Regional Communications and Marketing Manager – West Africa

JOB DESCRIPTION

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

The West Africa Regional Manager, Communications and Marketing (RCM), will help build the organization’s reputation in the region for funding and influence by using creative, integrated marketing and communications strategies to raise CRS’ visibility and position with a wide range of local, regional, U.S. and international audiences. In close collaboration with senior leadership, the RCM will oversee paid, owned and earned strategies; lead message development and identify opportunities to highlight CRS’ technical expertise in humanitarian and development programming; and ensure cohesive and sequenced communications efforts to advance CRS’ position over time. The RCM oversees and works closely with the West Africa Regional Communications Officer to produce effective communications materials, including videos, photos, stories and social media content. The RCM will also use skilled writing and experience working with the news media to place CRS in top tier US and international media. To ensure a consistent brand image across all West Africa country programs, the RCM will also lead a regional Communications working group with local communications staff and provide skills strengthening as needed.

A successful candidate in this position can look forward to leading communications and visibility initiatives with the power to create real change in countries where CRS works. Regional leadership strongly supports communications and marketing, and there is a deep bench of global communications and marketing colleagues to help the RCM achieve strategic goals.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Evaluate regional business goals, identify emerging communications needs and opportunities for the region and oversee or advise on annual MarCom budget allocations to support business goals.
• In collaboration with the Regional Director, senior staff and Global/US-based MarCom, develop and implement regional and local marketing and communications strategies that establish CRS as an industry leader with key audiences.
• Take a key role in brand development for the region, ensuring that all communications are consistent with CRS’ branding and publications guidelines and donor requirements, and ensure staff are trained and supported in the brand guideline implementation.
• Establish and maintain relationships with US and international media representatives based in the region and frequently place CRS in high level and strategic media to increase awareness of CRS.
• Support WARO Regional Communications Officer in the development and execution of annual work plans for communications and marketing.
• Create written and multi-media content to be used for different marketing and fundraising channels, including digital and social media, direct mail and online giving campaigns, marketing collateral, etc.
• Train and coach communications country program staff on an ongoing basis on a range of communications activities, including media relations, content generation, photography and brand and visibility.

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications (BQs)

1. Master’s degree in journalism/communications preferred, Bachelor’s required.
2. 10 years work experience in marketing and/or communications, or journalism
3. Leadership with a proven record of successful marketing and communications campaigns
4. Proven track record of high-level US media placements
5. Excellent written and oral communication skills (English)
6. Solid knowledge of social media platforms
7. Proactive, forward thinking & strategic mindset is essential

Required Languages – English and French required

Travel– Must be willing and able to travel up to 30-40 %.

Preferred Qualifications

• Photography and videography experience
• Overseas work experience in the developing world, preferred

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities – N/A

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)

ABOUT US

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

ABOUT THE TEAM

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer