COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

The Communications Manager helps increase visibility and credibility of the Africa Program among key audiences in the countries in which we work in Africa through media relations and communications activities in influential arenas, such as policy events.

The position is responsible for securing media coverage for the work of the Africa Program and our partners, and issues related to our conservation objectives through strategic management of media opportunities, building relationships with journalists, creating compelling assets and opportunities and effectively deploying the staff of the Africa Program.

The position is also responsible for leveraging visibility opportunities provided by staff involvement in influential events and engagement arenas such as influential partnerships with the public and private sectors.

The position requires an energetic individual looking to grow their career. S/he will need to be comfortable working independently or under close direction.


• Write press releases, media backgrounders, OpEds, and scripts for broadcast programs
• Build and maintain strong and productive relationships with journalists; help create and manage proactive and reactive media strategies on complex issues
• Help coach staff for media interactions, including interviews and tours (Note: the position does not serve as spokesperson to the media.)
• Develop media partnerships
• Use social media to increase recognition among key audiences in urban areas
• Secure and manage vendors as needed, such as infomercial production agencies and photographers
• Serve as region’s liaison to media relations staff outside the region
• Write project briefs and other materials for high-value audiences; Q/A and coaching for presentations for high-level events

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field and 6 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience crafting materials for the media and decision-makers
• Experience building and maintaining strong and productive relationships with journalists in print, broadcast and online channels
• Experience helping develop, implement and manage strategic media campaigns for complex issues
• Fluency in English required, both verbal and strong writing skills.

• Experience with tracking media coverage and creating analysis that helps refine strategies and ensure best return on investment
• Excellent organizational and project management skills
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from very diverse backgrounds and cultures. Demonstrated ability to gain cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority in order to accomplish program goals
• Ability and eagerness to travel in remote areas under rugged conditions
• Prefer bi-lingual, with fluency, written and verbal, in Swahili

Pushes for excellence.  Establishes challenging goals for self and others to drive performance in support of the Conservancy’s mission.  Rewards behavior that achieves these standards and is aligned with the organization’s mission/ values.  Takes action to address performance problems in a timely and appropriate manner.
Builds or adapts organizational structures to accomplish the mission and to improve performance.  This includes reorganizing organizational systems, structures, processes, procedures, communication channels or reporting relationships.  With the Conservancy’s strategic filter in mind, determines who can contribute, gets the right people involved, and builds bench strength for the future.
Shows a willingness to put the needs and goals of a global organization before personal/local/departmental needs.  Works with others across organizational boundaries. Makes decisions, sets priorities, and allocates resources to help the organization as a whole achieve results.
Effectively expresses messages verbally and in writing.  Actively listens to others.  Fosters open exchange of issues.  Is timely with information.
Makes decisions and stands by them.  Makes timely decisions even under pressure and when lacking complete information. Has the courage to modify decisions and admit why and how they were wrong.
Flexible to changing circumstances. Takes innovative approaches towards work.  Takes calculated risks and makes dependable decisions in the fact of uncertainty.
Achieves results by persuading, convincing, or influencing others. Adapts approach to the individual or group and knows how and when to use complex influence strategies. Uses success stories and passion for the mission to generate enthusiasm and support.
Versatile learner and committed to self-improvement.  Employs strengths effectively.  Willingly shares knowledge with others.  Seeks coaching on areas needing improvement.  Adjusts behavior/performance as needed.  Views mistakes as learning opportunities.
Understands the basics of our business.  Knows how local job relates to the big picture & contributes to the overall strategy.  Knows how/why things work inside TNC.  Easily moves through internal networks and channels for success.

HOW TO APPLY:
To apply for this position, please submit a resume/CV and cover letter to Africa@tnc.org subject line:
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER. Applications must be submitted by Friday, June 19th,
2015 to be considered.

This description is not designed to be a complete list of all duties and responsibilities required for this job.