messaging needs.
• Strong communications and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural competencies and organizational and project management skills that demonstrate an ability to successfully collaborate with a variety of departments and stakeholders.
• Attributes: Strategic thinker, detail-oriented, creative, proactive, and adaptable. A passion for non-profit’s mission is essential.
• Technical Skills: Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, and other relevant communication tools.

EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field, preferably in a non-profit organization.
• Proven experience in media engagement.
• Track record of developing and managing a communications unit.
• Experience in developing successful communication strategies and campaigns that help advance both larger organizational objectives and those of a particular team or initiative within an organization.