Bridge International

Communications Officer – Bridge Kenya

Position: Communications Officer
Company: Bridge Kenya
Location: Kenya
Job Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Communications Director
Application Deadline: October 23, 2024

Introduction

Bridge Kenya is a transformative community school programme designed to partner with parents, teachers, and communities to offer life-changing educational opportunities. Since its inception in 2009, Bridge Kenya has redefined education by providing affordable, high-quality schooling to underserved communities, focusing on delivering academic excellence, skill-building, and nurturing a supportive environment for all students.

The programme’s roots go back to its first school in Mukuru Kwa Njenga, Nairobi. Since then, Bridge Kenya has grown to become an evidence-based, data-driven initiative that reengineers the entire education system—from teacher training to lesson delivery and school administration. Bridge Kenya schools are now recognized as hubs for educational excellence, providing pupils with the tools and opportunities for a brighter future.

Since 2015, our students have consistently excelled in the national Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, surpassing national averages. Each year, numerous students from underserved areas score over 400 marks in the KCPE, with thousands achieving over 300 marks. Our alumni have secured placements in some of Kenya’s most prestigious secondary schools, including Starehe Boys, Alliance Girls, Pangani Girls, and Maranda High, among others. Additionally, several graduates have earned scholarships to renowned institutions, including Nairobi University and Amherst College in the United States.

Bridge Kenya’s focus is not limited to academic success. We also emphasize holistic development through extracurricular activities like debates and sports, fostering confidence, teamwork, and independence. Our students regularly participate in national-level competitions, showcasing their talents and co-curricular skills.

By joining Bridge Kenya, you become part of a passionate, dynamic group of Kenyans working to transform the educational landscape and shape a better future for the children of Kenya.

Group Overview: Corporate Affairs

The Corporate Affairs Group serves as the organizational hub for strategy, public relations, and reputation management. This department influences both internal and external environments, enabling Bridge Kenya’s programmatic growth through stakeholder engagement and policy advocacy. With a deep understanding of national and global trends, regulatory changes, and political issues, the Corporate Affairs Group ensures that Bridge Kenya’s strategic initiatives align with the broader education landscape. The group operates on a global and national scale, crafting tailored strategies for diverse audiences and geographies to build bridges between the organization and stakeholders.

Communications Department

The Communications Department resides within Corporate Affairs, working across various teams to execute compelling, impactful communication strategies. This team’s responsibilities range from internal relations to external media and digital engagement. Whether it’s advocating for education policy or shaping public perception, the Communications Department is integral to ensuring that Bridge Kenya’s achievements are recognized, celebrated, and supported globally.

About the Role

As a Communications Officer, you will play a pivotal role in implementing and enhancing Bridge Kenya’s communication strategies. Working directly with the Communications Director, you will be responsible for safeguarding and promoting the organization’s reputation, ensuring that its mission and impact are communicated effectively to various stakeholders.

Your main responsibilities will include developing high-quality communication materials, supporting digital content management, and contributing to campaigns and events. The Communications Officer will also maintain the organization’s digital archives, manage social media platforms, and ensure alignment with Bridge Kenya’s brand guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Content Creation: Develop and distribute publications, press releases, website content, photos, videos, and partnership marketing materials to communicate Bridge Kenya’s mission.
Strategic Support: Assist in the development and implementation of internal and external brand and communication strategies that align with the organization’s evolving mission and audience needs.
Campaign Participation: Participate in campaign activities managed by the Communications team, ensuring effective communication and engagement with stakeholders.
Digital Media Management: Keep Bridge Kenya’s image and video archives up-to-date. Support the creation and maintenance of content for social media platforms, including Facebook, LinkedIn, and WhatsApp.
Success Stories: Collect, document, and share success stories, best practices, and impact narratives from the field to communicate Bridge Kenya’s successes to donors and external audiences.
Event Support: Prepare communication materials and document events through photography and videography for promotional use, ensuring coverage for events in Kenya and Uganda.
Brand Consistency: Ensure all communication materials follow Bridge Kenya’s brand guidelines, maintaining consistency across platforms.
Media Monitoring: Monitor media alerts and relevant publications, preparing timely reports on all communication campaigns.

Required Qualifications and Skills

Degree in Communications: A relevant degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field is required.
Compelling Storytelling: Proven ability to craft compelling material and stories tailored to external audiences.
Multimedia Expertise: Experience producing and editing multimedia content, including photos, videos, and digital content.
Political and Media Awareness: A strong understanding of local and national media and political landscapes.
Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential, enabling effective engagement with internal and external stakeholders, including the media.
Negotiation Skills: Ability to influence and negotiate with individuals at various levels to achieve desired outcomes.
Data Collection and Analysis: Experience in gathering data from multiple sources and analyzing it for use in communications, including the creation of press releases.
Organizational Skills: Proven ability to prioritize tasks, organize workloads, and meet tight deadlines.
Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively as part of a team, providing support and building strong working relationships.
Digital Media Savvy: A deep understanding of digital and social media channels, with experience in managing content across platforms.
PRSK Membership: Membership in the Public Relations Society of Kenya (PRSK) is an added advantage.

Desired Qualities

Detail-Oriented: You thrive on getting things done with precision. Your organized approach ensures that no task is left incomplete. Your previous experience in fast-paced environments such as start-ups will be an asset.
Networking Mastermind: You excel at meeting people, turning them into advocates, and influencing key stakeholders. Your ability to communicate effectively, both in writing and verbally, will enable you to build strong relationships.
Creative Problem Solver: In a constantly evolving environment, you must be adaptable, using available resources to find cost-effective and efficient solutions. Experience working in low-resource communities is a plus.
Relentless Advocate: You are passionate about the mission of Bridge Kenya, always keeping the needs of children and teachers at the forefront of your decisions. Your commitment to making a difference drives everything you do.
Lifelong Learner: You embrace feedback and continually strive for improvement. You are open to constructive criticism and believe in ongoing professional development.
Data-Driven Decision Maker: You rely on data to guide your decisions, using facts and figures to support your choices and justify your strategies.
Curious Investigator: You’re always asking questions, seeking to understand the “why” behind decisions, actions, and outcomes. You see the world through a lens of possibility, knowing that change is achievable with the right mindset and actions.

Company Culture and Values

At Bridge Kenya, we are passionate about transforming lives through education. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity for a bright future, and we are committed to providing the tools and support necessary for success. We are a dynamic, driven team that thrives on collaboration, innovation, and a shared goal of making a positive impact.

Apply Now for the Communications Officer Role

To apply for this position, please submit your resume, cover letter, and a portfolio of your previous work (including writing samples and multimedia content) through the application portal on our website.

Application Deadline: October 23, 2024

Equal Opportunity Statement

Bridge Kenya is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. We encourage applicants from all communities. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job please visit www.bridge.ac.ke.