Job Title: Communications Officer
Responsible To: Grants Manager
Location: MEP HQ, Lemek Conservancy, Maasai Mara
Terms and Conditions: Full-Time
About Us
Mara Elephant Project (MEP) operates in the Maasai Mara to protect elephants and their habitats across the Greater Mara Ecosystem. The GME, an extension of the vast Serengeti ecosystem, is one of Kenya’s most important wildlife areas and tourism assets. The Mara-Serengeti ecosystem is one of the last major wildlife refuges on Earth. Most famous for its annual migration of nearly two million wildebeest and zebra, the ecosystem is also home to an estimated 40% of Africa’s large mammal species yet covers only 0.1% of the continent’s land surface. In the Kenya portion of the ecosystem, people and wildlife peacefully co-existed when space for both did not overlap; however, as the human footprint has grown, the rangeland demand for livestock and farming has increased, pushing wild animals into smaller areas. While poaching emerged as the number one threat to elephants in 2012, when 96 elephants were killed for their ivory, now, the expansion of the human footprint resulting in increased conflict and habitat loss is the crisis the Mara faces. For over a decade, MEP has been responding to that crisis with our community rangers and researchers deploying innovative techniques and technologies to adapt to the challenges wildlife face in the Mara.
Overview of Role
Mara Elephant Project is looking to add an experienced member to our communication’s team that can contribute meaningfully to the MEP communications department’s strategic objectives of expanding our brand awareness through innovative approaches to marketing and public relations across all MEP audiences. We’re looking for someone who is accustomed to working with a small team in a fast-paced environment across time zones. The key focus of this position will be to ensure strategic and impactful communications and helping to oversee the development and implementation of the MEP communications strategy which includes leading aspects of the branding, marketing and public relations activities for the organization.
Key Responsibilities
As a key team member in the MEP communications department, you’ll be contributing to the following duties and responsibilities.
· Strategy
o Execute communications strategies that align with the organization’s goals and amplify its mission
· Content Creation and Management
o Plan and execute original content for MEP’s website, social media channels, email campaigns and more
o Manage MEP’s social media channels by creating regular, engaging posts, stories and updates that promote MEP’s mission and activities
o Manage MEP’s marketing calendar
o Edit and proofread content for clarity, tone and style consistency
o Monitor trends and insights in digital content create, adjusting strategies to stay current and increase engagement
o Create compelling digital content
o Develop, design and produce digital content including graphics, videos and written materials for social media, websites, newsletters and other digital platforms
o Create and edit videos for campaigns, events and promotional purposes
o Optimize content for social media algorithms to drive traffic and engagement
· Branding
o Maintain MEP branding standards both internally and externally
o Ability to identify opportunities to raise brand awareness and capitalize on them
· Public Relations
o Make, grow and maintain key industry media contacts to further the MEP communications strategy
o Maintain and contribute to MEP’s partnerships through consistent communications and content creation and distribution
o Create press releases that grow MEP’s international and national media exposure
· General Communications
o Manage the reporting requirements for both internal and external audiences
o Engage regularly with stakeholder and partners
· Community Outreach Program
o Oversee the MEP community outreach program including the coordinator
· Engagement
o Engage with each MEP department, MEP employees, partners, donors and government in a productive and meaningful way
· Fundraising
o Support fundraising and event promotion efforts through strategic communications, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities
o Reporting
o Regularly report on communication performance metrics
o Analyze performance metrics to refine content strategies and improve effectiveness
Qualifications:
· Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields public relations, corporate communication, mass communication and journalism or other related degree from a recognized institution.
· Minimum of 5 years’ experience in practical communications management across a broad geography.
· Excellent writing and communication skills, and ability to develop effective partnerships.
· A background in areas related to communications and conservation.
· Knowledge of an international working environment involving government, donors, and NGOs.
· A personal style that inspires trust, teamwork, professionalism and cooperation.
· Experience in online marketing and communication.
· Experience writing, editing, and proofreading printed or online content for diverse audiences.
· Experience in managing social media channels.
· Experience creating both long and short form videos.
· High quality photography skills.
· Experience working with international and national media.
· Fluency in English and Swahili required, both verbal and written, a foreign language is an added advantage.
Please submit a detailed CV highlighting your relevant experience and contact information by October 10 to info@maraelephantproject.org. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
