Communications & Public Relations Coordinator at The Wellspring Foundation for Education (Wellspring): (Deadline 11 February 2025)

COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR

JOB POSTING

TITLE: Communications & Public Relations Coordinator

REPORTS TO: Communications Lead in Canada

WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: Communications, Philanthropy & Program Teams

POSITION LOCATION: Rwanda

EMPLOYMENT CATEGORY: 1-Year Full-Time Contract, renewable if mutually agreeable, with potential for a longer contract duration;
May consider part-time for the right committed candidate

The Wellspring Foundation for Education (Wellspring) is an International NGO whose vision is to be a catalyst for transforming education in Rwanda and to foster vibrant communities that address poverty in all its forms. Our mission is to seek justice, worth, and dignity for all those we engage with, as we show the love of Christ by empowering new generations through the development of quality education in Rwanda and Africa. Wellspring is registered as an INGO in Rwanda and as a charitable organization in Canada.

Wellspring has been supporting children’s education in Rwanda for 20 years. Through values-based training, coaching and mentoring, modelling and convening of school stakeholders, Wellspring equips schools and communities to educate, nurture, and empower children to thrive with love, character, and resilience.

ABOUT YOU

Do you have a passion for writing and ethical storytelling? Would you enjoy working with a passionate global team to share stories of impact and life change from Rwandan and East African communities through communications and events? Do you desire to develop your talents, creativity, and experience and to use your skills to equip the children of East Africa with the best education and opportunities possible? If the challenge of developing dynamic, authentic, and engaging content for a variety of local and international audiences excites you, you may be the candidate we are looking for!

JOB SUMMARY

The Communications and Public Relations Coordinator is primarily responsible for increasing awareness of and promoting engagement with Wellspring’s work through the creation of engaging external communications for a range of audiences. Based in Rwanda, this person works collaboratively with Wellspring’s global team in Rwanda and Canada, with a focus on identifying, gathering, and sharing ethical impact stories and news connected to Wellspring’s work in East Africa. In partnership with Wellspring’s Programs, Communications, and Fundraising departments, this person will play a key role in (1) keeping our donors and partners informed about progress and developments, (2) collaborating with monitoring and evaluation teams in East Africa, and (3) raising public awareness of Wellspring’s programs and contributing to advocacy efforts in East Africa and globally.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

COMMUNICATIONS AND CONTENT CREATION

• Source and curate frequent stories and narrative content highlighting Wellspring’s work and impact, in order to resource our print, visual, video, and online communications.
• Plan, schedule, and accompany Wellspring staff (and on occasion contracted photographers and filmmakers) on field visits to conduct interviews and gather content for impact stories with an ethical approach to storytelling.
• Provide written and visual content for use in a range of donor communications, including e-newsletters, impact reports, and fundraising emails.
• Develop strategy and schedule for social media as part of the Communications team, developing targets for increased reach and analysing metrics and trends to improve effectiveness.
• Create high-quality content (text, images, and video) for social media, and engage in relevant conversations with followers that build meaningful connections and encourage support.
• Provide current, accurate, and engaging content for Wellspring’s website that clearly explains and showcases Wellspring’s work to current and potential partners.
• Research, build, and develop new communications initiatives and programs that help to enhance communications with key stakeholders and awareness of Wellspring among external audiences.
• Ensure all communications are accurate, relevant, consistent with Wellspring’s brand and messaging, aligned to the organization’s strategic objectives, and compliant with Wellspring’s Child Safeguarding Policy (see below).
• Develop and maintain processes that ensure effective content management and communications flow across the organization.

PUBLIC RELATIONS

• Enhance Wellspring’s visibility, brand recognition, credibility, and fundraising effectiveness by collaborating with our team to effectively demonstrate impact in the lives of the children, schools, and communities we serve.
• Assist in drafting speeches, presentations, press releases, and media articles as requested by Wellspring’s leadership.
• Contribute to the development of publicity materials and business communications, such as promotional brochures and event marketing.
• Conduct a daily press review and communicate any relevant and useful information to Wellspring’s leadership.
• Monitor updates from the field and keep abreast of relevant topics relating to our regional East African context, global education, and international development, and report back to our team on any pertinent developments.

MONITORING AND EVALUATION

• Liaise with Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MELA) staff to identify trends, potential themes, and impact stories that can be shared through external communications.
• Ensure that all communications are supported and confirmed by program evidence.
• Feed back all program impact stories, narrative content, and qualitative data to MELA staff to ensure they contribute to our ongoing MELA efforts in Rwanda.
• Collaborate with Wellspring’s Program Managers and MELA specialists to provide impact stories, narrative content, and qualitative data in support of our ongoing Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MELA) efforts in Rwanda.
• Lead the production of Wellspring Rwanda’s Quarterly Activity Report and ensure the report is disseminated to key stakeholders.

CHILD SAFEGUARDING

• Comply with Wellspring’s Child Safeguarding policy and procedures at all times, but particularly with regards to content creation, photography and videography, dissemination of information, planning and implementation of all communication activities. Ensure at all times that children’s rights, safety, agency, and dignity are at the heart of communication decisions and activities.

OTHER DUTIES

• Actively participate in Wellspring’s spiritual and team rhythms.
• Undertake any other professional duties which may reasonably be delegated by Wellspring’s leadership in support of our mission and strategic plan, including contributing technically to other projects or programs.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 2-3 years of direct experience in a communications role, preferably in the non-profit sector.
• Exceptional command of the English language, both written and spoken. Functional Kinyarwanda and French an asset.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with careful attention to detail and accuracy regarding information.
• Thorough knowledge of the principles of effective communication: excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communications skills.
• Experience or familiarity with international development or non-profit organizations is an asset.
• Thorough understanding of social platforms, strategy writing, and implementation.
• Familiarity with digital marketing concepts and trends.
• Knowledge of Search Engine Optimization (SEO), keyword research, and Google Analytics preferred.
• Motivated, creative and innovative self-starter who demonstrates flexibility and adaptability.
• Strong project management skills desired.
• Ability to work as a part of a team as well as independently.
• A mature Christian faith and affirmation of the Wellspring Faith Position.

CRITICAL QUALITIES

• Accountability and Dependability
• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Communication
• Creative and Innovative Thinking
• Critical Thinking
• Decision Making
• Ethics and Integrity
• Networking and Relationship Building
• Planning and Organizing
• Problem Solving
• Results Orientation
• Service Orientation
• Teamwork
• Time Management

WHAT WE OFFER

• A competitive salary and benefits.
• An engaged and positive work culture where employees are valued.
• Coaching, professional and personal development, and staff care.
• The opportunity to make a difference in the world.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Some travel to other districts will be required & occasional travel within East Africa
• Manual dexterity is required to use a computer and peripherals
• Extensive visual concentration
• Manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
• Attention to detail is required while subject to multiple interruptions
• Ability to provide a clear criminal record background check

HOW TO APPLY
Please email a PDF version of your cover letter (no longer than one page), your CV or resumé (not longer than 3 pages), your statement of faith* (no longer than one page) in English to [email protected] and copy [email protected]

A statement of faith should describe your Christian faith and how it is relevant to your involvement with The Wellspring Foundation for Education. The statement can either be incorporated into your cover letter or submitted as a separate document.

Deadline for Applications: 11th February 2025 at 5.00pm (CAT).
Interviews will be scheduled in the week of 17th February.

Due to the large number of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Wellspring values and encourages diversity, striving to be equitable and non-discriminatory in all our activities to ensure children have access to quality education in Africa. We will implement policies that respect the inherent worth and dignity of those we engage with and promote equity, diversity, and inclusion.