Media and Public Relations Manager

📌 Core Information 🔹 Job Title: Media and Public Relations Manager 🔹 Company: Inkomoko 🔹 Location: Kigali/Nairobi/N'Djamena/Juba/Addis Ababa 🔹 Job Type: On-site 🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations 🔹 Date Posted: May 7, 2025 🚀 Job Overview Key aspects of this role include: - Developing and executing earned media strategies to enhance Inkomoko's brand visibility and reputation across East Africa and international markets. - Proactively pitching and securing high-impact media coverage in regional, pan-African, and global outlets. - Building, maintaining, and deepening relationships with relevant journalists, editors, and media outlets worldwide. - Planning and coordinating media events, including press briefings, desk-side interviews, roundtables, and other visibility moments. - Collaborating closely with digital, marketing, and social media teams to amplify earned media opportunities across owned channels. ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic thinker with a strong understanding of both regional and international media landscapes, proven success in securing earned media, and the ability to build and maintain journalist relationships. 📋 Key Responsibilities ✅ Media Strategy & Coverage - Develop and execute earned media strategies to enhance Inkomoko's brand visibility and reputation. - Proactively pitch and secure high-impact media coverage in regional, pan-African, and global outlets. - Track, analyze, and report on media coverage, key performance indicators, and public sentiment to inform strategy adjustments. ✅ Relationship Building & Event Coordination - Build, maintain, and deepen relationships with relevant journalists, editors, and media outlets worldwide. - Plan and coordinate media events, including press briefings, desk-side interviews, roundtables, and other visibility moments. ✅ Content Management & Executive Positioning - Coordinate and manage all media-specific and PR-related content, including press releases, op-eds, speeches, interview briefs, and media kits. - Organize and manage speaking opportunities for executives, ensuring alignment with Inkomoko’s strategic priorities. - Support executive positioning and thought leadership initiatives, placing op-eds, interviews, and commentary on global platforms. ✅ Crisis Communications & Partner Coordination - Contribute to crisis communications planning and response to manage reputational risks when necessary. - Support partner coordination to strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, funders, and media partners. ASSUMPTION: This role requires excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. Strong writing, editing, and communication skills are also essential for creating compelling, media-ready content. 🎯 Required Qualifications Education: - Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field. Experience: - Minimum of 8 years of proven experience in public relations and media relations, including demonstrated experience leading strategic communications initiatives and managing teams, preferably in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. Required Skills: - Proven ability to manage communications and PR agencies or consultants across East Africa and/or internationally. - Strong track record of proactively pitching and securing coverage in regional and global media outlets. - Outstanding writing, editing, and communication skills with the ability to create compelling, media-ready content. - Excellent organizational and project management skills, able to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. - Experience tracking and analyzing media outcomes and KPIs to measure communications impact. - Experience supporting reputation management and crisis communications preferred. Preferred Skills: - Experience in entrepreneurship, economic development, financial inclusion, humanitarian, or similar sectors preferred. - Proficiency in local languages and cultural understanding of the East African region is a plus. 💰 Compensation & Benefits Salary Range: $70,000 - $90,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location) Benefits: - Competitive salary, and potential Goal-based bonus - Incredible company culture, including deep investment in your learning and growth - Diverse colleagues and policies that show our commitment to equity and inclusion - Talented, passionate, and committed team of colleagues across the region - Ability to make a significant social impact to your community - Health insurance, staff savings, parental leave, sabbatical, and more benefits. Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) 📌 Applicant Insights 🔍 Company Context Industry: Non-profit Organizations Company Size: 201-500 employees Founded: 2012 Company Description: Inkomoko supports entrepreneurs to grow their businesses in order to improve livelihoods, create jobs, and help communities thrive. Founded in 2012, Inkomoko has worked with more than 60,000 entrepreneurs across East and Central Africa, including thousands of refugee entrepreneurs. Inkomoko provides a combination of training, consulting, access to finance, and market-level systems change. We are the largest lender to refugee entrepreneurs in Africa. Company Specialties: Entrepreneurship support, economic development, financial inclusion, humanitarian aid, and refugee empowerment. Company Website: http://inkomoko.com 📊 Role Analysis Career Level: Mid-level to Senior Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Director of Communications Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time (40 hours per week) Growth Opportunities: - Potential to lead a team and manage junior PR and communications professionals. - Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within the organization. - The chance to grow with the company as it expands its operations across Africa. ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to lead a team and manage junior PR and communications professionals. As Inkomoko continues to expand its operations across Africa, there will be ample opportunities for career advancement within the organization. 🌍 Location & Work Environment Office Type: On-site, with multiple office locations across Africa Office Location(s): Kigali, Rwanda; Nairobi, Kenya; Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; Juba, South Sudan; N'Djamena, Chad Geographic Context: - Kigali, Rwanda: A vibrant, multicultural city with a growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. - Nairobi, Kenya: The regional hub for business, technology, and media in East Africa. - Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: The capital city of Ethiopia, with a rich cultural heritage and a growing economy. - Juba, South Sudan: A bustling city with a diverse population and a growing economy. - N'Djamena, Chad: The capital city of Chad, with a unique cultural heritage and a growing economy. Work Schedule: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with a one-hour lunch break) ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of adaptability, as the work environment can vary depending on the specific office location. Candidates should be comfortable working in diverse cultural settings and be able to navigate different work environments with ease. 💼 Interview & Application Insights Typical Process: 1. Online application submission through the Inkomoko jobs portal. 2. Phone or video screening with the HR department. 3. In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager and/or team members. 4. Final in-person or virtual interview with senior leadership. 