Communications and Marketing Officer at Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKESK)

The position

The Aga Khan Education Service, Kenya (AKES, Kenya) operates 5 schools in various cities in Kenya and provides nursery to senior secondary education in both national and international curricula. It is part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of private development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people of all faiths and origins in specific regions of the developing world.

AKES, Kenya has an opening for the following position: COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING OFFICER

Role Summary

The Communications and Marketing Officer plays a pivotal role in planning, executing and overseeing comprehensive marketing activities and internal/external communications for the Aga Khan Education Service (AKES), Kenya. Working with the CEO and the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) Communications Department, this position is designed to ensure that messaging aligns with AKES and broader AKS and Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) guidelines, fostering consistent brand awareness and enhancing engagement with various stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Marketing:

• Develop and implement an annual marketing plan to elevate brand awareness and increase enrolments.
• Collaborate closely with schools to execute the annual marketing plan effectively.
• Plan and manage the marketing and communications budget effectively.
• Contribute to website articles and features, ensuring timely and professional updates.
• Regularly update key content on the school website, and AKDN website (when needed), collaborating with staff for captivating visual representation.
• Contribute to strategic planning for social media to enhance AKES, Kenya’s virtual presence.
• Respond to and redirect queries from the public received through social media or the website.
• Professionally manage direct marketing and public relations events.
• Coordinate external advertising, publicity and the production and dissemination of publications and promotional materials, contributing to campaigns and special events.
• Collaborate with the AKDN communication team in Kenya to secure media placement and manage messaging.

Internal Communications:

• Establish an annual internal communications plan to inform and engage all staff.
• Strategize and oversees the communications budget, including outsourcing material production when necessary.
• Ensure all materials and branding adhere to AKES and AKDN guidelines.
• Prepare professional presentations and documents for the CEO, SMT and Leadership Team.
• Review and proofread communication materials for consistency before publication.
• Develop digital and print materials, publishing a regular internal newsletter for AKES, Kenya staff.
• Provide communications coaching to enhance staff communication skills.
• Supervise professional photo or video shoots, as needed.
• Photograph, film and edit short videos on events and activities, archiving locally and centrally.
• Collaborate with students and teachers to develop compelling video content.
• Provide guidance to AKES, Kenya units in developing and producing marketing and communication materials, following the framework in the guidelines.
• Liaise with Jamati communications coordinators and AKDN offices in the country, as needed.

External Communications:

• Develop an external annual communications plan for diverse stakeholders.
• Ensure all materials and branding adhere to AKES and AKDN guidelines.
• Review and proofread communication materials for consistency before publication.
• Standardise school newsletter design and review/edit before publication, ensuring alignment with AKES vision.
• Develop and distribute materials conveying company policies or positions on relevant issues.
• Contribute to crisis communications efforts on a case-by-case basis.
• Participate in global-level communications coordinated by the AKS Head Office.
• Manage press releases, interviews and press kits.
• Manage the creation and publication of the yearbook in coordination with the student yearbook team.

The requirements

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in marketing and communications or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic marketing and communications development.
• Familiarity with the East African market and social media campaigns.
• Background in the education sector is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
• Awareness of digital media and content management systems.

Other skills and personal traits:

• Attention to detail and ability to work constructively as part of a team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to take initiative and be proactive.
• Professionalism and sensitivity to issues of confidentiality.
• Cross-cultural agility.