Reporting to: Head of Development Communication

Lewa Wildlife Conservancy (LEWA) is a not-for-profit organization that works as a catalyst for the conservation of wildlife and its habitat. LWC does this through the protection and management of species, the initiation and support of community conservation and development programmes, and the education of neighboring areas on wildlife value. You can find more information about the organization at www.lewa.org.

JOB SUMMARY

The position is broadly responsible for driving the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's Communications Strategy, which focuses keenly on supporting the organization's current and planned fundraising targets and enhancing the organization's visibility and profile both nationally and globally.

Working directly with and reporting to the Head of Development Communication, the Lewa-based Communications Officer delivers all internal and external communications, including media relations, social media, and publications, and supports the Lewa international teams with their communications development, advocacy, and resource mobilization requirements.

The role is integral to creating visibility for Lewa's work within key audiences through up-to-date communications products and tools. In addition, the Communication Officer works closely with the Fundraising and Development teams to curate, design, and implement a range of external communications and advocacy activities, including social media campaigns, regular e-newsletters, and bespoke fundraising opportunities that will help in building brand recognition and securing a deeper understanding of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's brand, impact, and technical excellence.

JOB PURPOSE:

With guidance and leadership from the Head of Development Communication, the Communications Officer will implement Lewa's strategic communications strategy focusing on external-facing communication, fundraising, and digital marketing for the Lewa-Borana Landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

1. With guidance from the Head of Development Communication, the Communication officer will implement the annual communications plan, which includes:        

a. Traditional media (media relations)

b. Social media

c. Publications

d. Events (national and international)

e. Thought leadership (positioning)

1. Work closely with Head of Development Communication and fundraisers to meet Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's global external communications, fundraising, and advocacy aims.
2. The Communications Officer is responsible for managing content for the organization's website and ensuring it is regularly updated to be timely and relevant.

4. Critical      to the role will be a complete understanding and appreciation of the role of      communications in securing funding, building collaborations, engaging with      key constituents, and the need to illustrate Lewa's success and challenges      effectively.
5. With      guidance from the Head of Development Communication, design, write and      produce communications collateral, including handouts, brochures, and      photographs to be released for campaigns and fundraising; board engagement      documents, programme-focused pitch packets, and creative presentations to      assist with marketing the Conservancy's initiatives.
6. With      guidance from the Head of Development Communication, gather content,      write, and produce Lewa's annual Impact Report, newsletters,      e-newsletters, and other publications.
7. Create      and promote visibility in support of the organization's brand and reputation.
8. Study      social media trends and employ techniques to support Lewa's messaging.
9. Ensure      social media channels are updated regularly with engaging and compelling      content that aligns with brand identity, fundraising campaigns, and      current events.
10. Support      the creation and development of new and innovative ways to communicate      Lewa's message to existing and potential donors.
11. Together      with the Head of Development Communication, Plan, implement, and manage      public relations events and evaluate their success.
12. Act      as the main point of contact for all international and local film crews      and photographers visiting the Conservancy and help with planning and      logistics.
13. Serve      as primary point person for media inquiries, coordinate interviews with      staff, and maintain a centralized list of journalists and media contacts.
14. Work      closely with other departments to increase the visibility of their      projects, programmes, and activities through international campaigns.
15. Maintain      and circulate organization-wide style guide to ensure consistent messaging      and branding for all external communications. Produce talking points and      standard responses to frequently asked questions.
16. With      oversight of Head of Development Communication, draft press releases,      manage media contact database, and support media outreach.
17. Organize      photo and video assets and ensure proper photo credits and recognition.
18. Communicate      regularly with lodges on Lewa to promote tourism and ensure consistent      messaging of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy's mission, vision, and programmes.
19. Work      closely with Lewa Safari Marathon sponsors and organizers in event      promotion efforts.
20. Coordinate      with the Donor Relationship Manager with supervision from the Head of      Development & Communications Manager to ensure rhino adoption and      naming donors receive timely updates.
21. Understanding      the needs of different stakeholders and communicating with them

QUALIFICATIONS: EDUCATION/KNOWLEDGE

• Bachelor of Communications degree from a recognized university.
• 5 years’ experience in development communication, conservancy-based communication experience and/or related field.
• Knowledge of conservation work, both in Kenya and globally and be up to date with global and national wildlife policies.

COMPETENCY, TECHNICAL SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience in developing a variety of products used for fundraising and information-sharing.
• Excellent design skills and competency in Adobe Design Software - InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator and Campaign Monitor.
• Creative with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work efficiently and effective in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to prioritise work deliverables amongst multitude assignments.
• Prior experience working with international colleagues, different cultures or international organisations.
• Good collaborative skills within a team environment.
• Decision-making and problem-solving skills.