Communications Manager at The Maa Trust

Role Purpose

• The Communications Manager will lead The Maa Trust’s communications function, responsible for strategy, brand management, and donor engagement through impactful storytelling. The role focuses on building relationships, growing donor confidence, and demonstrating results through clear and creative communication.
• This is not a grant-writing position. Instead, it requires a communications professional who can see through the full donor cycle,from cultivation to stewardship, using storytelling, media, and digital tools to raise visibility and inspire support.
• The Communications Manager will oversee an assistant and work closely with programme and management teams to deliver consistent, high-quality, and ethical communications.

Key roles and responsibilities:
Communications Strategy and Planning  

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with The Maa Trust’s strategic plan and programme priorities.
• Define key messages, audiences, and channels to strengthen organizational visibility and credibility.
• Manage an annual communications calendar covering campaigns, publications, donor moments, and key events.
• Establish and monitor communication KPIs (reach, engagement, donor retention, media mentions, website analytics).
• Regularly evaluate and report on communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Storytelling and Content Development  

• Lead the creation of high-quality content: newsletters, donor reports, blogs, social media posts, photography, and short films.
• Work closely with programme teams to collect authentic stories, quotes, and visuals that reflect impact across all thematic areas.
• Maintain a central content and image library, ensuring all materials have informed consent and proper metadata.
• Produce communications materials in line with brand guidelines, tone, and ethical storytelling principles.
• Support the leadership team with speeches, presentations, and other public communication materials.

Fundraising Through Communications  

• Develop and implement a communications-based fundraising approach focused on donor retention and growth.
• Prepare concept notes, letters of interest, and brief updates to engage current and prospective donors.
• Coordinate donor visits, media tours, and events that strengthen relationships and visibility.
• Create donor update templates, visual dashboards, and short stories to communicate results and impact.

Brand Management and Organizational Identity  

• Safeguard and strengthen The Maa Trust’s brand, ensuring consistent application across all media, reports, and digital platforms.
• Develop and maintain a brand and style guide, and train staff on its application.
• Oversee production of branded materials such as brochures, signage, reports, and donor recognition plaques.
• Ensure that all communications reflect the organization’s values of integrity, community ownership, and conservation impact.

Media and Public Relations  

• Build and maintain relationships with local, national, and international media outlets.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media statements, and stories to promote organizational achievements. c)
• Coordinate interviews and media visits to project sites.
• Manage reputation and crisis communications, ensuring timely and accurate responses.
• Represent The Maa Trust at key events, exhibitions, and public forums.

Systems, Processes, and Digital Tools  

• Establish and maintain communications systems including templates, archives, approvals, and content tracking.
• Maintain an organized digital photo and video library with consent documentation.
• Oversee website updates, social media management, and analytics tracking.
• Introduce and manage tools such as Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, and Google Analytics.
• Support continuous innovation in digital storytelling and online engagement.

Internal Communications and Capacity Building  

• Coordinate regular internal updates or newsletters to strengthen cohesion and staff awareness of key achievements.
• Build capacity among staff to contribute to storytelling and donor communications.
• Mentor and supervise the Communications Assistant, delegating day-to-day content management tasks.
• Foster a culture of documentation, transparency, and celebration of success across all departments.

Qualifications, Experience and Core Competencies  

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in communications, fundraising, or external relations within the non-profit, conservation, or development sectors.
• Demonstrated experience developing and implementing communication strategies and managing donor communications through the full engagement cycle.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to produce high-quality visual and written materials for diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in managing digital platforms and tools (website CMS, Canva, Mailchimp, Hootsuite, Google Analytics, social media).
• Experience in photography, video production, or commissioning multimedia content is an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and ability to engage with donors, media, and communities effectively.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Experience working in conservation, tourism, or rural development contexts in Kenya or East Africa is a strong advantage.