HEAD OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

POSITION FUNCTION (PURPOSE)

The Head of Communications & Marketing provides strategic leadership for MLW’s internal & external communications and marketing efforts. The role ensures that MLW’s reputation, visibility, and narrative are accurately represented and effectively amplified to diverse audiences including staff, partners, government, communities, media, and funders. As a member of the Professional Services Strategy Group (PSSG), the role contributes to the delivery of MLW’s operations and institutional strategies, driving efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainability

The post holder leads the development and execution of the Communications & Marketing Strategy. Working alongside Community Engagement, Innovation Hub, Policy Unit liaison , Training, Research themes, Resource mobilization, other Heads of Departments and Research Support Units, the role actively promotes and upholds MLW’s core values of Excellence, Integrity, and Inclusion across all activities.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES / RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of MLW’s Communications & Marketing Strategy.
• Provide expert advice to senior leadership on institutional positioning, brand development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee the transition and rollout of MLW’s new brand, including phasing out of legacy branding.
• Ensure all communications and marketing activities align with MLW’s strategic direction, research priorities, and professional standards.
• Champion innovation, digital transformation, and data-driven decision-making in communication and marketing functions.

2. Compliance & Risk Management

• Develop, implement, and enforce communications and marketing policies, procedures, and governance frameworks to ensure consistency, compliance, and responsible communication across MLW
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards, media laws, data protection, and institutional communication policies.
• Manage the Communications & Marketing Risk Register, ensuring mitigation measures are in place.

3. Communications and Marketing Management
   • Internal Communications

Strengthen organisational culture, alignment, and staff engagement across all MLW sites in liaison with the HR department and Deputy Director Research Culture, Partnerships and Impact:

• Develop and implement an Internal Communications Framework that supports timely, inclusive, and accessible communication for all staff.
• Lead in the development of staff wide communication channels
• Ensure internal communication supports cross team collaboration, organisational cohesion, and understanding of institutional strategy, values, and major decisions.
• Lead internal campaigns to support culture, behaviour change, operational updates, and organisational initiatives.
• Create mechanisms for two way communication enabling feedback loops, staff voice, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure internal communication during crises is coordinated, accurate, and sensitive to staff wellbeing and operational continuity.
  • External Communications
• Protect and enhance MLW’s reputation, visibility, and credibility with all external audiences.
• Oversee the development and dissemination of high-quality external communications including press releases, public statements, research summaries, institutional reports, website content, newsletters, and social media content.
• Maintain consistent, accurate, and values-aligned messaging that reflects MLW’s scientific integrity and research excellence.
• Develop and implement media relations strategies including building strong relationships with journalists, preparing spokespeople, coordinating interviews, and managing press briefings.
• Provide communication support for community engagement, government relations, donor visibility requirements, and cross-partner collaborations.
• Ensure external communication demonstrates research impact, public understanding of science, and MLW’s positioning as a leader in African health research.
• Maintain oversight of MLW’s digital presence, ensuring content is engaging, evidence-informed, accurate, and tailored to different external audiences.
  • Marketing
• Lead in providing strategic leadership for MLW’s branding and marketing function, positioning the organisation as a trusted partner-of-choice in health research, policy, training, and innovation.
• Spearhead the promotion of MLWs work, to demonstrate research impact, policy relevance, and attract increased partnerships as well as trainees
• Provide oversight in conducting regular market and audience research to inform strategy refinement, understand competitors, and stay updated on industry trends.

4. Stakeholder Engagement & Media Relations

• Build and maintain positive relationships with media houses, government ministries, partners, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as the primary custodian for media engagement, including interviews, press briefings, and crisis response.

5. Digital Communications & Content

• Oversee management and continuous improvement of MLW’s website, social platforms, and digital tools.
• Ensure content accuracy, accessibility, scientific integrity, and alignment with institutional values.
• Introduce innovations such as digital storytelling, brand analytics, and audience segmentation.

6. Change Management Communication

• Lead in implementing communication plans for organisational change initiatives, including strategic shifts, policy changes, restructures, and transformation projects.
• Translate approved change strategies into structured communication and marketing materials, toolkits, and channel plans.
• Develop clear, accessible messaging that explains the rationale, impact, and expectations of change initiatives.
• Monitor feedback and escalate risks or concerns to leadership

7. Crisis and Risk Communication

• Lead external crisis communication, ensuring MLW speaks with one clear, coordinated voice across all platforms and stakeholders.
• Implement crisis communication protocols by coordinating rapid, accurate communication responses during reputational or operational incidents.
• Prepare holding statements, FAQs, briefing notes, and internal updates as required.
• Maintain updated contact lists, media databases, and communication templates to support crisis readiness.
• Track media coverage and stakeholder sentiment during incidents and report findings to senior leadership.

8. Financial & Resource Management

• Prepare and manage the Communications & Marketing departmental budget.
• Oversee procurement for communication and marketing services, branding materials, and media production.
• Ensure cost-effective and value-driven resource utilisation.

9. Team Leadership & Organizational Culture

• Lead and develop the Communications & Marketing team, fostering a culture of creativity, excellence, and accountability.
• Provide mentorship, performance management, and professional development.
• Strengthen cross team collaboration with research groups, operations, and professional services.
• Present strategic updates to Senior Leadership and relevant committees