Communications Specialist

Introduction

The Aga Khan University (AKU) is a not-for-profit institution and an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network. AKU was founded in as Pakistan’s first private university and starting in , is now in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Afghanistan and the United Kingdom.

The Aga Khan University’s Graduate School of Media and Communications (AKU-GSMC) was established in as the premier source of education and training of journalists, media and communications executives and entrepreneurs in East Africa and beyond. AKU-GSMC is guided by the principles of global excellence and local relevance and helps individuals to transform their careers and organizations as they reap the benefits of innovation.

Job Purpose/Summary

Reporting to the Dean, the Communications Specialist works as a key member of the GSMC team to plan and develop communications that raise the school’s profile and support its marketing and business development. Using a keen understanding of GSMC’s targeted internal and external audiences, the incumbent brings initiative and consistency to all communications efforts. The Communications Specialist provides sound communications advice to GSMC administrative and academic staff and collaborates with communications professionals throughout AKU to align and coordinate communications priorities and messages.The Communications Specialist brings exceptional innovation and creativity, time management and organizational skills, resourcefulness, team spirit and an entrepreneurial mindset to the role.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Developing an overarching communications strategy for the school. Managing the GSMC website and growing its online/social media presence. Coordinating the development of videos and podcasts for GSMC promotional work, capturing various activities, and working closely with programme leads. Developing and curating lively web discussions and content relevant to the school’s work and the interests of the East African Media and Communication Community. Cooperating with the AKU and GSMC teams to shape corporate strategy, message development, client pitches, and events management. Responsible for procuring all GSMC branded merchandise, tracking and distribution. Occasionally support the delivery of the Professional Development Program. Develop, implement, evaluate, and maintain a social media/web strategy. Help grow the GSMC brand. Manage GSMC’s social media presence across relevant channels – Facebook, YouTube, Twitter – ensuring consistent and well-curated content. Support the development of a media-relevant platform and assist GSMC faculty to communicate their teaching, writing, and research. Develop a regular newsletter on GSMC’s activities, as well as media topics of special relevance to regional media and communications professionals. Act as the voice of GSMC in our own and other social media communities. Monitor trends, applications, and new developments in traditional and social media. Curate the GSMC website, creating rich and creative content from the region that is optimized for search engines. Curate articles on hot topics or ongoing important issues. Develop, maintain, and improve the GSMC website, including drafting, editing, and posting content. Develop and execute internal and external communication plans and promotional material in collaboration with the Dean and senior GSMC Management Develop dynamic marketing and promotional campaigns to raise public awareness, recruit students, and assist in fund-raising. Create compelling messages and stories about GSMC for potential clients and donors. Create stakeholder maps in developing communication strategies, refreshed regularly based on internal and external feedback. Collaborative with AKU’s Office of Strategic Communications in messaging and strategy, particularly the design of promotional materials Contribute to internal AKU newsletters and reports, profiling GSMC activities. Work effectively with Aga Khan Development Network affiliates. Help organize public events and seminars to raise GSMC’s public profile. Understand the latest media trends to advance the priorities of the school. Writing speeches and/or developing talking points for team members, where necessary. Work with regional media houses to showcase the school’s activities; book, the school’s experts for interviews, TV and radio appearances, and conferences that raise the school’s profile. Monitor and report monthly on communications performance metrics and personal objectives. Manage fast-response or crisis communications. Actively seek opportunities to leverage GSMC faculty expertise (e.g., media interviews, web chats, etc.) Write media releases and produce content that publicizes GSMC’s work. Build relationships with media groups, tech hubs, NGOs, and other interested communities to enhance the brand and identity of the GSMC. Help develop innovative, original, and strategic partnerships with corporate, governmental, and non-governmental partners.

Relevant Experience and Qualifications

A master’s degree in communications, Public Relations, or a related field from a recognized university is required. Professional qualification in a related field (e.g., Chartered Institute of Marketing, International Association on Business Communicators) is preferred. At least five years of experience in communications, media, corporate and/or strategic communications, or public relations. Demonstrated experience with digital and print marketing and communications (including writing and editing). In-depth understanding of marketing and communications value and use of popular social media platforms major (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Google+, YouTube, SlideShare). Demonstrated experience creating successful communications strategies. Knowledge of web content management. Understanding of stakeholder/community engagement. Events management experience. Knowledge of Audio-Visual editing software. Professional experience in curating digital/social media is required; radio or TV experience is highly desired. Experience managing an agency or contractors is desired. Deep knowledge of the Kenyan and East African media industry with contacts within various media organizations. Issues management and crisis communications. Experience in teaching and training practicing professionals is desired. Knowledge of the AKU/AKDN is desired. Excellent writer and critical thinker – an innovative and creative “thinker-doer” with a flexible, entrepreneurial approach to the job Digital native, detail-oriented, polished, and diplomatic Highly energetic self-starter able to build relationships and work collegially and effectively with colleagues and clients. Superior multi-tasker who enjoys pressure, able to work quickly and independently. Understanding of today’s media and communication landscape and best practices – from strategic communications planning and proactive messaging to reactive communications and crisis mitigation. Understanding of audience segmentation and how to anticipate and target communications to a variety of audiences – general public, corporate, higher education, media, NGOs, and government – both online and offline In-depth knowledge and understanding of social media platforms and their participants (Facebook, Digg, YouTube, Twitter, Flickr, etc.) Experience in brand-building online and offline. Commitment to AKU’s vision and values.