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Director
of Communications
Tostan is
a Senegalese-born non-profit organization
dedicated
to educating and empowering
Africans who have had
little or no access to formal schooling. Tostan’s community-led programs have
resulted in thousands of villages deciding to abandon the practices of female
genital cutting and child marriage, increase formal education of children, use
problem solving and literacy skills to generate income and further develop
local economies, and incorporate regular healthcare. This vibrant organization
is rapidly scaling its successful model across Africa. In order to raise its profile
with partners and global stakeholders,
Tostan
has created a new position for a
Director
of Communications.
Reporting
to the Director of External Relations, the Director of Communications leads and
mentors a dedicated team raising Tostan’s
public
relations, marketing, communications and brand to the next level. Working
closely with the Executive Director, the Manager develops and facilitates
buy-in on a communications strategy and action plan. B
uilding on Tostan’s strengths, this leader manages and
coordinates all relevant activities internationally, leveraging proven best
practices and techniques, as well as emerging trends, technologies and social
media.
As the ideal candidate, you have a bachelor’s degree
in a relevant field, and at least five years of experience in communications or
public relations. An outstanding communicator, you are known for your writing
and editing skills in both French and English. You enjoy traveling and leading
an international, multicultural team.
As a true
mentor, building the capacity and skills of those around you is second
nature. You thrive in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments, and manage
multiple projects effectively. You understand how to navigate and influence
within the non-profit sector; previous experience in international development,
community-led development, or human rights in developing nations would be an
asset.
Duties &
Responsibilities
·
Create
a communications strategy and plan that supports Tostan’s
operational strategy, and work closely with the executive team to facilitate
final approval and disseminate the communications plan throughout the
organization.
·
Lead all communications activities,
including international public relations, media relations, branding, marketing,
and coordination of conferences to maximize impact with other organisational
priorities, including fundraising and programs.
·
Develop and mentor communications staff
and volunteers to improve the internal communications function and facilitate adoption
of key communications behaviours.
·
Plan, produce and disseminate Tostan’s
marketing collateral, including online and print publications and
presentations.
·
Leverage emerging trends, technologies,
and social media, in additional to more traditional platforms, to raise
Tostan’s profile in key areas.
·
Manage Tostan's small but significant
role in advocacy on key issues.
·
Develop a cohesive international brand
that reflects Tostan’s values.
·
Support and coordinate activities
related to program and internal communications.
·
Leverage existing assets, including an
extensive database of donors, committed supporters, high level contacts and
press relationships.
Key
Relationships
·
Direct supervisor: Chief Operations
Officer
·
Works closely with the Executive
Director and Communications Advisory Board.
·
Manages a team of at least two staff
and two volunteers on site, and additional staff and volunteers located
throughout the organization.
Location
The position is
located in Dakar, Senegal, in Tostan’s international office. International
travel is required.
Ideal Candidate Profile:
Qualifications and Selection Criteria
Education
A Bachelors degree in Communications or related
is required.
Language
Proficiency
Fluency in verbal and written French and English is required.
Knowledge
& Experience
-
5 years of
communications and/or public relations experience.
-
Experience
leading, mentoring and building the capacity of staff, ideally within
international, cross-cultural teams.
-
A clear understanding
of how to navigate and influence within the international development and
non-profit sectors.
-
Proven track
record of strong project and budget management skills.
-
Knowledge of
best practices in communications and public relations, including multimedia,
online, print and emerging social media.
-
Experience
working in Africa would be an asset.
-
Experience with community-led
development or human rights organizations would be an asset.
Characteristics
-
Excellent
verbal communication and writing and editing skills.
-
Thrives
in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment and manages multiple projects
effectively.
-
A
natural mentor and coach who enjoys building the skills and knowledge of
the individuals on his or her team.
-
Enjoys
working in a multi-lingual, multi-cultural environment.
-
Builds
relationships at all levels and communicates effectively with people in
various locations and functions.
-
Believes
strongly in Tostan's mission to empower African communities to bring about
sustainable development and positive social transformation based on
respect for human rights.
To apply,
please send
your resume, cover letter to
hr@tostan.org
. Please
be sure to put “
Director of Communications” as the
email subject. Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.
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