Deputy Manager Communications

 HDF is a humanitarian organization, founded in 1997 under the mentorship of Dr. Mahbub Ul Haq (late) — one of the visionaries of International Development, as a gift to Pakistan by Pakistani Diaspora, on its 50th Independence Day. We have successfully implemented a holistic model of community development to achieve Sustainable Development Goal's (SDGs) by serving partner communities in 12 districts of Pakistan since the last 25 years. Our quest for positive social change to remote and marginalized communities remains at the forefront, and we at the foundation, work tirelessly to help the communities who are most vulnerable. During the course, we have directly reached out to over 3 million people through several programs and projects across more than 7000 villages, bringing them support in health, especially awareness of infectious diseases, education, livelihood, and disaster preparedness. We help transform communities with progressive and impactful programs, successfully improving the quality of lives across Pakistan. Working in four provinces of Pakistan and AJK, HDF strives to meet the needs of the most vulnerable, facilitating them towards a better present and a brighter future.

Overview

As the Deputy Manager Communication at Human Development Foundation (HDF), you will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the organization's communication strategy. Reporting to the Communication Manager, your responsibilities include leading a dynamic communications team, fostering innovation, and ensuring the seamless integration of communication efforts with HDF's overarching goals.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with HDF's objectives and target audiences, in close collaboration with Communication Manager.
• Effective management and supervision of the communications team. Coordinate and ensure timely delivery of high-quality work.
• Increase coverage and understanding of HDF’s work in the country or program areas through the development and maintenance of media contacts and providing newsworthy information to the national public and donors. Coordinate press and media relations activities, including drafting press releases, organizing press conferences, and managing media inquiries.
• Oversee promotional activities to position HDF as a leader within the development space.
• Draft proposals and concept notes for the development of high-impact campaigns and creative program initiatives.
• Design and implement targeted communications and outreach campaigns, making use of various platforms and formats, including but not limited to print, multimedia, online, social and traditional media, etc.
• Review and refine the strategy at regular intervals to harness new emerging opportunities, to anticipate changes to the internal direction and external environment and to make ongoing adjustments, alert Senior Management as needed.
• Facilitation of knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing.
• Support Foundation Development team in the preparation of high quality and timely donor proposals and reports, to ensure the quality and relevance of all communications aimed for external audiences.
• Develop effective targeted programme communications and marketing activities relevant to various partner groups to showcase the impact of the work of HDF, leading to new partnerships, reinforcement of existing partnerships, and opportunities to mobilize new resources.
• Monitor and analyze the effectiveness of communication initiatives, using relevant metrics and reporting tools. Provide regular reports and recommendations for improvement.

Skills & Qualification

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communication, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Proven experience of at least 5 years in a communication role, preferably in the development sector.
• Proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive strategies and communication aligned with organizational goals.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for diverse audiences, including media, donors, and internal stakeholders.
• Proficient in drafting press releases, proposals, and concept notes.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and time management skills for effective coordination and supervision, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables.
• Extensive experience cultivating media contacts, increasing coverage, and managing press activities.
• Strategic mindset for reviewing, refining, and adapting communication strategies regularly.
• Experience in designing and implementing targeted outreach campaigns across various platforms.