Communications and External Relations Manager at Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI)

Key Accountabilities:

Communication Strategy and Public Relations

• Design and implement strategic communication plans for the organization and its programs, to enhance the impact of YEDI’s work and enhance its voice in the sector.
• To ensure all communications activities undertaken are monitored, evaluated, and inform future work, producing insights reports for the team, donors, our Board, and other stakeholders
• Cultivate mutually beneficial relationships with media firms, and agencies and ensure maximum publicity for the YEDI Brand.
• Effective reputation and crisis management.
• Coordinate press activities.
• Develop and implement marketing plans for the organization, its programs, and activities.

Digital Marketing

• Coordinate the creation of multimedia productions for the organization including commercials, short documentaries, audio messages and videos in various formats.
• Coordinate and supervise the creation of content and leads on social media to drive publicity for YEDI’s programs and events (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, blog etc), also monitor & report performance metrics quarterly.
• Manage and oversee the digital fundraising activities of the organization. Branding, Corporate Communications, and Events
• Oversee and manage the activities relating to the production and distribution of branding materials for YEDI and all its programs/events e.g. banners, T-shirts, flyers etc.
• Ensure adherence to brand ideals in all external and internal communications and events.
• Manage the production of corporate materials used in stakeholder engagement.
• Manage internal and external communications of the organization, ensuring that the message is consistent with the mission and values of YEDI and engaging. Tailor messages to increase awareness and maximize the potential of various channels.
• Ensure the regular and timely production and distribution of YEDI’s biannual newsletter, annual reports, and other publications related to the organization or its various program activities.
• Ensure all YEDI events are effectively branded as required in full compliance with grants, contracts, and agreements

Partnerships & Relationship Management

• Liaise with the Executive Director to create and implement communications, public relations, media, and branding strategies to strengthen YEDI’s reputation, visibility, and social influence.
• Identify key media and key journalists and foster a relationship with them to proactively position the organization`s topics and messages in the national news agenda.
• Providing leadership in coordinating media involvement in the YEDI activities; including press releases and coverage, special features, and airing of events in print and electronic media
• Plan and implement an engagement plan for funders and partners; identify different stakeholders and beneficiaries’ groups and determine the best way to communicate effectively with them.
• Develop and maintain relationships with YEDI’s stakeholders, conduct annual stakeholder satisfaction surveys and reviews that feed into the program and organizational improvements, as well as consult with programs departments on stakeholder engagement and management.
• Maintain and update YEDI’s partner database and mailing list.

Website Maintenance and Content Management

• Coordinate and manage websites- ensuring regular maintenance and up to date content that effectively projects the YEDI brand.
• Manage and optimize SEO for the website and blogs.

Qualifications and Competencies

• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in a Communication/PR/ or any other relevant field. A postgraduate degree is an added advantage.
• 5 - 7 years’ experience in Corporate Communications, Media/Public Relations is required.
• Experience in fundraising, partnership and stakeholder management is preferred.
• Familiarity with NGO/civil society sector is as an added advantage but not compulsory.
• Proficient public speaking and facilitation skills.