Communications and Donor Engagement Manager

Location: Lusaka, Zambia

Salary: ZMW660,000 – 730,000 based on suitability and experience

Reports to: Group CEO’s Office, with collaboration with Director of Fundraising (UK)

Contract Type: 24 month contract (40 hours per week, Monday to Friday)

About MicroLoan Foundation

MicroLoan Foundation is a women’s empowerment and poverty alleviation organisation supporting women in rural areas of sub-Saharan Africa. We provide financial literacy, business training, ongoing support, and small loans to help women start small businesses. We operate in Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa, with a fundraising office in the UK and charitable arms in the USA and Australia.

MicroLoan Foundation is committed to promoting equality and diversity. We are proud to foster a culture that actively values differences and recognises that people from diverse backgrounds and experiences can bring valuable insights to the workplace. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances the way we work, and we are dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Role Overview

This is a uniquely hands-on role that also demands creativity and strong strategic instincts. You will lead the communications function across our subsidiaries and global donor markets. You will be responsible for developing and delivering strategic communications, fundraising campaigns, executive messaging, and brand management—while also rolling up your sleeves to manage day-to-day activities.

Execution-heavy tasks such as graphic design, video editing, social media content creation and scheduling, and advanced SEO will be outsourced, and you will oversee these external relationships, including vendors and volunteers. As the role evolves, you will play a central part in building the department, including recruiting and mentoring at least one junior team member.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, is comfortable being both strategic and hands-on, and is motivated by the chance to build something impactful from the ground up.

The role is open to candidates with the Right to work in Zambia and who do not require sponsorship now or in the future.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

  • Develop and implement a global communications strategy aligned with organisational goals
  • Lead internal communications strategy and tools across subsidiaries
  • Set and track KPIs for campaigns and communications initiatives

Brand & Messaging

  • Ensure brand consistency across all markets and channels
  • Develop key messaging frameworks for donor, investor, and media audiences
  • Provide executive communications support to the Group CEO and country CEOs
  • Document and disseminate impact stories across major markets

Fundraising Communications

  • Deliver multi-channel fundraising campaigns in UK, US, and Australia.
  • Develop donor engagement strategies and content.
  • Coordinate thought-leadership and media opportunities for senior leaders
  • Award/media appeal relationship building and applications

Management and oversight of other core tasks

  • Website management
  • Social media strategy
  • Graphic design for websites, reports, brochures, and social assets in liaison with creative agency

Vendor and Volunteer Management

  • Manage external agencies and volunteers for content creation, social media management, design, video, SEO, Google grants, and website development where required
  • Oversee budget and ensure quality and timely delivery of outsourced work
  • Maintain a roster of approved vendors with SLAs and benchmarks

Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related field.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • 5 years of proven experience in executive and strategic communications
  • 3 years of proven experience in public campaigns, fundraising communications, or direct marketing
  • Strong project management skills
  • 2 years of website management experience
  • Ability to analyse data and optimise campaign performance

 

Desirable Qualifications, Skills & Experience

  • Experience in UK, US, or Australian donor markets
  • Background in nonprofit communications
  • Master’s degree in Communications, Strategic Management, or Nonprofit Management can be an added advantage

 

Personal Attributes

  • Passionate about the mission
  • Creative with excellent attention to detail
  • Proactive and adaptable
  • Strategic thinker with strong collaboration skills
  • Results-oriented and analytical

How to Apply

Submit CV and cover letter (max 2 pages) to hr.zambia@mlfafrica.org

The cover letter should outline how you meet the requirement of the role and is your opportunity to showcase your copy writing and creative writing skills. As such we ask that you do not send through a fully AI generated letter.

Interviews held online on a rolling basis.

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