Communications Officer

Reports to: Communications Manager
Direct Reports: None
Division: N/A
Department: Communications
Current Grade: 2

Job Purpose

The overall purpose of the jobholder is to implement KCDF’s communication strategy, serving as the primary officer for disseminating KCDF’s messages to various stakeholders and partners in alignment with the organisation’s mission and objectives. The jobholder will be responsible for enhancing KCDF’s brand visibility, awareness, credibility, and accountability through strategic communication initiatives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Implementation of KCDF’s Communication Strategy

• Assist in the development, review, and execution of KCDF’s communication strategy, ensuring alignment with the organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Implement the communications department workplan, ensuring the achievement of set objectives and indicators.
• Engage and collaborate with KCDF’s stakeholders to identify communication priorities and develop targeted messaging for various audiences.

2. Digital/Social Media Management

• Manage and utilise KCDF’s digital tools and social media platforms to amplify KCDF’s message and engage with various stakeholders.
• Create engaging content suitable for different audiences, including web posts, social media posts, newsletters, blogs, op-eds, etc.
• Package content into various forms suitable for different audiences including posters, infographics, reels, videos, carousels etc., while ensuring consistency and effectiveness in communication.

3. Website Management and SEO Optimisation

• Ensure timely update of KCDF’s websites to ensure content is accurate, up-to-date, and engaging.
• Implement SEO strategies and techniques to optimise KCDF’s presence and improve its reach on online sites and search engines.

4. Documentation and Storytelling

• Conduct interviews and gather impact stories from beneficiaries and partners to highlight the impact of KCDF’s work.
• Document and edit success stories and communication publications, ensuring they are effectively communicated through appropriate channels.
• Provide technical support to program staff and partners on best practices in communication methods and materials, including change stories, photos, documentaries, annual reports, and newsletters among other mediums.

5. Media and Branding

• Produce communication brand collaterals such as factsheets, brochures, annual reports, flyers, and newsletters to enhance KCDF’s profiling and branding efforts.
• Ensure consistency in branding and messaging across all communication materials for KCDF.
• Ensure proper visibility of KCDF’s brand in all meetings and engagements where KCDF takes part.
• Develop and distribute materials that accurately convey KCDF’s objectives and the impact of the work done by various partners, including promoting local philanthropy initiatives.
• Keep a database of media contacts and engage with key media personnel such as reporters and editors to identify media opportunities towards promoting coverage of KCDF’s work.

Any other responsibilities assigned to the jobholder by the supervisor from time to time.

Working Relationships

Internal: All departments
External: National and County Government officials, National & County Implementing Partners, Communities of Practice members, Community Organisations, Vendors and Suppliers, Local and International Media.

Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications Required

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Media, Communication or a related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant working experience

Competencies

Technical & Behavioural Competencies

• Exceptional writing and editing skills to create clear, concise, and compelling content for various communication channels including impact stories, press releases, articles, blog posts, and marketing collateral.
• Proficiency in photography and videography to create visually appealing content for digital marketing campaigns, enhancing brand engagement and storytelling.
• Basic design skills and proficiency in graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) to create visually appealing graphics, presentations, and marketing materials.
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to secure media coverage, interviews, and editorial opportunities.
• Ability to manage social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) for brand communication, community engagement, and reputation management.
• Proficiency in email marketing tools e.g., Mailchimp for designing, sending, and analyzing email campaigns to reach target audiences and drive engagement.
• Experience in planning, coordinating, and promoting events, including press conferences, product launches, and corporate gatherings.
• Knowledge of crisis communication protocols and procedures to respond effectively to emergencies, negative publicity, and reputational risks.
• Ability to analyze communication metrics e.g., media coverage, website traffic, social media engagement and generate reports to evaluate the effectiveness of communication efforts and inform future strategies.
• Innovative thinking and creativity to develop unique and engaging communication campaigns, storytelling narratives, and multimedia content that resonate with target audiences.
• Meticulous attention to detail to ensure accuracy and consistency in communication materials, branding guidelines, and messaging across all channels.

Responsibility for Finances and Physical Assets

The jobholder has no accountability for assets except for work tools assigned e.g., cameras, laptops, hard disks, banners, and other branding materials.

Decision-Making

• The jobholder’s decision-making authority is within existing guidelines and includes providing recommendations to facilitate final decisions.

Information Handling

The jobholder deals with very confidential information e.g., social media handles and login passwords. The job requires a high level of confidentiality.

Working Conditions

Working Environment: The jobholder is exposed to minimal disagreeable conditions. The role entails frequent travel.
Job Hazards: The jobholder is exposed to occupational hazards such as accidents.

How to Apply

Applications by qualified candidates should be submitted only by email to jobs@kcdf.or.ke, addressed to the Executive Director and quoting the position applied for in the Subject Line.

Attach a cover letter and a CV stating your current position, expected salary, email address, and telephone number. Also include email contacts of three professional referees.

Closing Date: 5 pm EAT on Monday, 8th December 2025
Only short-listed candidates shall be contacted.

KCDF is an equal opportunity employer. Any form of canvassing will lead to immediate disqualification. KCDF does not charge any application fees.