Marketing Communications Manager

Aga Khan Foundation, USA

Marketing Communications Manager

Location: Washington, D.C.

Reports to: Director of Resource Development and Communications

ABOUT AGA KHAN FOUNDATION, USA (AKF USA)

Established in 1981, AKF USA is a private, non-denominational, non-profit international development organization committed to breaking the cycle of poverty across Africa and Asia. As a member of the Aga Khan Development Network (www.akdn.org), one of the world’s largest development organizations, AKF works to empower communities and individuals, often in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve their quality of life, especially in Africa and Asia.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Marketing Communications Manager will play a key role in supporting the organization's marketing and communications efforts, with a focus on enhancing brand awareness, supporting fundraising campaigns, and maintaining consistent, high-quality messaging across all channels. The ideal candidate will be a highly organized, creative thinker who can work collaboratively across departments, coordinate content creation, manage the communications calendar, and ensure that all communications align with our mission and goals.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Communications Planning & Fundraising Support
   • Collaborate with the fundraising and program & partnerships teams to develop and implement strategic communications plans that support both short- and long-term organizational goals.
   • Work with the fundraising team to understand campaign goals and help build communications strategies that drive engagement and donations.
   • Develop comprehensive communication schedules to align with fundraising campaigns, events, and organizational priorities.
   • Develop and implement communication resources for volunteers and regional fundraising teams, ensuring they have consistent messaging and essential tools such as elevator pitches, solicitation letters, and peer-to-peer fundraising toolkits tailored for walks, runs, and other campaign initiatives.
2. Manage Communications Calendar
   • Oversee and manage the organization’s communications calendar, ensuring that all campaigns, events, social media posts, emails, and public relations efforts are planned, scheduled, and executed on time.
   • Ensure there is no overlap of key messaging, while maintaining consistency across different communications channels.
   • Coordinate deadlines for content development, approvals, and distribution, making sure all departments are aligned with the timing and strategy.
   • Regularly review and update the calendar based on campaign results, upcoming events, and organizational needs.

1. Content Creation & Oversight
   • Create and oversee the development of compelling content across a variety of channels, including emails, social media, websites, press releases, and promotional materials.
   • Ensure that all content is consistent with the organization’s tone, voice, and brand guidelines.
   • Collaborate with designer and content writer to produce high-quality visual and written materials for fundraising campaigns, events, and awareness initiatives.
   • Write, edit, and proofread key communication pieces, including fundraising appeals, donor acknowledgments, event invitations, and newsletters.
   • Lead storytelling initiatives to highlight the impact of donor contributions, leveraging compelling narratives, donor testimonials, success stories, and visual storytelling across digital and print platforms to strengthen engagement.
2. Digital & Social Media Strategy
   • Oversee the organization’s social media presence, creating content and ensuring engagement on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, and others.
   • Monitor social media analytics to evaluate the success of campaigns, adjusting strategies as needed to meet engagement and conversion goals.
   • Support the creation of digital ads and promotional content to drive online donations and awareness.
3. Event Support & Promotion
   • Assist in the promotion of fundraising events and community initiatives through targeted communications efforts.
   • Coordinate with the events team to develop event marketing materials, including invitations, event pages, social media content, and post-event communications.
   • Develop post-event content that highlights the impact of the event and engages donors and attendees for continued support.
4. Media & Public Relations
   • Draft press releases and media materials to generate coverage for organizational activities, campaigns, and key milestones.
   • Cultivate relationships with local media outlets and reporters to secure press opportunities for the organization.
   • Coordinate with partners, stakeholders, and community members to amplify campaign reach and visibility.
5. Analytics & Reporting
   • Measure and report on the effectiveness of marketing communications efforts, tracking KPIs such as email open rates, social media engagement, and website traffic.
   • Use data insights to continuously improve communication strategies and content for future campaigns.
6. Collaboration & Cross-Department Communication
   • Work closely with cross-functional teams (e.g., fundraising, programs, leadership) to align communications with organizational goals and activities.
   • Provide strategic guidance and content support to internal teams as needed.
   • Ensure consistent messaging and coordination across all touchpoints, from fundraising events to social media and email campaigns.

Required QUALIFICATIONs AND EXPERIENCE

• • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field.
  • 7-10 years of experience in marketing and communications, preferably in a non-profit setting.
  • Proven ability to manage and coordinate multiple projects, deadlines, and teams in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills with the ability to adapt content for different audiences and platforms.
  • Experience managing social media platforms and digital content creation.
  • Knowledge of email marketing platforms (e.g., Mailchimp, Constant Contact) and content management systems (e.g., WordPress).
  • Familiarity with analytics tools (e.g., Google Analytics, social media insights) to assess campaign performance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONs AND EXPERIENCE

• • Experience working on fundraising campaigns and understanding the communication strategies that drive donor engagement.
  • Knowledge of graphic design software (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite) and familiarity with design principles.
  • Experience with CRM tools (e.g., Salesforce, Bloomerang) to manage donor and support communications.
  • Strong attention to detail and an ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

COMPENSATION PACKAGE

• Salary range: $97,185 - $110,000 based on experience and qualifications.
• Medical, dental and vision plans with 100% of the cost of the premiums for employees only are covered by AKF.
• Life, AD&D, STD, LTD, and LTC insurance sponsored 100% by AKF.
• Section 125 Plans / FSA.
• 401(k) with generous 8% employer contribution after one year of service.
• 15 paid vacation days plus 12 paid sick days per year.
• Up to 16 weeks of paid parental leave.
• And more…

APPLICATIONS

Interested applicants Please submit a resume and cover letter together with the names and contact details of three professional references to: humanresources.akfusa@akdn.org subject line: Application for Marketing Communications Manager

Deadline for application: March 23rd. 2025

AKF USA is committed to advancing gender equality and inclusion through our programming and operations in the USA and overseas. AKF USA requires all employees to review and abide by the AKF Gender Equality Policy.

AKF USA recognizes the importance of safeguarding and is committed to ensuring it manages a wide range of risks such that beneficiaries, staff, other associates, and the organization as a whole are kept safe from harm. AKF USA requires all employees to review and abide by the AKF Safeguarding Policy.