Communications & Digital Strategy Analyst at Rise Networks

About The Role

• Communications & Digital Strategy Analyst will design and execute integrated, high-impact communications strategies that strengthen RISE' reputation, deepen stakeholder engagement, and position the organisation as a global thought leader at the intersection of Africa, innovation and storytelling.
• This role combines:
  • Strategic communications.
  • Reputation and narrative management.
  • Media and stakeholder engagement.
  • Leadership positioning.
  • Advanced digital marketing and audience growth.
  • You will work directly with senior leadership and across programme, policy, and creative teams to ensure our communications are coherent, compelling, data-driven, and globally competitive.

What You’ll Do
Strategic Communications & Reputation (50%):

• Develop and lead a pan-African and global communications strategy that advances RISE’ mission and institutional priorities.
• Shape and manage the organisation’s public narrative, ensuring clarity, consistency, and influence across platforms.
• Lead reputation management and crisis communications, including risk monitoring and rapid, values-driven responses.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media, editors, cultural critics, and global platforms.
• Oversee leadership communications including speeches, op-eds, interviews, keynote positioning and international engagements.
• Support the positioning of Rise leadership in global policy, media, and creative ecosystems.
• Lead communications for major projects, including films, campaigns, and high-level convenings.
• Coordinate with external agencies, PR firms, and creative partners to deliver world-class outputs.

Digital Strategy & Audience Growth (50%):

• Design and implement along with a Media Team, a digital-first communications and growth strategy across audiences.
• Lead integrated digital campaigns spanning social media, web, partnerships, and media platforms.
• Oversee RISE’ digital presence, ensuring content is culturally relevant, globally competitive, and aligned with brand identity.
• Drive audience growth using data analytics, SEO/SEM, CRM tools, and paid media strategies.
• Lead social media strategy and execution - content planning, storytelling, community engagement, and performance tracking.
• Use data insights, social listening, and trend analysis to refine messaging and identify storytelling opportunities.
• Translate complex work in AI, policy, education, and film into compelling, human-centered narratives.
• Build and manage relationships with digital creators, influencers, and media platforms to expand reach and impact.
• Champion a digital-first culture across the organisation, mentoring teams on best practices.

Collaboration & Influence:

• Work closely with Programme, Policy, and Partnerships teams to ensure alignment between communications and impact delivery.
• Serve as a key advisor to leadership on narrative strategy, positioning, and visibility.
• Engage with partners and collaborators to align messaging and amplify shared goals.
• Contribute to positioning RISE within global conversations on Africa, AI, youth, and the creative economy.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Communications, Media, Marketing, Public Affairs, or a related field
• 4-6years of experience in strategic communications, digital marketing, media, or public affairs
• Strong understanding of media landscapes and global communications dynamics
• Proven experience in high-impact, multi-channel campaigns

Demonstrated expertise in:

• Reputation management.
• Media relations and stakeholder engagement.
• Leadership communications.
• Digital strategy and analytics.
• Experience working within development, media, philanthropy, tech, or creative industries is highly desirable.
• Strong networks across media, digital ecosystems, and cultural platforms.
• Exceptional storytelling and writing skills.

What Sets You Apart:

• You think in narratives, not just content.
• You understand how to position RISE within global conversations, not as a participant, but as a leader.
• You are both strategic and hands-on.
• You are comfortable operating in high-visibility, high-stakes environments.
• You bring a deep appreciation for culture, storytelling, innovation, and impact.

Other Requirements:

• Ability to manage multiple high-level projects simultaneously.
• High emotional intelligence and cultural awareness.
• Willingness to travel (domestic and international) as required.

Benefits
Why Join Us:

• At Rise Networks, you will not just be communicating impact, you will be shaping the narrative of a generation.

This is an opportunity to:

• Work at the intersection of Africa, technology, storytelling, and global influence.
• Build and amplify one of the continent’s most important platforms for youth and innovation.
• Contribute to work that spans policy, film, AI, and social transformation.