Director, Communications and Media at EGPAF, Yaounde , Cameroon

No two days are alike at EGPAF, but what can you expect in this role?

Media Outreach

The Director will oversee and work closely with the Manager, Media Relations and External Engagement (DC), Senior Communications Coordinator, and the Regional Communication Officer to identify optimal messaging for media pitches; to identify key outlets and cultivate relationships with reporters and editors; and will work to diversify the range of voices at EGPAF featured in external media interviews and profiles.
Lead media outreach highlighting the Foundation’s global impact, expertise, and progress toward our mission to end AIDS in children, youth, and families.
Build long-term relationships with key press (emphasizing global health and development, evidence-based approaches, advocacy), as well as day-to-day responses to media inquiries and crisis response management.
Position EGPAF senior staff, particular the SLT, Country and Technical Leadership as subject matter experts and issue spokespersons.

Writing

Work closely with EA team and relevant PPA and Executive staff to develop, draft, and place content for earned and owned media to increase visibility with identified audiences. Key content will include opinion editorials, letters to the editor, and LinkedIn articles and other products as needed.
Collaborate with team members in drafting and editing in-country remarks and speaking opportunities.

External Engagement

Identify, vet, develop and execute external engagements and opportunities, including conferences, panels, and seminars, which highlight EGPAF’s programs, brand, executives, experts, ambassadors, research, and data. Build out session proposals, identify panelists, and develop talking points and messaging.
Manage and support staff as they direct the Foundation Ambassador Program; enhance and further enhance the program in the U.S. and globally, including the development of specific roles, objectives, and opportunities for Ambassadors to raise awareness of our mission.
With Manager Media Relations and Senior Communications Coordinator, review talking points, remarks, presentations, and other supporting material for EGPAF staff and Ambassadors, as needed.
Collaborate closely with Manager, Media Relations & External Engagement to supervise work of outside consultants on media relations, celebrity engagement, and other work as required.

Digital

In close collaboration with the Associate Director, Communications and Digital Strategy and Regional Communications Officer, work to jointly develop content for EGPAF Africa social media channels, gathering high quality content from CCAOs and relevant country colleagues.

General

Collaborate with PPA and EA colleagues to optimize the CCAO Community of Practice, sharing experiences, including best practices and ideas to enhance strategic communication outputs.
Proactively identify needs of country offices without CCAOs; support hiring and staff development of such where possible.
Working closely with EA colleagues, identify strategies to promote non-technical, country-driven materials across EGPAF’s external dissemination platforms.
Provide hands-on crisis communications support and counsel across EGPAF, as needed
Lead media outreach and coordination of high-level country visits region by senior staff, Board, ambassadors, donors and partners, and support the preparation of briefing materials, as required.
Mentor, coach and facilitate learning for country communication and advocacy officers to build their skills
With Public Policy and Advocacy Team, jointly plan and execute annual CCAO retreat to build capacity and share best practices, sharpen skills and drive better understanding across teams, countries and units

Storytelling

Work jointly with Lead Storyteller, Regional Communications Officer and CCAOs to identify, recruit and supervise consultants (photographers, freelance writers, etc.) as necessary to enhance visibility on Foundation work, programs, and initiatives.
Work jointly with Associate Director, Communications and Digital Strategy, Lead Storyteller, and Regional Communications Officer to engage with country offices on development and writing of country-specific Stories and photographic assets, to be shared across various digital platforms (blog, social media, etc) and pitched to external outlets.

Management

Oversee the day-to-day activities of the function of the Manager, Media Relations & External Engagement, and Senior Communications Coordinator. Create professional development plan for staff. Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct quarterly reviews, and performance appraisals.

To be successful, you will have:

BS/BA in related field
10+ years of relevant experience in Journalism, Communications or Public Relations
Experience with print and/or electronic and broadcast media and developing strategic communications initiatives
Demonstrated history of successfully building critical, long term, engaging relationships with stakeholders and relevant partners for positive change
Willing to regularly travel to Africa (up to 30-40%)
A team player who can skillfully coordinate activities with senior leadership, management, project directors, and staff, and who has the sensitivity and interpersonal skills to work cooperatively with a group of diverse personalities.
Background in HIV/AIDS and health issues
Familiarity with major Africa press
Ability to synthesize feedback quickly and efficiently
Attention to detail and p roblem-solving skills
Excellent communications and organizational skills, with demonstrated success working in a team environment. Pleasant, flexible, and efficient communicator, must have credibility, good judgment, honesty and integrity

EGPAF