5. Reference and background check. Key Assessment Areas: - Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills. - Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines. - Excellent communication and writing skills. - Cultural fit and alignment with Inkomoko's values. Application Tips: - Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role. - Showcase your understanding of the African media landscape and your ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets. - Provide specific examples of your experience securing high-impact media coverage and managing PR campaigns. ATS Keywords: Media relations, public relations, strategic communications, earned media, journalist relationships, media events, crisis communications, thought leadership, executive positioning, East Africa, international media, global platforms, non-profit organizations, social impact, refugee entrepreneurship, economic development, financial inclusion, humanitarian aid. ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role will focus on assessing the candidate's strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities. Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience securing high-impact media coverage and managing PR campaigns, as well as their understanding of the African media landscape and ability to build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets. 🛠️ Tools & Technologies - Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) - Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides) - Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Monday.com) - Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24, Hootsuite) - Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce) - Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) - Graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) ASSUMPTION: This role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and project management tools. Familiarity with media monitoring and analytics tools, CRM software, content management systems, and graphic design tools is also beneficial. 👔 Cultural Fit Considerations Company Values: - Purpose: be solutions-oriented, produce high-quality work, and be a global leader. - Achievement: push yourself to reach beyond what you previously thought possible. - Improvement: be humble, engage in continuous growth through open & accurate feedback - Bravery: willing to take risks, create a safe space for others, be compassionate, and inclusive. - We Eat Goat: we celebrate success and support each other in hard times. We do this work together in the spirit of turikumwe, tuko pamoja, abren nen, Kula na sawa, On est ensemble. Work Style: - Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong focus on cross-functional collaboration. - Results-driven, with a focus on achieving measurable outcomes. - Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn new skills. - Committed to Inkomoko's mission and values, with a passion for making a social impact. Self-Assessment Questions: - How do you align with Inkomoko's values, particularly 'Purpose' and 'Bravery'? - Describe a time when you had to manage a challenging PR situation. How did you approach it, and what was the outcome? - How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the African media landscape? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to demonstrate a strong alignment with Inkomoko's values, particularly 'Purpose' and 'Bravery'. They should also be able to provide specific examples of their ability to manage challenging PR situations and stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in the African media landscape. ⚠️ Potential Challenges - Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. - Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets in a diverse and dynamic media landscape. - Navigating cultural differences and working in multiple office locations across Africa. - Balancing the need for strategic, long-term planning with the demands of immediate, tactical PR tasks. - Managing crises and reputational risks in a high-profile, mission-driven organization. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be aware of these potential challenges and be prepared to discuss how they would approach them in the role. They should also be able to provide specific examples of how they have overcome similar challenges in previous roles. 📈 Similar Roles Comparison - Media Relations Manager vs. Communications Manager: A Media Relations Manager focuses primarily on securing media coverage and building relationships with journalists, while a Communications Manager has a broader scope, including internal communications, content creation, and crisis communications. - East Africa vs. Global Media Landscape: This role requires a strong understanding of the East African media landscape, as well as the ability to navigate global media outlets. Candidates should be familiar with both regional and international media dynamics. - Career Path Comparison: This role offers significant growth opportunities, with the potential to lead a team and manage junior PR and communications professionals. As Inkomoko continues to expand its operations across Africa, there will be ample opportunities for career advancement within the organization. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to articulate the differences between this role and similar roles, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges that come with working in East Africa and the global media landscape. They should also be able to discuss their long-term career goals and how this role fits into their career path. 📝 Sample Projects - Developing and executing a media strategy to launch a new Inkomoko initiative, securing coverage in regional, pan-African, and global outlets. - Coordinating a media event to announce a significant partnership or funding milestone, managing logistics and ensuring alignment with Inkomoko's strategic priorities. - Creating a crisis communications plan to mitigate reputational risks and manage potential crises, including media training for executives and spokesperson preparation. ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be able to provide specific examples of their experience with similar projects, demonstrating their ability to manage complex PR campaigns and navigate challenging situations. ❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview - What are the most significant media trends and developments in East Africa, and how do you see them impacting Inkomoko's communications strategy? - How do you approach building and maintaining relationships with journalists and media outlets in a diverse and dynamic media landscape? - Can you describe a time when you had to manage a challenging PR situation, and what was the outcome? - How do you balance the need for strategic, long-term planning with the demands of immediate, tactical PR tasks? - What steps would you take to ensure Inkomoko's messaging and branding are consistent across all media channels and platforms? ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of the East African media landscape, their approach to building and maintaining relationships with journalists, and their experience managing challenging PR situations. They should also be able to articulate their ability to balance strategic, long-term planning with immediate, tactical PR tasks. 📌 Next Steps for Applicants To apply for this position: 1. Submit your application through the Inkomoko jobs portal. 2. Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this specific role. 3. Prepare for phone or video screening interviews, focusing on your strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and ability to manage multiple priorities. 4. Research Inkomoko's mission, values, and work in East Africa to demonstrate your understanding and commitment to the organization's goals. 5. Follow up with the hiring manager after your interview, expressing your enthusiasm for the role and reiterating your qualifications. ⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.