Director, Development & Communications

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development and Fundraising

• Design and implement multi-year fundraising strategies targeting foundations, public agencies, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Build and manage a pipeline of strategic donors and prospects, ensuring alignment with CI-Africa’s programmatic goals.
• Coordinate with technical and country teams to ensure funding priorities and proposal content reflect programmatic realities and opportunities.
• Lead and contribute to the development of tailored concept notes, grant proposals, and impact reports.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to set and monitor annual and multi-year revenue targets.
• Use CRM tools (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) to track donor engagement and fundraising progress; identify gaps and adjust strategy as needed.
• Ensure donor stewardship and timely, high-quality reporting in collaboration with grants and program teams.
• Represent CI at key donor meetings, site visits, and partnership events across the region.
• Liaise with CI’s global fundraising network to maximize cross-regional synergies and institutional alignment.
• Serve as the focal point for institutional donor relations within the Africa Field Management Unit.
• Ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with CI’s internal policies and donor compliance requirements.

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement a regional communications strategy that enhances visibility, supports fundraising, and amplifies CI-Africa’s impact.
• Lead the production of accessible and compelling content that translates science and policy into high-impact narratives.
• Build and maintain relationships with African and international media outlets; coordinate media outreach and press engagement.
• Guide storytelling campaigns and the development of press releases, op-eds, videos, and social media assets tailored to regional audiences.
• Support country programs in engaging key stakeholders, policymakers, and influencers through strategic messaging.
• Serve as liaison to the Global Brand and Communications Division to ensure alignment with institutional brand and messaging.
• Provide input into global campaigns, ensuring representation of Africa’s perspectives and priorities.
• Contribute to internal communications that raise visibility of CI’s Africa-based initiatives across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build team and partner capacity in donor engagement and communications best practices.
• Contribute to Africa strategy implementation and organizational planning through participation in cross-functional forums.
• Promote a culture of institutional learning by identifying and sharing lessons from project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• This role has no direct reports but will collaborate closely with regional and global colleagues in development and communications.
• May oversee external consultants and vendors to deliver high-quality content, campaigns, and donor materials.
• Manage budgets related to events, donor engagement, and communications activities, ensuring strategic value and cost-effectiveness.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in international development, communications, environmental science, or a related field.
• 7 or more years of experience in fundraising and/or strategic communications, ideally within the conservation or international development sectors.
• Proven track record in securing major grants and leading integrated donor engagement strategies.
• Experience working in Africa, with an understanding of political, cultural, and media dynamics across the continent.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other regional languages is an advantage.
• Strong relationship-building and donor cultivation skills across sectors.
• Skilled in storytelling, media engagement, and strategic message development.
• Strategic thinker able to integrate fundraising and communications for maximum impact.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and digital communication tools.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated cultural fluency and ability to work across diverse teams and geographies.
• Strong compliance orientation and ability to align with donor requirements and institutional policies.

Preferred

•  Advanced degree