Reports to: Head of Programmes
Location: Colombo
Hashtag Generation is an anti-racist, feminist movement led and run by a group of young, tech-savvy Sri Lankans working towards building a society where everyone has the skills, information, and tools to be active participants in making decisions that affect their communities, technologies, and bodies. The group adopts a non-partisan approach and works with the strong conviction that decision-making at all levels should remain transparent and radically inclusive in order to be sustainable and to build lasting peace in Sri Lanka.
As a key leader within Hashtag Generation, the Communications Specialist will be responsible for driving the organization’s strategic communication vision. This role ensures that all communications align with the organization’s mission, values, and objectives to enhance visibility, resources, and overall impact.
Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the Communications Specialist will oversee the planning, development, execution, management, and evaluation of the organization’s overall communications initiatives. This role requires a detail-oriented, efficient, and accurate individual with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, combined with a passion for driving change.
Strategic Communication Planning:
- Develop, plan, and manage the implementation of Hashtag Generation’s Communication Strategy to enhance visibility, resources, and impact, ensuring alignment with the organization’s mission and goals.
- Create detailed communication work plans, budgets, and proposals in collaboration with the Head of Programmes and the Board of Directors, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and tailoring initiatives to targeted audiences.
- Strategize and oversee the organization’s social media and website presence to ensure consistent messaging across platforms, effectively engage audiences, and maximize reach.
- Implement systems to assess the effectiveness of communication efforts by developing, tracking, and reporting on metrics and KPIs.
- Use data-driven insights to evaluate communication impact, inform decision-making, and guide future initiatives.
Content Development and Branding:
- Ensure communication milestones and deliverables are met within the agreed scope, timelines, and budgets, aligned with individual projects.
- Lead the development of high-quality communication materials, including research, framing, writing, design, and editing, while maintaining adherence to the organization’s overarching voice and ethical standards.
- Ensure compliance with branding guidelines and provide direction on appropriate name usage, logo application, and overall brand implementation.
- Collaborate with in-house teams and external designers, content creators, and agencies to produce engaging and professional materials that align with strategic objectives.
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of all communication materials to assess program progress, measure impact, and prepare comprehensive reports for stakeholders.
- Provide technical support for large-scale events, campaigns, and activities, ensuring consistent messaging and branding across all communication efforts.
Leadership and Capacity Building:
- Lead, manage, and mentor communication teams to ensure high performance, collaboration, and alignment with organizational goals, fostering a creative and productive working culture.
- Conduct performance evaluations, identify training needs, and provide professional development opportunities to enhance team capabilities.
- Oversee the recruitment, onboarding, and training of new communication team members to ensure smooth integration and alignment with organizational objectives.
- Introduce and facilitate access to innovative technologies and tools to enhance communication capabilities, and recommend regular upgrades to ensure the team utilizes modern and effective tools.
- Strengthen the communication culture within the organization by mentoring and training colleagues in the use of digital tools and modern communication practices, improving overall effectiveness and impact.
Media Relations and Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key media stakeholders, including donors, partners, content creators, and agencies, to enhance collaboration and support.
- Represent Hashtag Generation at external engagements, fostering connections with diverse stakeholders to boost the organization’s visibility and impact.
- Manage and respond to media inquiries promptly and effectively, ensuring consistent and professional communication.
- Develop and implement risk mitigation and crisis management processes to safeguard the organization’s reputation and ensure effective handling of external communication challenges.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., media, design, journalism, development communications, digital production, marketing, or public relations).
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in communications and strategy, preferably within the non-profit/ development sector.
- Demonstrable experience in creating and implementing successful communication and digital strategies.
- Proven expertise in planning, creating, and publishing engaging content across digital channels and websites.
- Exceptional project management skills, with the ability to handle complex, multifaceted processes and implement innovations to improve systems and maximize positive impact.
- Advanced proficiency in graphic design and video editing skills, with experience in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, and WordPress.
- Strong understanding of SEO, Google Analytics, social media platforms, content marketing, and digital marketing strategies.
- Excellent team-working skills, with the ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders and work independently.
- Fluency in English (written and oral) and at least one local language.
- Clear and compelling verbal and written communicator, capable of conveying complex information to multiple audiences efficiently and persuasively.
- Knowledge of digital rights, civic engagement, and/or gender justice is an advantage.
Application Process:
- Please apply by February 5, 2025. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.
- Initial applications should be emailed to [email protected] and must include:
- Letter of interest (attachment) setting out why you are interested in the role
- CV/Resume (attachment)
- Note the role you are applying for in the subject line of your email
- Please include your current location and city in your email