The Media and Communications Manager will play a crucial role in shaping the company's external and internal communication strategies. The role involves leading the development and execution of integrated media campaigns, public relations efforts, and content creation that align with the company's strategic objectives. The ideal candidate will be a creative and results-driven communicator with a strong understanding of the financial technology sector and its audience in Kenya and across Africa. This role will help position the company as a thought leader in the fintech space, ensuring consistent and positive media coverage while engaging key stakeholders including customers, investors, regulators, and the broader public.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
Media Relations & PR Strategy
Develop and execute a comprehensive media and public relations strategy to increase brand awareness, credibility, and positive media coverage.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and international media outlets (print, online, and broadcast).
Serve as the company's primary media contact, responding to media inquiries and providing appropriate resources and spokespersons.
Identify opportunities for thought leadership, including press releases, media interviews, and opinion pieces on industry trends, innovation, and fintech development.
Coordinate with third-party PR agencies to amplify media outreach and coverage.
Content Creation & Management
Oversee the creation of high-quality content for both traditional and digital media platforms, including press releases, blog posts, newsletters, social media content, and company reports.
Ensure content is aligned with brand voice, tone, and messaging across all channels, with a focus on consistency and impact.
Drive the creation and distribution of case studies, whitepapers, customer success stories, and other content that showcases the company's value proposition.
Digital Marketing & Social Media Strategy
Develop and implement digital communication strategies to grow the company's online presence, including social media (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram), website, and other digital platforms.
Monitor social media trends and engage with audiences to increase engagement and foster positive relationships.
Leverage social media to support campaigns, product launches, and company announcements.
Internal Communications
Develop and implement effective internal communications strategies that enhance employee engagement, corporate culture, and alignment with company goals.
Ensure clear, transparent, and timely communication with employees about key initiatives, company updates, and organizational changes.
Develop internal newsletters, memos, and other communication materials to keep staff informed and motivated.
Crisis Communication & Reputation Management
Lead crisis communication planning and execution, ensuring a timely, clear, and effective response to any negative publicity, issues, or public relations challenges.
Proactively identify and mitigate risks to the company's reputation, ensuring appropriate messaging and a coordinated approach during crises.
Event Management & Stakeholder Engagement
Plan and coordinate company events, webinars, conferences, and speaking engagements to promote the brand, including sponsorships and partnerships in fintech-related events.
Act as the point person for media interactions during events, ensuring the company is effectively represented.
Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, government bodies, regulatory agencies, and fintech associations.
Analytics and Reporting
Track media coverage and social media analytics to assess the effectiveness of communication strategies.
Provide regular reports to senior leadership on the impact of media campaigns, brand sentiment, and stakeholder engagement.
Use data-driven insights to refine and optimize ongoing communication strategies.
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Media Coverage: Increase in the quantity and quality of media mentions (including positive coverage) in local, regional, and international outlets.
Brand Visibility: Improvement in the company's online presence and social media reach (engagement rates, followers, mentions).
Content Engagement: Metrics related to the consumption and interaction with digital content (blog traffic, social shares, time spent on pages).
Lead Generation: Contribution of communication campaigns to lead generation and customer acquisition.
Crisis Management: Successful management of public relations crises with minimal impact on brand reputation.
Event Impact: Positive feedback and increased participation in company-led events, conferences, and webinars.
Employee Engagement: High levels of internal communication effectiveness, with employee feedback scores reflecting engagement and transparency.
Competencies and Skills
Strong Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication abilities, with a talent for translating complex financial concepts into accessible language for various audiences.
Media Savvy: Deep understanding of the media landscape in Kenya and beyond, with the ability to develop media strategies that maximize coverage and impact.
Crisis Management: Ability to handle high-pressure situations and manage communications during a crisis with confidence and professionalism.
Content Creation: Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills. Experience creating a variety of content types (articles, press releases, blogs, reports, etc.).
Digital Proficiency: Expertise in using digital tools for content management, analytics, and social media management. Familiarity with SEO best practices and Google Analytics is a plus.
Strategic Thinking: Ability to align communication efforts with business objectives and long-term brand strategy.
Relationship Building: Skilled in building and maintaining relationships with media professionals, influencers, and key external stakeholders.
Project Management: Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively within a cross-functional team, including marketing, sales, legal, and product teams.
Education & Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
Master's degree in a relevant field or professional certification in PR, Media Relations, or Digital Marketing is an advantage.
Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, with at least 2-3 years in a management or senior position.
Experience in the fintech or financial services industry is highly desirable.
Proficiency in digital communication tools such as social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Buffer), email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, HubSpot), and analytics tools (Google Analytics, SEMrush).