Communications Lead at Ventures Platform

Our Communications team at VP is growing and we are on the lookout for an amazing candidate who will play a key role in coordinating and managing the internal and external communication activities of Ventures Platform. The role will also be responsible for promoting and nurturing a thriving and vibrant community of Entrepreneurs by adopting series of engaging activities and events; initiating communications geared towards stimulating growth, value and overall profitability/engagement of the community.

Job Expectations

Strategy

• This role is accountable for leading the strategic development of communication plans and elevating the organization's corporate profile.
• Responsible for developing a consistent internal and external corporate brand messaging strategy that is reflected across all VP programs.
• Develops communications key messages and talking points and manages the implementation across all communications programs.
• Assist with strategic communication requirements for executive, including presentation storyboards and deck designs, interview talking points and speech writing.

Content development

• Provide communication support across the entire VP Directorates & VP Fund
• Create content which is super focused on making VP a thought leader in tech entrepreneurship and early-stage investing in Africa.

• Generate regular content that highlights the achievements of portfolio companies.

• Design, proofread and revise communications to be published through all the company’s communication channels.

• Creating and supporting the production of publicity brochures, handouts, direct mail leaflets, promotional videos, photographs, films, and multimedia programs.

Web and Social Media Management

• Maintaining and updating information on the organization’s website, scheduling and publishing contents on the social media platforms.
• Drive growth of social media followership and engagement.

Public relations and community building

• Build strong relationships with press locally and internationally to ensure VP and its portfolio companies continuously get positive media coverage.

• Write press releases for announcements and ensure distribution among appropriate media contacts.

• Carry out community building and advocacy efforts both online and offline.

• Responsible for aggressively growing usage and engagement of VP online forum.

Skills & Requirements

Job Requirements:

• An in-depth knowledge of corporate communications and public relations within a business-to-business/customers and, or business-to-government communications industry((preferably in the technology industry).
• Experience providing creative and art direction to designers to achieve corporate initiatives.
• Experience working within a public company and promoting the organization globally.
• Strong organization and time management skills that enable the employee to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication skills to facilitate routine and accelerated work requests with suppliers and manage internal corporate expectations.
• Immense personal initiative is required to anticipate requests before they are received.
• A positive and professional team player attitude that works well under pressure and is flexible and responsible.
• Attention to detail and a good head for numbers.
• A robust understanding of the tech ecosystem.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel), and online communications tools (WordPress, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, etc.)

Experience/Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, Business or a related field.
• 2-3 years professional experience in business-to-business/customer and, or business-to-government communications (preferably in the technology industry).
• Experience in managing programs, with a "roll up the sleeves and get it done" approach. Must be able to work independently.
• 2-3 years experience in a corporate or marketing communications role within the communications industry.
• Minimum 3 years experience managing communications resources, including internal and external relationships, vendors and agencies.
• Proven experience with strategic planning, messaging strategy, corporate communications, public relations, brand development, content development, writing, web and social media, project management, presentation development, vendor/agency management, budget management, presentation development.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time (including international travel).
• Proven experience in working with senior-level executives
• Must provide the following professional references as applicable:
  • previous supervisor(s),
  • previous direct report(s) (if applicable),
  • and previous vendor(s) and/or client(s).