Communications Manager - CDD Ghana

Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is a non-governmental, non-partisan civil society think tank that has been working since 1998 to advance democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana and the rest of Africa through research and analysis, policy and civic engagement, and strategic interventions and partnerships. The Center harnesses the power of evidence-informed analysis and ideas to stimulate public dialogue and inform and influence public policy in furtherance of its mission and vision.

Job Description

Unit: Communication

Department: Policy Engagement and Partnerships

Background

Established in 1998, Ghana Center for Democratic Development (CDD-Ghana) is an independent not-for-profit think-and-do-tank that works through research, policy engagement, thought leadership, and civic dialogue and partnerships to promote and strengthen democracy, good governance, and inclusive development in Ghana and the rest of Africa.

A founding Core Partner (and Ghana National Partner) of Afrobarometer, CDD-Ghana is also the convenor and secretariat for the Coalition of Domestic Election Observers (CODEO), West Africa Election Observers Network (WAEON), and West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS).

As the Communications Manager, you will lead the communication function at CDD and implement the Center’s communication strategies/plans.

The specific responsibilities and duties will include but are not limited to the following:

Communications Management

• Lead the communication team, working across diverse functions, to raise the Center's profile and visibility while strengthening awareness of programs, projects, and activities.
• Work collaboratively with other team leads, research analysts, and program officers to develop and implement communication and outreach strategies for projects, survey findings and other activities of the Center
• Work collaboratively with the events team to organize and manage internal and external events
• Oversee the conceptualization, production, and timely distribution of high-quality, engaging design and audio-visual content
• Provide a thorough review and guide necessary revisions to written products (newsletters, annual reports, press releases, reports, blogs, social media copies, etc.) ensuring content is of high quality, and in strict adherence to CDD-Ghana's brand and identity guide
• Proactively identify opportunities to promote the Center’s visibility and participation in public discourse and engagement with stakeholders
• Supervise the management of the Center’s digital communication channels (including websites and social media platforms) to ensure regular and timely updates and active engagement with stakeholders
• Conduct periodic corporate communications audits and develop and revise communication strategies and plans
• Periodically review CDD-Ghana’s communication strategy to ensure alignment with the Center’s mission, vision, and goals
• Institute a strong monitoring and evaluation system for tracking communication outputs and outcomes
• Leverage technology and innovation in the development of communication products and strategies at the Center

Brand and Reputation Management

• Manage the Center's reputation by leading the implementation of communication policies and strategies and providing communications advice to management
• Ensure strict adherence to the Center’s brand and identity guide and that of its donors/partners and ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Lead the implementation of the Center’s crisis communication strategy/plans to protect its reputation in case of accidents, emergencies or negative publicity

Stakeholder Relations

Internal:

• Work collaboratively with the Human Resource and Administration Manager to actively and creatively engage internal stakeholders (staff, fellows, affiliates) by:
  • Designing initiatives/activities that reinforce the Center’s culture, values, and mission and enhance employee engagement and morale
  • Using all available communication channels, tools, and clear and consistent messaging to keep employees informed, engaged, and aligned with the Center’s goals; and
  • Instituting and maintaining a strong system of training and orientation for team members to actively contribute to achieving the Center’s communication goals

External:

• Conduct extensive environmental scanning and periodically review the Center’s stakeholder map to enhance targeted communication aimed at influencing stakeholder attitudes, decisions, and actions

Media Relations

• Enhance the existing relationship with the Center’s press corps
• Expand the Center’s media contacts by identifying and establishing mutually beneficial relationships with key local, regional, and international media outlets and influential journalists to promote the organization's work
• Coordinate and effectively manage media inquiries and requests

Required Skills or Experience

• Master’s Degree in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years experience in a related communications role
• Good public speaking & presentation skills
• Superior writing & editing skills
• Must demonstrate initiative and an ability to work with minimal supervision
• Strong organizational & time management skills, ability to prioritize and multi-task
• Ability to work well in teams
• Ability to manage internal and external relationships and communicate clearly and
• effectively
• Must be proactive, creative and a logical problem solver