Congo Initiative USA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote Christian higher education, leadership formation, and community transformation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) through financial and personnel support for Congo Initiative’s university and community centers based in Beni, North Kivu province, DRC.
Position Summary
The Communications and Development Associate (CDA) will provide critical capacity to Congo Initiative’s US-based work, which is centered on cultivating networks throughout the United States of financial and other support for the work of Congo Initiative in DRC. Interfacing with Congo Initiative (CI) leadership, volunteers, partners, donors, and CI’s wider constituency, the CDA will enable CI-USA to make significant advances in its communication outputs and resource development.
This is a multifaceted position requiring someone who is able to multitask extremely well. The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, a confident self-starter, and a diligent administrator.
This is a full-time position and reports directly to the Executive Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications
Lead in implementing a comprehensive organizational communications strategy
Coordinate projects and tasks effectively with a variety of stakeholders, including the communications team in Beni, DRC, to meet the specific goals, objectives, and deadlines outlined in the communications strategy
Manage and faithfully maintain an up-to-date CI website with fresh and relevant content, including photos and videos
Oversee and expand CI’s social media presence and activities
Manage the publication of quarterly donor newsletters
Produce monthly email blasts to general constituents
Development
Conduct ongoing research in various databases to identify potential grant opportunities
Manage development calendar, including timelines for strategic grant opportunities, donor mailings, and meetings/calls with donors
Coordinate monthly donor thank you letters
Coordinate direct mail appeals
Maintain updated records in donor database
Oversee the roll-out and growth of Bridge Builders campaign to acquire monthly donors
Write and/or edit fundraising copy as needed (letters of inquiry, proposals, donor appeals, etc.) in collaboration with CI leadership
General Administration
Serve as the central point of contact for general inquiries
Manage CI email account, responding as needed and directing inquiries to appropriate staff members
Liaise with and represent CI to vendors for services rendered, including printing and mail fulfillment
Collaborate with CI accounting team to coordinate invoices, complete expense authorizations, and maintain electronic files of financial records
Manage and track CI credit card account and all associated reporting and documentation
Coordinate travel logistics and meeting arrangements for board and staff members
Meet regularly with Executive Director and participate in staff and board conference calls
Provide other administrative support to Executive Director as needed
QUALIFICATIONS
Person of active Christian faith
Strong grasp of, and demonstrated commitment to, the mission of CI
Excellent written and oral communication, including confidence in representing CI to a wide range of constituents in person, on the phone, and through email correspondence
Highly organized with strong administrative and project management skills
Highly self-motivated and self-directed with proven ability to take initiative
Excellent grammatical and editorial skills
Experience working in nonprofit settings (minimum 3-5 years)
Familiarity and experience with databases
Experience in digital communications, including websites and social media platforms
Demonstrated competence in following basic graphic design and layout principles, including headings, white space, use of photos in the body of an article, and alignment of images and text in a printed or online publication
Fundraising and/or marketing experience, with the ability to engage a wide range of stakeholders and cultures
Ability to work effectively in a team
Impeccable degree of personal integrity
Strong sense of professionalism and commitment to excellence as a representative of CI
Experience in cross-cultural communication and relationships (preferred)
Familiarity/experience with WordPress web design (preferred)
Willingness to travel occasionally, including travel to the DRC
Bachelors degree required
How to apply
To apply, please send the following to Cullen Rodgers-Gates at cullenrg@congoinitiative.org:
Cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications for this position
Resumé/CV
3 references (2 professional, 1 personal)
1 writing sample with a minimum of 250 words (Examples: blog post, article for newspaper, journal, or other publication
1 design/layout sample (Examples: web page, newsletter, brochure, flyer)