The Partnership to Cut Hunger and Poverty in Africa (www.partnership-africa.org) is a non-partisan, non-profit membership organization made up of US and African policy leaders, technical experts, and
practitioners who are committed to increasing the level and effectiveness of public and private investments in sustainable, Africa-led, agriculture-based economic growth activities in Africa.
The Partnership convenes constructive dialogue on important policies and practices, conducts objective research on key topics, and advocates for the adoption of best practices and policy reforms that improve economic growth and food security among the poor in rural and urban Africa. We also help to create effective public-private sector partnerships that lead to successful implementation of agricultural projects on the ground, generating benefits to farming communities, private investors, and local governments.
The Partnership operates under the legal and financial oversight of Michigan State University, although it has independent funding, management, and Board of Directors.
Position Summary
The Partnership is seeking a Communications and Outreach Manager (COM) to join its small DC-based Secretariat. The COM will spearhead the Partnership’s communications work and represent the organization within the Washington community, nationally, and sometimes internationally. The COM will update the Partnership’s communication strategy and will lead all communication and outreach activities, including communications with members and partners, donors, the US government (including Congress), and the media. The position will report directly to the President. The intended start date is no later than August 15, 2012.
Specific Responsibilities
• Lead the development and implementation of the Partnership’s communications strategy and issue-specific messaging strategies
• Represent the Partnership in relevant conferences, meetings with partners and Congressional offices, press interactions, and other strategic outreach
• Manage organization communications, including email blasts, news briefs and blog posts, multimedia, press outreach, social media, annual reports, and other print communications
• Manage office communications systems, including email, teleconferencing, webinars, and IT systems
• Manage the Partnership’s website, including content updates, editing, and upgrades
• Oversee the writing, editing, and publishing of print documents and electronic publications such as issues papers, policy briefs, grant reports, and annual reports
• Assist with planning and execution of regular outreach events and annual conferences, including managing webinars/webcasts and video shoots
• Manage annual membership drive and respond to members’ requests, in coordination with development staff
• Maintain and manage members and listserv database
• Train and supervise support staff in communications functions
Required Qualifications
• Minimum of Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field, or degree in international development with strong communications background
• Minimum of 5 years’ post-university professional experience in communications and outreach, especially related to international development
• Demonstrated writing, interpersonal, and presentation skills
• Knowledge of African development issues
• Experience with website content management systems (preferably Drupal), customer relationship management systems, social media tools, publications/graphic design (preferably Adobe Creative Suite), and Microsoft Office Suite
• Flexibility, organization, and comfort managing time while balancing numerous tasks
• Willingness to travel internationally
• Experience in effectively managing junior staff
Desired Qualifications
• Master’s degree in communications, international development, or a related field
• Spoken and written French language skills
• Significant time spent living/working in Africa
• Experience in a nonprofit organizational setting and/or Washington policy environment
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a cover letter with salary history, resume, and 2-3 page writing sample to partnershipjobs@partnership-africa.org by midnight July 13, 2012.