Senior External Relations Associate – Educate! | East Africa

Senior External Relations Associate – Educate! | East Africa

• Position: Senior External Relations Associate
• Company: Educate!
• Location: East Africa (Kampala, Uganda, or Nairobi, Kenya preferred)
• Type of Job: Full-time
• Salary Expectation: Competitive, based on experience
• Reporting to: Head of External Relations
• Application Deadline: Rolling until filled

Introduction

Educate!, an award-winning nonprofit social enterprise, is searching for a dynamic Senior External Relations Associate to join our ambitious External Relations team. This position offers geographic flexibility within East Africa and is tailored for a proactive, detail-oriented professional ready to drive organizational growth.

This role is ideal for candidates passionate about strategic collaboration, relationship management, and effective communication. You will play a pivotal role in engaging stakeholders and executing strategies that fuel Educate!’s impact across Uganda, Rwanda, Kenya, and Tanzania. Join a high-performing team dedicated to empowering youth in Africa to learn, earn, and thrive.

Key Responsibilities

1. Content Development and Communication

• Write and Manage Materials: Develop grant reports and proposals that communicate Educate!’s strategy and impact to key stakeholders.
• Collaborate Across Teams: Work with in-country teams to gather accurate information for donor communications.
• Donor Research: Research funding opportunities, manage due diligence requests, and create strategic content tailored to diverse audiences.

2. Fundraising and Revenue Generation

• Relationship Management: Serve as a secondary point of contact for key funders, compiling strategic communications and supporting leadership in meetings.
• Prospect Research: Identify new funding opportunities through calls for proposals and expand Educate!’s funding network.
• Event Preparation: Facilitate Educate!’s participation in regional and global conferences to strengthen donor relationships.

3. Process Optimization

• Internal Systems: Streamline grant reporting and compliance processes for consistent messaging and efficient communication.
• Cross-Functional Coordination: Troubleshoot and refine systems to enhance collaboration across the External Relations team.
• Donor Engagement: Regularly follow up on donor requests and manage action items to ensure impactful stakeholder engagement.

4. Strategic Projects

• Sector Research: Build a deep understanding of Educate!’s ecosystem to inform fundraising strategies.
• Executive Support: Coordinate executive attendance at special events and manage critical projects that support organizational growth.
• Process Improvement: Innovate and enhance fundraising, communications, and compliance frameworks.

Qualifications and Skills

This position is ideal for individuals with 3-5 years of relevant experience and a proven ability to navigate complex projects. Key qualifications include:

• Project Management Expertise: Proactive with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Strong EQ and Communication: Skilled in interpersonal relationships and tailoring content for diverse stakeholders.
• Adaptability: Comfortable managing ambiguity while delivering high-quality outcomes.
• Attention to Detail: Exceptional focus on accuracy and quality in deliverables.
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively across teams, functions, and regions.

Company Culture and Values

At Educate!, we believe in building a work environment that fosters growth, innovation, and collaboration. Our cultural tenets include:

• Youth-First Impact: Everything we do is purpose-driven and designed to create meaningful experiences for youth.
• Exceeding Expectations: We go above and beyond to achieve exceptional results.
• Continuous Learning: We embrace innovation and prioritize professional development.
• Diversity and Respect: We value open dialogue, diverse perspectives, and mutual respect.
• Startup Mindset: We challenge the status quo, embrace change, and pursue scalable solutions.

Application Process

Apply Now for Senior External Relations Associate
To join our innovative team, submit your application along with your resume and cover letter. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

10 Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant for Senior External Relations Associate

1. Tailor Your Resume for ATS Optimization:
   • Include keywords like “grant writing,” “stakeholder engagement,” and “fundraising strategy.”
   • Use clear headings and bullet points to structure your experience.
2. Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:
   • Highlight specific achievements in managing donor relationships or securing funding.
   • Demonstrate your ability to adapt to fast-paced environments.
3. Showcase Sector Knowledge:
   • Research Educate!’s programs and mention relevant experience in education or youth empowerment.
   • Provide examples of similar ecosystems or initiatives you’ve supported.
4. Prepare for Behavioral Interviews:
   • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to discuss past experiences.
   • Example Question: “Describe a time you successfully managed a high-priority donor relationship.”
5. Demonstrate Communication Skills:
   • Share samples of grant proposals or external communications, if requested.
   • Highlight experiences where you tailored messaging for diverse audiences.
6. Research the Organization Thoroughly:
   • Mention Educate!’s awards or partnerships to show alignment with their mission.
   • Example: “I admire Educate!’s innovative youth-focused programs highlighted by the Gates Foundation.”
7. Emphasize Interpersonal Skills:
   • Describe how you’ve built trust with stakeholders or navigated cross-cultural teams.
   • Showcase emotional intelligence and adaptability in diverse settings.
8. Quantify Your Achievements:
   • Example: “Increased grant funding by 30% over two years by streamlining proposal processes.”
9. Show Willingness to Learn:
   • Highlight any recent certifications or learning experiences that align with Educate!’s values.
   • Mention relevant tools or platforms you’re familiar with, like CRM software.
10. Follow Up After Your Application:

• Send a polite email reiterating your interest and thanking them for considering your application.

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