Managing Director, Strategic Communications

Responsibilities

1. Lead a global strategy grounded in local realities

• Architect and drive a communications strategy that establishes Namati and the Grassroots Justice Network as the authoritative voice on community-led solutions to democracy and climate crises, shaping how global institutions, media, and movements understand and invest in grassroots justice
• Set and drive bold visibility goals that position Namati and the Grassroots Justice Network as leading voices in the global democracy and climate space, including tailored strategies for key audiences such as policy makers, funders, businesses, and global institutions.
• Develop and lead, where appropriate, strategic initiatives to grow the movement of grassroots justice advocates and its supporters, such as launching a multimedia magazine or a signature global event for grassroots justice.
• Collaborate closely with cross-cutting and country program teams to shape the storyline, framing, and presentation of new learning and research about legal empowerment and grassroots justice, ensuring it resonates with diverse audiences and supports the Grassroots Justice Network Academy’s goals.

2. Manage a high-performing team with a strong editorial culture

3. Expand media relations and global visibility

4. Drive campaigns, marketing, and strategic engagement

Here’s what you might have tackled last month :

Location & Travel

We’re looking for a successful candidate to be based in Nairobi, Kenya, or the Washington, DC metro area. We will also consider US applicants based in CA, CT, MA, MD, NJ, NY, or VA. Please note that US-based candidates must already be legally eligible to work in the United States to be considered for the role; Namati cannot sponsor visas.

If the successful candidate is based in / near Nairobi or Washington DC, they will follow Namati’s hybrid office policy, which calls for staff to report to the office two days per week between Tuesday and Thursday.

The role requires up to 20% travel, including internationally. Travel requirements may change over time based on evolving priorities. The successful candidate will be expected to sometimes work non-standard hours to accommodate the various time zones of Namati’s teams.

Compensation Package

We base our compensation on the markets where our staff operate. We work to communicate transparently with candidates (including talking about compensation very early in the process; for this position, we will send the prospective offer range for the candidate’s location when reaching out to request a screening interview). Throughout the hiring process we will seek to understand your specific skills, experience, and abilities as they will fit into our team and our job levels. We will finalize pay and responsibilities based on the qualifications, experience, and country location of the person joining.

We also offer excellent benefits : while the exact terms vary somewhat based on location, they always include health coverage, generous paid time off, retirement or old-age plan contributions, sick leave, and parental leave. All staff also have access to funds for professional development opportunities.

How to Apply

Please apply by completing our online application form. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, and the position will be open until filled.  Application review will begin Wednesday, January 7, 2026, and applications received by this date will be prioritized.

No phone calls, please. Namati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.