Director, Development & Communications

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya 

The Director, Development and Communications is a senior leader within the Africa Field Management Unit (FMU) and an integral member of the Africa Leadership Team. Serving as the focal point for fundraising across public and private donors, the Director will build and steward relationships with funders and partners, develop and submit proposals in collaboration with program teams, and support effective grant management. Simultaneously, the role leads high-impact communications aligned with CI’s Africa strategy—supporting advocacy, visibility, and donor engagement—and liaises with global colleagues to elevate the continent’s conservation narrative and secure critical resources.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Development and Fundraising

• Design and implement multi-year fundraising strategies targeting foundations, public agencies, corporates, and high-net-worth individuals.
• Build and manage a pipeline of strategic donors and prospects, ensuring alignment with CI-Africa’s programmatic goals.
• Coordinate with technical and country teams to ensure funding priorities and proposal content reflect programmatic realities and opportunities.
• Lead and contribute to the development of tailored concept notes, grant proposals, and impact reports.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to set and monitor annual and multi-year revenue targets.
• Use CRM tools (e.g. Raiser’s Edge) to track donor engagement and fundraising progress; identify gaps and adjust strategy as needed.
• Ensure donor stewardship and timely, high-quality reporting in collaboration with grants and program teams.
• Represent CI at key donor meetings, site visits, and partnership events across the region.
• Liaise with CI’s global fundraising network to maximize cross-regional synergies and institutional alignment.
• Serve as the focal point for institutional donor relations within the Africa Field Management Unit.
• Ensure alignment of fundraising efforts with CI’s internal policies and donor compliance requirements.

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement a regional communications strategy that enhances visibility, supports fundraising, and amplifies CI-Africa’s impact.
• Lead the production of accessible and compelling content that translates science and policy into high-impact narratives.
• Build and maintain relationships with African and international media outlets; coordinate media outreach and press engagement.
• Guide storytelling campaigns and the development of press releases, op-eds, videos, and social media assets tailored to regional audiences.
• Support country programs in engaging key stakeholders, policymakers, and influencers through strategic messaging.
• Serve as liaison to the Global Brand and Communications Division to ensure alignment with institutional brand and messaging.
• Provide input into global campaigns, ensuring representation of Africa’s perspectives and priorities.
• Contribute to internal communications that raise visibility of CI’s Africa-based initiatives across the organization.

Additional Responsibilities

• Build team and partner capacity in donor engagement and communications best practices.
• Contribute to Africa strategy implementation and organizational planning through participation in cross-functional forums.
• Promote a culture of institutional learning by identifying and sharing lessons from project delivery and stakeholder engagement.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• This role has no direct reports but will collaborate closely with regional and global colleagues in development and communications.
• May oversee external consultants and vendors to deliver high-quality content, campaigns, and donor materials.
• Manage budgets related to events, donor engagement, and communications activities, ensuring strategic value and cost-effectiveness.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in international development, communications, environmental science, or a related field.
• 7 or more years of experience in fundraising and/or strategic communications, ideally within the conservation or international development sectors.
• Proven track record in securing major grants and leading integrated donor engagement strategies.
• Experience working in Africa, with an understanding of political, cultural, and media dynamics across the continent.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in French, Portuguese, or other regional languages is an advantage.
• Strong relationship-building and donor cultivation skills across sectors.
• Skilled in storytelling, media engagement, and strategic message development.
• Strategic thinker able to integrate fundraising and communications for maximum impact.
• Proficiency in CRM systems and digital communication tools.
• Highly organized, adaptable, and effective under pressure.
• Demonstrated cultural fluency and ability to work across diverse teams and geographies.
• Strong compliance orientation and ability to align with donor requirements and institutional policies.

Preferred

•  Advanced degree

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: July 14, 2025 (11:49PM EST) 

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.