Longhorn Publishers Head of Marketing and Communications Jobs in Kenya

Longhorn Kenya Ltd, a leading regional publishing house with a business presence in select African countries, is looking for a dynamic, energetic and innovative Marketing and Communications professional to join the team in enriching lives through feeding minds.

Head of Marketing and Communications

Position Description: The Head of Marketing and Communications will be expected to set the communications and marketing vision and direction for the company and to be focused on strengthening and aligning all aspects of public communications and reputation management with the strategic direction of the company. 

The position demands vision and leadership, program planning, fiscal accountability, communications and marketing expertise, and experience with metrics, reporting and performance management. 

You will lead initiatives and support a collaborative culture within the company and with all stakeholders. 

As a member of the senior management team, you will provide high-quality strategic advice and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the communications and strategic marketing direction of Longhorn.

Summary of Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement high-quality and timely communication and marketing strategy and plan, aligned with the overall direction of the company
• Lead and proactively seek out opportunities for achieving success in reputation management through implementation of  a broad range of campaigns, publications, community events, and other communication and marketing tools toward a positive image and reputation for the company
• Enable a strong, consistent positioning for the company as a leading publishing firm in the country and the region by aligning marketing and communications and providing leadership across the company and its subsidiaries to build pride in the company and raise its profile
• Support internal communications, in conjunction with the HR team, to foster a high-performance work culture across the company
• Oversee outreach and corporate social investment programs
• Develop, manage and take responsibility for the communications, corporate  social investment and marketing budget
• Provide effective communications and marketing advice and support to management in the quest to build communications ownership and support across the company
• Provide support to the Managing Director and Management  team to effectively allocate and utilize resources to achieve strategic business goals and objectives with regards to communications and marketing
• Ensure that communications are timely, informative and appropriately represent Longhorn.
• Undertake research on marketing, product and consumer behaviour, seek expert opinion and advice where appropriate to provide basis for investment and decision making
• Proactively develop and maintain trustworthy, productive, problem-solving working relationships with colleagues and staff, across the company and external agencies

Preferred Skills:    

Desired Skills/Competencies

• Demonstrated experience in strategic communications and marketing planning and execution, including effective creation and execution of large-scale projects and communications and marketing campaigns aimed at various audiences
• Strong understanding of effective storytelling and using this skill in the marketing and communications plan and tactics
• Strong interpersonal skills and a proven ability in building and maintaining relationships
• Ability to speak and write clearly and succinctly in a variety of settings and styles; ability to accrue information, listen effectively and deliver messages that have the desired effect
• Strong understanding of the web and ability to drive sales and visibility through the social media and how to leverage these tools to engage various audiences of the company
• Demonstrated ability to work with staff at all levels, to work under pressure and meet deadlines, and to handle numerous priorities at once
• Creative and innovative with the ability to clearly demonstrate value of the marketing and communication activities undertaken.

Minimum Qualifications

• A degree in business, marketing, communications or a related field
• A Masters in Business Administration Degree in a relevant field and membership of a professional body will be an added advantage
• Minimum of five years' experience in the marketing, public relations and communications field, including at least three at the management level with demonstrated experience in team leadership

If you are the right candidate for the above position and can clearly demonstrate your ability to meet the qualifications given, submit your application letter and CV indicating the job title  on the subject  to jobs@longhornpublishers.com, to reach us not later than 7th May 2014.