HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS

Job Summary

The Head of Communications is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and executing the overall communications strategy of the HACSA Foundation. This role involves transforming our digital and media presence, elevating our storytelling, and ensuring consistent, compelling messaging across all platforms and stakeholder engagements. The Head of Communications will play a critical role in strategically positioning HACSA as a leading voice on African heritage and Diaspora engagement, while also contributing to our broader mission of youth development and the empowerment of women and girls.

The ideal candidate is strategic, creative, and digitally savvy, with deep knowledge of communications trends, proven experience in media and public relations, and a strong network both local and international media landscape. S/he must be passionate about Africa, equity, and the power of storytelling to drive systemic change, develop leadership and skills in young people, and inspire confidence, pride, and action among women and girls across the African continent and Diaspora.

Tasks & Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications, public relations, and digital media strategy aligned with HACSA’s mission and growth plans.
• Provide strategic counsel to HACSA executives on branding, positioning, crisis communication, and audience engagement.
• Establish and manage internal and external communications protocols and systems.

Branding & Visual Identity

• Develop, document, and maintain comprehensive branding and visual identity guidelines for the organization to ensure consistency across all communication materials and platforms.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to align the brand identity with HACSA’s mission, values, and evolving global positioning.
• Create and distribute branded templates (e.g., presentation decks, reports, newsletters, social media visuals) for internal and external use.
• Train internal teams and partners on brand usage to maintain consistency across all departments.
• Periodically review and update branding materials to reflect evolving strategies, program priorities (e.g., women and girls in tech), and new target audiences.

Media & Public Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, media houses, and content creators in the U.S., U.K., Ghana, and globally.
• Secure media coverage for HACSA’s programs, leadership, and initiatives across traditional and digital media platforms.
• Develop and manage a roster of spokespeople and ambassadors aligned with HACSA’s values and goals.

Digital & Social Media Management

• Oversee the continuous development of HACSA’s website and social media platforms to reflect a fresh, authentic, and engaging brand voice.
• Lead the creation of innovative and visually compelling content for all channels (social media, email, blogs, podcasts, videos, etc.).
• Set and track KPIs to grow social media presence, online engagement, and community-building efforts.

Content Creation & Campaigns

• Curate and manage a dynamic calendar of campaigns, events, and storytelling content tied to HACSA’s strategic objectives.
• Develop digital and print materials, including newsletters, brochures, reports, proposals, and talking points.
• Review, catalog, archive, and repurpose existing multimedia content and institutional knowledge.

Team Collaboration & Project Management

• Coordinate communications across HACSA’s teams and locations (Ghana, USA, UK, Caribbean) to ensure consistent messaging and content sharing.
• Lead virtual communications meetings and oversee follow-up actions and reporting.
• Monitor trends and emerging opportunities in the African heritage and culture space, focusing on advancing inclusion, diversity, and equality.
• Recommend engagement tactics that position HACSA at the forefront of relevant global conversations, including those related to youth empowerment and programs such as Women and Girls in Tech.

HACSA Summit and Events Communication

• Develop and execute the communications plan for the HACSA Summit, aligning with the event’s goals, themes, and key objectives
• Coordinate all external communications to raise awareness and drive attendance, including press releases, social media campaigns, email newsletters, and partnerships with media outlets.
• Manage media relations before, during, and after the Summit to ensure positive coverage and maximize visibility. This includes liaising with journalists, influencers, and other media representatives.
• Support logistics and planning teams with the design and implementation of digital assets (e.g., banners, digital programs, virtual event coordination).
• Engage with speakers, influencers, and sponsors to maintain strong relationships and encourage ongoing collaboration and participation.

Competencies & Skills

• Excellent organizational, analytical, and time-management skills with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks effectively.
• Strong ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with diverse audiences, including funders, partners, youth, and the Diaspora community.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to manage relationships across all levels.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Passion for African heritage, culture, and social impact, with a commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Consistently approaches work with energy, a positive attitude, and the ability to work professionally under pressure.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple communications initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Experience managing communications budgets and resources effectively to maximize impact while adhering to financial constraints.
• Ability to think creatively to come up with fresh ideas for campaigns, content, and audience engagement.
• Passion for exploring new communication platforms, storytelling techniques, and technologies to stay ahead of industry trends.
• Ability to supervise and mentor communications staff.