Communications Manager

ABOUT SPARK MICROGRANTS

Spark MicroGrants believes in a world where everyone lives with dignity and determines their own positive future. Spark has worked in 1000+ villages in 6 countries and has pioneered a community-driven development model in sub-Saharan Africa. Spark works with NGO and Government partners to scale the model's adoption and impact on rural communities - on their own terms. Our model combines facilitated community meetings with a small, discretionary grant to catalyze local action and institution building. Read more about our Approach, Impact and Values on our website.

WHO YOU ARE 

We're seeking a creative and passionate Communications Manager to amplify the voices of our community partners and showcase the impact of Spark’s village grants and planning model. This role will lead our communications efforts across multiple channels, telling compelling stories that connect our grassroots work with global audiences. The ideal candidate will combine strong storytelling abilities with a deep commitment to ethical, community-centered communications.

The Communications Manager will work closely with Spark’s Growth Team to ensure that the roll out of communication products aligns with the organization’s strategic direction and associated fundraising priorities. The Communications Manager will also be responsible for working closely with department heads and country teams to communicate program learnings, success stories, and study results. The Manager will produce high-quality content that engages our stakeholder community and builds relevant brand recognition. They will also be responsible for overseeing Spark’s social media and website presence. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, with exceptional writing, presentation, and organizational skills.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibility: External Relations

Year 1 Goal: Develop and roll out an external engagement toolkit that promotes Spark’s brand in a clear and compelling way and train staff on its use.

• Develop and maintain standardized templates, style guides, and toolkits and train staff on their use. 
• Manage media relations and press inquiries.
• Coordinate with partner organizations on joint communications and op-eds. 
• Support donor communications as needed.
• Represent Spark at external events when opportunities arise.

Responsibility: Content Creation

Year 1 Goal: Publish 4+ high-quality posts per month, across all platforms, that measurably increases engagement with Spark’s work.

• Create and manage an editorial calendar for all platforms.
• Develop content for social media, newsletters, and the website.
• Collaborate with country and department teams to source content (stories, photos, videos, impact data, etc.) and support specific team needs and requests. 
  Write and edit stories, op-eds, and articles.
  Create impactful presentations and reports for various stakeholders.
  Ensure all content is compelling, aligned with Spark’s brand and visually appealing.
  Identify key outlets of influence with targeted audience bases.

Responsibility: Management and Oversight

Year 1 Goal: Develop, socialize, and initiate execution of a multi-year plan focused on maturing and standardizing Spark’s communications function internally and elevating the organization's brand and visibility externally. 

• Track and analyze the success of communications projects to optimize impact.Manage the communications budget and resources.
• Ensure all communication platforms (website & social media) are responsibly managed and secured.
• Assess, source and oversee additional resources needed to support and mature Spark’s communications infrastructure.
• Manage communication vendors, including videographers and photographers, to ensure quality on-time deliverables within budget.
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Requirements:

• 5+ years of professional experience, including at least 3 years of progressive experience in communications
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate complex ideas into accessible content
• Creative storytelling abilities
• Attention to detail and commitment to quality and integrity 
• Strong project management skills and ability to manage multiple deadlines while working with internationally dispersed colleagues 
• Ability to be flexible and collaborative; to assess capacities and priorities and work with colleagues to meet both immediate needs and broader strategic objectives
• Experience working in sub-Saharan Africa and knowledge of the East African context preferred
• Experience with international development and/or community-driven development preferred
• Fluency in English, both written and spoken
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OTHER INFORMATION

Job Location: Flexible, preferably Eastern Africa or East Coast USA 

Reporting to: Growth Director

Start Date: As soon as possible

Salary: Salary is based on geographic location and commensurate with experience

Probation period: Three months’ probation period with learning and performance objectives

How to Apply: Follow the link to apply: https://sparkmicrogrants.bamboohr.com/careers/127 

SAFEGUARDING

Our safeguarding follows a do no harm principle. All Spark staff are expected to respect and uphold the safeguarding procedures and principles to minimize harm to stakeholders, program participants, and the environment, in compliance with the World Bank Environmental and Social Framework and national