Purpose:
The Communications Manager drives and sets the tone for all TJNA messaging, both internal and external. They determine how communication is shared and flows while ensuring that it aligns with TJNA's values, overall messaging vision and communications strategy.
Engagement: The Communications Manager primarily works cross-functionally collaborating with other members of the senior management team and staff to identify, define and produce messaging based on the needs of TJNA. They are also responsible for establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with media outlets, journalists, and an entire range of key media players in an effort to expand outreach and handle public relations issues that may arise.
Delivery: The Communications Manager defines TJNA's diverse constituency and designs coherent content that specifically resonates with these varied audiences. They curate and direct the release of finely tuned messages via multi-communication channels in an effective and timely mode. The Communications Manager also seeks to cultivate and expand TJNA's constituency besides increase the organization's visibility across the continent and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
Drive and Manage TJNA's Strategic Communications
Lead on the implementation of the Communication strategy and design a multi-channel communication strategy action plan.
Identify and participate in opportunities to share and establish thought leadership on tax issues through conferences, policy dialogues, and other forums where messages can be circulated.
Serve as the focal point for developing and communicating advocacy messages, fact sheets, briefs, blogs, policy briefs and campaigns to both internal and external audiences, including partners.
Coordinate the development and production of publications and advocacy materials.
Oversee the quality of all social media content, media releases, presentations, visual content, multimedia publications, and other public communication pieces are up to TJNA's brand standards before dissemination.
Direct and manage the production and execution of campaigns (timelines, content, and logistics)
Regularly assess the effectiveness of the TJNA's communication channels putting in place measures that promote awareness and momentum as well as test the effectiveness of communication activities.
Set in place metrics and perform periodic analytics whose data will inform on areas for growth or improvement that in turn boost the TJNA's audience base, in an effort to protect and preserve the organization's reputation
Strategically manage and project a positive image of TJNA to the public
Leadership & Management of Communications Department
Establish and drive the department's strategic direction, as well as define priorities and coordinate cross-functional initiatives.
Set up department and oversee recruitment of a diversely skilled communications team.
Supervise direct reports, build teams capacity and facilitate communications officers performance journey.
Manage and be accountable for the department's operational budget and overall reporting.
Collaborate with fellow senior management members on determining and identifying key strategic priorities for TJNA's business agenda.
Provide the ED with strategic input in building TJNA's vision, setting goals, planning development, and setting regulations and policies
Develop, Collaborate, and Maintain Relationships
Collaborate cross-functionally across TJNA's programs departments working closely with the Partnerships development, knowledge management and capacity development department as well as the Policy research and advocacy department to identify key priorities for messaging.
Act as media liaison and representative of TJNA as communications spokesperson.
Focus on developing media relations, which includes developing new relationships with key media players as well as fostering existing ones.
Key Accountability Areas
Strategic Communications & Brand Management
Leadership & Departmental Oversight
Media Relations & Public Engagement
Digital & Stakeholder Engagement
Qualifications
Bachelor's degree required; graduate-level training and/or degree(s) in Communications, Public Relations, or Journalism.
A master's degree in communications (or a related field) is an added advantage.
Required Competencies & Experience
Exceptional written, oral, interpersonal, and presentation skills and the ability to effectively interface with outside media and communications professionals, senior management, TJNA's Board of Directors, and staff.
At least 10 years of professional experience in a communications role, ideally with a non- profit with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably with a research and advocacy focus.
Management of remote diverse teams.
Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies.
Demonstrated experience translating complicated technical content into accessible and inclusive concepts and messaging.
Proven experience in strategic communications, crisis communications, implementation of successful campaigns and messaging for multi layered audiences.
Bilingual in English and French, is an added advantage.
Ability to work well both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Demonstrated cross-cultural sensitivity and ability to build respectful relationships with stakeholders from diverse cultural, linguistic, and educational backgrounds.
Demonstrated experience in public relations and stakeholder management skills.
Conversant with the African development context including a good understanding of the Civil Society environment in Africa and globally.
Proven experience in planning, budgeting, and analytics.
Personable, flexible, creative, a team player and an analytic thinker.
Willingness to travel.