External Relations Director at Africa Public Health Foundation

Role purpose

• The External Relations Director will lead APHF’s communications and resource mobilisation efforts. As a member of APHF’s senior leadership, the External Relations Director will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing strategies to mobilise resources from individuals, foundations, and the private sector, as well as identify new opportunities to expand APHF’s income base. The External Relations Director will supervise communications initiatives that support APHF’s mission, enhance the organisation’s visibility, and cultivate our brand.
• The External Relations Director will be a trusted advisor and reports directly to the CEO, participating in long-term strategic planning and ensuring that fundraising strategies are aligned with APHF’s growth plans. The Director will manage all day-to-day fundraising efforts, including supervision of the Communications and Resource Mobilisation Leads. The ideal candidate is passionate about building a great organisation and comfortable with a fluid role in a dynamic environment.
• As a new organisation, staff are empowered to start new programs, institute best practices, and develop traditions that will define their experiences and those of their colleagues in the years to come. Innovation and entrepreneurship are valued and will be essential to the Foundation’s success. In addition to providing training, management-level advice, and mentoring, staff are supported to learn by positioning them as core members of the APHF team to drive public health impact.

What you’ll be doing day to day

The External Relations Director will have the following key responsibilities:

• Advise and support the CEO and Council on long-term strategic planning and align resource mobilisation efforts to support the foundation’s growth plans.
• Identify, develop, and maintain long-term and collaborative relationships with key stakeholders and funders.
• on the development and implementation of strategic fundraising, communications, and advocacy strategies
• Solicit support for APHF and manage a portfolio of individuals, foundations, and private sector funders.
• Actively seek new opportunities for investment, revenue generation, and strategic partnerships
• Provide guidance and best practices on structures and innovative funding approaches.
• Achieve stated fundraising targets, as determined in collaboration with the CEO and team.
• Manage the development and implementation of APHF’s communications plan, ensuring messages are aligned with APHF’s mission, values, and strategies.
• Support the development of compelling narratives on the success stories of the Foundation for external use.
• Represent APHF in external engagements, including any media and speaking opportunities and events.
• Coach and retain high-performance team members, providing regular feedback that empowers staff to elevate their level of responsibility.
• Manage staff performance by setting goals, monitoring work, and evaluating results.
• Work with staff to develop systems to ensure consistent, high-quality project management.
• Prepare departmental reports with timely information and key metrics to measure progress.
• Develop annual external relations budget.
• Any other tasks as directed by the CEO.