Communications and Fundraising Manager at Mara Elephant Project (MEP)

Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision to the communications and fundraising team.
• Set clear goals, track performance, and support team members' growth and development. Coordinate internal workflow and maintain a collaborative, accountable team culture.
• Ensure departmental activities are on schedule and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead the implementation of the global communications and fundraising strategy at the local level.
• Adapt and apply strategic direction to meet local needs and realities while maintaining global alignment. Report on progress and contribute feedback to help inform future iterations of the strategy.
• Oversee the execution of donor stewardship activities, including donor communications, impact reporting, and cultivation.
• Support the management of relationships with local and regional donors, partners, and sponsors.
• Plan and manage local fundraising campaigns and donor events in collaboration with the team.
• Manage the local grant pipeline, including proposal submission, reporting, and compliance. Collaborate with program and finance staff to ensure accurate grant budgeting and reporting. Ensure internal systems are in place to meet grant deadlines and donor expectations.
• Supervise the creation and distribution of high-quality communications content for web, social media, newsletters, and print.
• Lead in the management, fundraising, and oversight of the Ultra-Marathon, ensuring it grows as a flagship annual event for MEP.
• Ensure all communications adhere to global brand guidelines and messaging frameworks. Represent the organization at local events, in media engagements, and with key stakeholders.
• Lead media outreach and maintain relationships with local press and communication partners.
• Plan and manage outreach and fundraising events including logistics, promotion, and follow-up. Collaborate with relevant staff and partners to ensure event success and alignment with strategic goals. Track departmental activities, outcomes, and KPIs; prepare regular reports for senior leadership.
• Maintain accurate donor and grant records in CRM and reporting systems.
• Provide timely feedback to the global team on strategy implementation progress and impact.

Qualification & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in communications, nonprofit management, marketing, or a related field.
• Kenyan national with at least 5 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit communications, fundraising, or development.
• Demonstrated team management and supervisory experience.
• Strong background in event planning and/or public relations.
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Experience working with donor databases, email marketing tools, and content platforms.
• Passion for conservation and willingness to live and work in a remote field-based environment.
• Skilled project manager with ability to manage multiple timelines and competing priorities.
• Culturally sensitive, collaborative, and community minded.
• Comfortable working in a decentralized, international team structure.
• Fluency in English required.