Position Overview
We are looking for a dynamic communications leader who is equal parts strategist, operator, and editor-in-chief — someone who can advance a high-performing communications function while keeping the team’s energy focused on the work that drives the greatest revenue and impact across channels.
You will lead communications strategy, team development and operational systems, ensuring everything produced aligns with the funders, networks, and media that matter most. You’ll immerse yourself in Educate!’s model and evidence base, translating complexity into narratives that are credible, compelling, and fundable.
This role will report directly to Educate!’s Global Director of Development. While fundraising is at the heart, you’ll also hold ownership of brand, messaging, and internal communications — and play a role in defining how we streamline and scope important work over time.
You’ll act as an “editor-and-chief” – working with the team to surface youth stories, data highlights, and insights worth telling; building and owning relationships with media and thought leadership networks; and creating content aligned with how evidence-driven funders think.
You are a clear, incisive communicator with a track record of end-to-end ownership across media channels, content, and thought leadership. You hold the editorial bar, coach the team to meet it, and build the infrastructure to enable it; supporting a lean team punch above its weight.
This role offers the chance to shape not only Educate!’s voice, but the wider conversation itself — ensuring that the experiences of African youth, and the evidence behind what drives livelihoods outcomes, influence the decisions of funders, policymakers, and sector leaders worldwide.
What You’ll Do
Lead and develop the communications function
Manage and develop the full communications function and serve as an exceptional manager to a team of 3-4 people, setting priorities, coaching team members and maintaining a high editorial standard.
Build and manage external agency and freelancer relationships with clear briefs and performance expectations.
Build the systems, workflows, and operational rhythms that keep the function running — building infrastructure that lets a lean team produce consistently excellent work.
Define the communications function’s role and priorities within a fast-growing organisation.
Drive the communications strategy – and drive revenue
Develop and lead an integrated communications strategy aligned to Educate!’s fundraising priorities across four priority revenue segments.
Prioritise high-leverage communications activities that strengthen funder engagement and organisational positioning.
Partner with the CEO and Global Director of Development to identify the two or three highest-leverage positioning plays for the next 12–18 months — and drive their execution.
Establish and track metrics tied to revenue and influence outcomes.
Lead editorial, media and storytelling
Set and manage a dynamic team against a high editorial bar: every piece should teach a sophisticated reader something, or make them think.
Develop a content roadmap that spans blog, press, social, email, web, donor materials, and print – with clear strategy around personalisation and segmentation for different funder audiences.
Build and manage relationships with journalists and media outlets to secure top-tier coverage that reaches priority funder audiences.
Lead communications campaigns around key moments: new research launches, major funding announcements, or strategic positioning moves.
Partner with the CEO and senior leaders on external visibility strategy, including media appearances, speaking engagements, and strategic thought leadership.
Translate evidence, research, and youth experiences into compelling narratives and funder-facing communications.
Lead the team in building scalable content generation and distribution systems, including AI-enabled and digital approaches.
Oversee brand voice, messaging consistency, and communications risk management.
Who You Are
We are looking for someone who combines strategic judgement with exceptional storytelling instincts – and who is motivated by communications that drive tangible organisational growth.
You may come from journalism, communications, content strategy, or fundraising communications within an ambitious NGO, mission-driven media organisation, or high-performing consultancy. Whatever your background, you have experience owning communications end-to-end, strong editorial judgement, and a high bar for quality.
5+ years of experience in communications, content strategy, journalism and/or media, or a closely related field, including experience leading high performing teams.
Exceptional writing and editorial judgement across formats, with the ability to translate complex ideas, research, and data into compelling communications.
Demonstrated ability to translate research, data, or complex ideas into accessible, credible communications for influential non-technical audiences.
Experience building relationships with journalists, external partners, and senior stakeholders.
Experience leading communications initiatives end-to-end, including audience strategy, messaging, content development, channel selection, and execution.
Strong strategic judgement and prioritisation skills, with experience operating effectively in lean, fast-paced environments.
Commitment to international development and to advancing approaches grounded in evidence, learning, and measurable impact.
Familiarity with evidence-driven philanthropy and social impact ecosystems.
Experience building or scaling a communications function in growing organisations.
Experience working closely with a fundraising or revenue team — understanding what audiences need and translating that into communications that target action
Experience driving executive visibility, thought leadership, or strategic external engagement.
Background in international development, education, livelihoods, or adjacent sectors
What We Offer
A vibrant, mission-driven environment with a supportive and fun team.
Competitive salary based on experience.
Learning & growth opportunities
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND
Experience Required
5 years
