Attendance Works is seeking an experienced Associate Director of Communications to manage key editorial and mission-driven projects within its communications department and help expand the reach of its national work.
Job Summary
- Employer: Attendance Works
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Communications
- Salary: US$120,750 – US$151,200
- Closing Date: 2026-10-16
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of new and updated resources for publication, including reports, toolkits and handouts.
- Establish and improve production workflows to ensure materials are delivered on schedule and to a high-quality standard.
- Work with programme staff to establish schedules for regularly updating resources.
- Ensure materials maintain a consistent appearance and follow Attendance Works’ brand guidelines.
- Manage relationships and workflows with external vendors, including designers, printers and videographers.
- Maintain a production tracking system showing work in progress and upcoming deadlines.
- Design and implement strategies to expand engagement across LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter and Bluesky.
- Set strategic goals and assess the effectiveness of social media initiatives.
- Drive traffic to Attendance Works’ website, tools, webinars and resources.
- Develop social media and email promotional campaigns.
- Maintain a content calendar for organisational messaging.
- Work across programme, fundraising and communications teams to adapt research findings, partner stories and other material into appropriate social and email content.
- Lead production of campaign materials, including campaign slogans, posters, toolkits and social media assets.
- Support annual updates to the Attendance Awareness Campaign microsite.
- Support recruitment of new campaign partners and engagement of existing partners.
- Provide writing, design production and promotion support, including for the webinar series.
- Support relationships with campaign sponsors and delivery of sponsor benefits.
- Support the Director of Communications with writing and editing materials including: Blog posts, Promotional materials, Bright spot stories, Press releases, Op-eds, Magazine articles, Toolkit content, Annual reports, Fundraising materials.
- Ensure messaging is clear, appropriate for its intended audience and consistent with Attendance Works’ brand and writing style.
Requirements
- 10+ years of professional print and digital production and project management experience.
- Excellent writing, editing and communication skills.
- Strong project management and cross-team collaboration skills.
- Strong social media, email campaign and promotional content creation skills.
- Experience building engagement across social platforms.
- Familiarity with social media management and analytics tools such as Hootsuite.
- Experience using email platforms such as Constant Contact.
- Fluency with Google Suite, Word, Excel and Adobe Suite.
- Strong attention to detail and quality control.
- Experience managing complex production workflows and competing priorities.
- A data-informed approach to communications strategy.
- A passion for issues affecting underserved and diverse children and young people from preschool through Grade 12.
- Spanish speaking and writing ability is desirable.
- Candidates should have 10 years of progressively responsible experience in communications, publishing, journalism or related fields.
- A B.A. or M.A. in English, Journalism, Publishing, Communications or a related field is preferred.
- Experience in the nonprofit sector is also preferred.
- Candidates should ideally have experience leading multi-channel communications campaigns, overseeing the production of reports and educational resources, building social media platforms, managing multiple projects and collaborating across organisational departments.
Salary
US$120,750 – US$151,200
How to Apply
To apply, please visit: recruiting.paylocity.com
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or education do I need to become an Associate Director of Communications in Zimbabwe?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or Marketing from a recognized university such as UZ or NUST. A postgraduate qualification like an MBA or Master's in Strategic Communications is increasingly preferred for senior roles. Professional certifications from ZIMCA, PRIZ, or international bodies like CIPR strengthen your competitiveness.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of an Associate Director of Communications?
You will oversee internal and external communication strategies, manage media relations, and supervise content creation across digital and traditional platforms. The role involves leading a communications team, advising senior leadership on messaging, and coordinating campaigns with stakeholders. You may also handle crisis communications and represent the organization at public forums.
How does workplace culture in Zimbabwe affect senior communications roles?
Zimbabwean workplaces value hierarchical respect, so expect formal reporting structures and deference to executive leadership. Relationship-building is critical—networking through industry associations and personal connections often influences career advancement. Punctuality and professional dress are important, though remote work flexibility is growing in NGOs and international organizations.
What career progression opportunities exist after this role in Zimbabwe?
Successful associates typically advance to Director of Communications, Chief Communications Officer, or executive positions within 5-7 years. Some transition into consultancy or establish independent PR firms serving corporate and NGO clients. International experience with regional organizations like SADC or UN agencies can accelerate progression to global roles.
What benefits should I expect in a full-time communications director role?
Standard benefits include annual leave of 21-30 days, medical aid coverage (often partial), and pension contributions through NSSA or private schemes. International NGOs and well-funded organizations may offer housing allowances, transport, and performance bonuses. Always verify benefit details during negotiation, as packages vary significantly between local and international employers.
How should I apply and what do Zimbabwean employers prioritize in candidates?
Submit applications through LinkedIn, company websites, or recruitment agencies like CV People Africa and Impact Pool for NGO roles. Employers prioritize demonstrated results—include metrics from past campaigns, media coverage secured, and team leadership experience. Strong written English, Shona or Ndebele language skills, and a portfolio showing crisis management examples will distinguish your application.
