Communication Strategist

Crisis Action; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 673,000 - 823,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave

Pension plan

Sabbatical leave

Job summary

Crisis Action Ltd. is seeking a Communications Strategist who sits at the intersection of communications and fundraising, strengthening our brand while helping secure resources to act quickly in crises.

You will lead brand storytelling, donor communications, and digital presence, collaborating with global teams to craft timely, authentic narratives that inform supporters and mobilize action. We are looking for a dynamic team player who thrives on turning internal insights into powerful

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience in brand, communications, fundraising, or marketing roles.
• Experience building brand identity and storytelling for mission-driven orgs.
• Exceptional writing with ability to simplify complex ideas for global audiences.
• Experience designing fundraising campaigns and donor communications.
• Strategic thinker who links brand to engagement and giving.
• Strong digital communications, audience segmentation, and campaign strategy.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced, crisis-driven environment.
• Deep alignment with Crisis Action’s mission and values.
• Ability to collaborate across globally dispersed teams.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and evolve a compelling, consistent brand strategy across platforms.
• Lead fundraising donor communications with the CEO and Development Team.
• Design digital fundraising campaigns and create donor appeals and newsletters.
• Translate brand messaging into compelling narratives that resonate globally.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure messaging aligns with impact and donor interests.

Skills

Brand management

Fundraising communications

Exceptional writing

Digital communications

Strategic thinking

Project management

Collaborative teamwork

Crisis-responsiveness

Multicultural collaboration

Job description

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PACK

Location: Nairobi, Kenya or Johannesburg, South Africa (applicants must have existing right to work in Kenya or South Africa)

Dear Applicant,

Crisis Action isan innovative and award-winning NGOthat harnesses the power of collective action to protect civilians from conflict.In a world that is increasingly fractured, unstable and unpredictable, our creative and close-knit global team workstocatalyse creative coalitions that amplify the voices of those most effected by conflict and unlock the collective strength of NGOs working alongside wider networks of allies, whether from faith groups, business leaders, creative media and beyond to spur timely action.We support these coalitions to co-create and deliver tailored influencing strategies to inform, engage,persuadeand compel those in power to act to prioritise civilian protection and peace.At Crisis Action we believe we create more impact when we act collectively.

We are looking for a creative, strategic, and values-driven Communications Strategist to elevate our global profile, ensure our brand story is consistently applied across all communications,and drive forward fundraising efforts that support our urgent mission.

Closing Date: 23 November 2026, 11:59 GMT. Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.

Job Summary

As a Communications Strategist for the organisation, you will sit at the intersection of communications and fundraising—strengthening Crisis Action’s brand while helping secure the resources we need to act fast and effectively in times of crisis. You will work alongside fundraising colleagues to drive and lead brand storytelling and donor communications creating content that connects emotionally, builds trust, and inspires support.

As a dynamic and motivated team player, you’ll lead our organisational communications, drawing from the intelligence of our global team and the credibility of our campaign coalitions to craft messaging that resonates. You will turn our brand positioning and messaging framework into compelling stories that inspire and inform those that need to know more about Crisis Action, our work and impact.

This mid-level role combines strategic brand rigour and storytelling flair, with a core focus on fundraising. It’s ideal for someone with strong writing skillsand great communication instincts who thrives on turning internal insight into powerful communications that act as a force for change.

Principal responsibilities

Brand Strategy & Management

• Oversee and evolve the implementation ofa compelling, consistentbrand strategy across all platforms
• Manage and evolve Crisis Action’s visual and narrative identity to reflect our mission, values, and global impact
• Ensure brand alignment acrossexternal communications.
• Lead on brand guidelines, tone of voice, and storytelling frameworks across a range of external platforms
• Translate Crisis Action's unique coalition model into clear, compelling narratives that differentiate our work anddemonstrateimpact

Fundraising Communications & Donor Engagement

• Work closely withcolleagues in the Development Team andthe CEO to craft persuasive donor-facing content, includingpitch decks,proposals, reports,donorappeals, and newsletters
• Design and deliver digital fundraising campaigns that engage current and prospective donors
• Create emotionally resonant storytelling and case studies that bring our impact to life
• Help position Crisis Action’s leadership as thought leaders to donor audiences
• Support donor eventsandbriefings with strategic messaging and content

Digital Presence

• Oversee the content and tone of Crisis Action’s website and digital channels
• Analyseandoptimizecommunications strategies based on audience engagement and performance data

Listening & Collaboration

• Actively engage with Crisis Action’sglobal teamto surface stories, intelligence, and needs from the frontlines ofCrisis Action’s work
• Translate internal insights into external narratives that aretimely, relevant, and authentic
• Work closely with colleagues in theDevelopment Teamto ensure alignment between messaging, impact, and donor interests

Job Specifications

Essential Skills & Experience

• 6+ years of experience in brand, communications, fundraising, or marketing roles
• Proven experience developing and managing brand identity and storytelling for mission-driven organizations
• Exceptional writing skills, with a knack for distilling complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives for diverse global audiences
• Experience designing or managing fundraising campaigns and donor communications
• Strategic thinker who understands how brand drives engagement, trust, and giving
• Strong understanding of digital communications, audience segmentation, and campaign strategy
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, crisis-responsive environment
• Deep alignment with Crisis Action’s mission, values, and collaborative approach
• Ability to work collaboratively across teams and cultures with colleagues dispersed across the world
• Ability to work well under pressure and meet deadlines

Desirable skills and experience

• Work with or within the non-profit or advocacy sector
• Experience working in human rights, humanitarian, or peacebuilding spaces
• Familiarity with foundations, major donors, and institutional fundraising
• Experience working with global or multicultural teams

Why Join Us?

At Crisis Action,you’llbe part of a committed, agile, and high-impact team that works across borders to drive change in some of the world’s most urgent crises.You’llhave the chance to shape how the world sees us—and help mobilize the resources we need to protect lives.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Salary & Benefits

Salary: We have set bands for the salary range for all positions at Crisis Action. The baseline of our salary range for this position is USD45,000 per annum.

Benefits: 25 annual leave days (30 days after 3 years). Up to 6% contribution to pension. 3-month long service leave after 6 years and one-month sabbatical leave in year 10. CA additionally offers an annual inflationary increase, and 2% salary increase in year 2, 4 and 8 subject to availability of funds.

DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Statement

Crisis Action values and nurtures an inclusive culture that sees the diversity of its board, staff, partners, and all we work with as a strength and source of innovation and creativity. We welcome applications from anyone no matter your background, gender identity and expression, nationality, language, ethnicity, colour, caste, race, sexual orientation, ability, religion or belief, age, marriage, civil partnership, or parental status. Equality among all is a driving force in our work and a feature of our recruitment. We strive to ensure that all employment decisions are made entirely on merit.