Gatsby Africa (GA) has worked in Africa since 1985 and is currently focused on accelerating inclusive and resilient economic growth in East Africa by demonstrating how key sectors can be transformed. GA funds and implements programmes, builds local organisations dedicated to sector transformation, and synthesises and shares lessons from its activities and those of others.
Purpose of the Role
The Communications Manager plays a critical role in shaping and delivering Gatsby Africa’s internal and external communications in a clear, consistent, and compelling way across a wide range of stakeholders and channels. Based in Nairobi and reporting to the Communications Director, the role works closely with GA’s Senior Management Team (SMT), sector programme teams, and cross-cutting functions, operating much like an in-house agency serving GA’s seven sector-focused portfolios.
This is a hands-on, delivery-focused role. The role holder will act as a trusted project and account manager for the teams they support – taking their priorities and turning them into clear communications plans, content, and campaigns – while also contributing to GA’s digital presence, including its website and social media channels.
Key Role Responsibilities
Internal Communications
- Contributing to an annual internal communications plan, with support from the Communications Director, in line with GA’s overall communications strategy.
- Ensuring organisational initiatives are communicated to staff clearly and consistently.
- Engaging with GA’s external research partner on the Annual Staff Survey and supporting the SMT in following up on findings and reporting back to staff.
- Working with programme teams to distil technical information and package it for internal communications channels.
- Creating internal communications materials that engage and inspire staff, including content built around GA’s values and approach (e.g. staff interviews, Workplace posts, newsletters, blogs, case studies).
- Coordinating senior management updates (video/audio) and all-staff townhalls.
- Supporting teams in preparing and producing presentations and supporting presenters to enable knowledge-sharing across the organisation.
- Keeping content on internal platforms current and supporting staff to create and share materials that facilitate learning.
External and Digital Communications
- Owning and continuously improving GA’s website, ensuring content is current, engaging, audience-focused, and aligned to organisational priorities and brand standards.
- Leading GA’s social media presence – particularly LinkedIn – while exploring and advising on other relevant platforms (e.g. TikTok, Threads) to grow engagement with GA’s stakeholders.
- Developing and maintaining a forward-looking content calendar aligned to organisational priorities, campaigns, and programme milestones.
- Producing and curating high-quality content across formats: social posts, blogs, case studies, newsletters, presentations, videos, podcasts, infographics, and thought leadership pieces.
- Translating complex programme and research content into compelling, accessible storytelling for diverse audiences.
- Monitoring, analysing, and reporting on website, social, and media performance, using analytics and media monitoring to continuously improve impact and engagement.
- Optimising content and channels using data-driven insight and SEO best practice.
- Managing the GA Annual Performance Report process – distilling input from programme teams into a document that brings GA’s impact to life for external audiences.
- Providing communications support to GA and partner institutions on sharing learning and fundraising efforts.
Multimedia and Creative Content
- Supporting the creation of multimedia content, including short-form video, podcasts, photography, and infographics.
- Coordinating and managing relationships with external creative suppliers – designers, photographers, videographers, developers, and agencies – including procurement.
- Supporting the production of high-quality communications materials for events, launches, and campaigns.
Project and Stakeholder Management
- Acting as day-to-day account manager for assigned programme teams: taking their needs, turning them into scoped communications projects, and delivering against a shared workplan.
- Taking ownership of specific communications projects end-to-end, coordinating input, and making recommendations for future action.
- Carrying out research and preparing reports on communications topics to inform senior management decision-making.
- Managing multiple concurrent projects and priorities in a small, fast-moving team – including pitching in on ad hoc or operational tasks as needed.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience, with an exceptional standard of written and spoken English.
- At least 5 to 10 years’ relevant experience in communications, marketing, or a related field.
- Experience gained in a communications or marketing agency, or in a large, complex, or high-profile organisation, is strongly preferred.
- Demonstrated experience managing digital channels, including website content management (WordPress or similar) and social media, particularly LinkedIn.
- Experience developing and delivering integrated communications activities and campaigns across multiple channels and audiences.
- Experience supporting senior leaders with strategic communications, messaging, and stakeholder engagement.
- Familiarity with media and social monitoring, measurement, and analytics to evidence communications impact.
- Practical understanding of how AI tools can support communications work (e.g., drafting, research, and content production).
- Comfortable with content creation and basic multimedia coordination (video, podcasts, graphics).
- Experience working in Africa within a private sector, public sector, or international development context is desirable.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates can apply online via Gatsby Africa on TalentHub.
