Job Purpose/Summary
The Communications Officer works as a key member of the GSMC team to plan and develop communications that raise the school's profile and support its marketing and business development. Using a keen understanding of GSMC's targeted internal and external audiences, the incumbent brings initiative and consistency to all communications efforts. The Communications Officer provides sound communications advice to GSMC administrative and academic staff and collaborates with communications professionals throughout AKU to align and coordinate communications priorities and messages. The Communications Officer brings exceptional innovation and creativity, time management and organizational skills, resourcefulness, team spirit and an entrepreneurial mindset to the role.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Develop, implement, evaluate, and maintain a social media/web strategy
Help grow the GSMC brand
Manage GSMC's social media presence across relevant channels - Facebook, YouTube, Twitter - ensuring consistent and well-curated content
Support the development of a media-relevant platform and assist GSMC faculty to communicate their teaching, writing, and research.
Develop a regular newsletter on GSMC's activities, as well as media topics of special relevance to regional media and communications professionals.
Act as the voice of GSMC in our own and other social media communities
Monitor trends, applications, and new developments in traditional and social media
Curate the GSMC website, creating rich and creative content from the region that is optimized for search engines
Curate articles on hot topics or ongoing important issues
Develop, maintain, and improve the GSMC website, including drafting, editing, and posting content
Develop and execute internal and external communication plans and promotional material in collaboration with the Dean and senior GSMC Management
Develop dynamic marketing and promotional campaigns to raise public awareness, recruit students, and assist in fund-raising
Create compelling messages and stories about GSMC for potential clients and donors
Create stakeholder maps in developing communication strategies, refreshed regularly based on internal and external feedback
Collaborative with AKU's Office of Strategic Communications in messaging and strategy, particularly the design of promotional materials
Contribute to internal AKU newsletters and reports, profiling GSMC activities
Work effectively with Aga Khan Development Network affiliates (AKF, ADKN, EAI, etc) on overlapping communications interests/tasks
Help organize public events and seminars to raise GSMC's public profile
Understand and "ride" the latest media trends to advance the priorities of the school.
Writing speeches and/or developing talking points for team members, where necessary.
Work with regional media houses to showcase the school's activities; book, the school's experts for interviews, TV and radio appearances, and conferences that raise the school's profile
Monitor and report monthly on communications performance metrics and personal objectives
Manage fast-response or crisis communications
Actively seek opportunities to leverage GSMC faculty expertise (e.g., media interviews, web chats, etc.)
Write media releases and produce content that publicizes GSMC's work
Build relationships with media groups, tech hubs, NGOs, and other interested communities to enhance the brand and identity of the GSMC
Help develop innovative, original, and strategic partnerships with corporate, governmental, and non-governmental partners
Relevant Experience and Qualifications
A Bachelors degree in communications, public relations, or a related field from a recognized university is required.
Professional qualification in a related field (e.g., Chartered Institute of Marketing, International Association on Business Communicators) is preferred.
At least three (3) years of experience in media, corporate and/or strategic communications, or public relations.
Demonstrated experience with digital and print marketing and communications (including writing and editing).
In-depth understanding of marketing and communications value and use of popular social media platforms major (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, SlideShare).
Demonstrated experience creating successful communications strategies.
Knowledge of web content management.
Understanding of stakeholder/community engagement.
Events management experience.
Professional experience in curating digital/social media, is required; radio or TV experience is highly desired.
Experience managing an agency or contractors is desired.
Deep knowledge of the Kenyan and East African media industry with contacts within various media organizations.
Issues management and crisis communications.
Experience in teaching and training practicing professionals is desired
Knowledge of the AKU/AKDN is desired.
Excellent writer and critical thinker - an innovative and creative "thinker-doer" with a flexible, entrepreneurial approach to the job.
Digital native, detail-oriented, polished, and diplomatic.
Highly energetic self-starter able to build relationships and work collegially and effectively with colleagues and clients.
Superior multi-tasker who enjoys pressure, able to work quickly and independently.
Understanding of today's media and communication landscape and best practices - from strategic communications planning and proactive messaging to reactive communications and crisis mitigation.
Understanding of audience segmentation and how to anticipate and target communications to a variety of audiences - general public, corporate, higher education, media, NGOs, and government - both online and offline.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and their participants (Facebook, Digg, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, etc.)
Experience in brand-building online and offline.
Commitment to AKU's vision and values.