Communication Strategist

COMMUNICATION STRATEGIST  

INFORMATION AND APPLICATION PACK

Dear Applicant,

Crisis Action is an innovative and award-winning NGO that 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 works to catalyse 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, persuade and 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. 

To apply for this role, please go to www.crisisaction.org for an application pack.

Nicola Reindorp, Chief Executive Officer

Closing Date:  19 July 2026, 11:59 GMT

Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis.  Interested applicants are encouraged to make early applications.

JOB DESCRIPTION 

Job Title:  Communication Strategist

Location:  Johannesburg, South Africa

Reports to:  Chief Executive Officer

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’ll work alongside fundraising colleagues to drive and lead brand storytelling and donor communications creating content that connects emotionally, builds trust, and inspires support. 

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’ll 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 role combines strategic brand rigour and storytelling flair, with a core focus on fundraising. It’s ideal for someone with strong writing skills 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 of a compelling, consistent brand 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 across external 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 and demonstrate impact 

Fundraising Communications & Donor Engagement 

• Work closely with colleagues in the Development Team and the CEO to craft persuasive donor-facing content, including pitch decks, proposals, reports, donor appeals, 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 events and briefings with strategic messaging and content 

Digital Presence 

• Oversee the content and tone of Crisis Action’s website and digital channels 

• Analyse and optimize communications strategies based on audience engagement and performance data 

Listening & Collaboration 

• Actively engage with Crisis Action’s global team to surface stories, intelligence, and needs from the frontlines of Crisis Action’s work 

• Translate internal insights into external narratives that are timely, relevant, and authentic 

• Work closely with colleagues in the Development Team to ensure alignment between messaging, impact, and donor interests 

Job Specifications 

Essential Skills & Experience

• 6 + years of experience in brand, communications, fundraising, or marketing roles—preferably in the non-profit or advocacy sector 

• 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 

• 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

• 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’ll be 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’ll have 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.