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Director, Communications - Europe, Middle East & Africa

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY INTERNATIONAL (HFHI) is seeking a seasoned communications professional for the position of Director, Communications - Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA). Reporting to the Area Vice-President for EMEA, with cross-functional reporting to the HQ-based Senior Director-International Communications, the Director, Communications – EMEA is responsible for the management and creative leadership of the Habitat for Humanity brand in the EMEA region. The Director, Communications is a member of the EMEA management team responsible for the overall strategic direction and success of Habitat’s work in the area. The Director, Communications is responsible for brand projection – developing resources and systems to spread the good news of Habitat’s work – and brand protection – counseling on and implementing strategies to preserve the integrity of the Habitat logo and name. The work of the Director, Communications and the EMEA communications team involves addressing a range of internal and external audiences including existing and potential Habitat donors, staff and supporters as well as wider audiences.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Regional: Counsel and support the area management team as it pursues its regional goals. This includes advice on creating and implementing area-wide communications strategies and campaigns for brand-building, media relations, special events, fund raising, housing finance, appropriate technology, volunteer mobilization, advocacy, crisis communications; and the provision of consistent communications messages and materials to support these responsibilities.
• National: Counsel Habitat national organizations in the EMEA area as they pursue their local goals. This includes advice on creating and implementing communications and marketing-related strategies and campaigns for brand-building, fund raising, volunteer mobilization, advocacy, crisis communications; and the provision of communications messages, tools, techniques and training – in line with global communications direction and strategy.
• Global: Represent the EMEA region in the global Habitat communications team in the creation and implementation of worldwide brand building, marketing and advocacy initiatives and campaigns. This includes devising EMEA roll-out strategies; liaising and sharing with peers in other Habitat regions; and coordinating and collaborating with the HQ communications team on global strategies and initiatives.
• Messaging: Lead the area communications team in creating and providing clear and consistent information about housing and Habitat’s work in the EMEA area for use throughout the Habitat network; adapt related global systems and information for Habitat audiences in EMEA.
• Management: Lead and inspire the area team of communications professionals; devise protocols, assign responsibilities and assess performance against agreed criteria; devise and operate the team and communications needs within budgets agreed by the Area Vice President.
• Other duties and responsibilities as determined by the Area Vice President.
REQUIREMENTS:
*Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or related field. *10+ years progressive experience in communications and media management, with a strong focus on brand building and fundraising. *A strong background at a senior level as a communications professional, preferably with an international development organization, with experience working on projects in both Europe and Africa. *Solid experience in journalism and corporate communications/public relations, preferably including event management. *Experience leading, managing and inspiring communications staff. *Ability to plan and produce quality work to tight deadlines. *Strong reporting and presentation skills. *Excellent English-language writing and editing skills. *Knowledge of another European language, preferably French or German. *Computer literate with proficiency in use of word-processing, spreadsheet and presentation software. *Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. *Ability to train others in media and brand-building skills. *Experience of working in a multicultural, multi-ethnic, multi-faith environment. *Willingness to lead and affirm the Christian mission and principles of HFHI.
PREFERRED:
*Knowledge of and ability to work with national and international media. *Knowledge of creative, design and production processes, preferably including experience in web and digital media.