Communications, Marketing, and Design Coordinator

Location: Tigard/SW Portland, Oregon office, periodic hybrid opportunity

Status: Full time, Exempt

Salary Range: DOE: $52,000-$57,000

Benefits: Medical, dental, generous PTO package, 401(k)

Reports to: Executive Director

Deadline to Apply: Open until position is filled

About African Road

The work of African Road is not charity or aid- it is empowerment for transformation, fueled by faith, friendship and stories of hope.

African Road partners with grassroots Changemakers in East Africa to accelerate community-led change. We believe in walking alongside communities with respect, integrity, and shared leadership. Our work is rooted in trust, long-term relationships, and the conviction that transformation happens when people are empowered to lead their own change.

Learn more about African Road’s impact at africanroad.org.

Position Summary

We are seeking a mission-driven, collaborative, and strategic Communications, Marketing & Design Coordinator who will be a vital connector between our work and our growing audience. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment, is energized by storytelling and engagement, and who has successful experience using communications as a tool for impact.

You’ll join a small but passionate and committed team where flexibility, innovation, and genuine care for people are deeply valued. This position combines strategy, creativity, implementation, and support—requiring both vision and the willingness to roll up your sleeves and patience with the mundane as well. It’s a role for someone excited by the opportunity to make an outsized impact through the power of communications and relationships.

The Communications, Marketing and Design Coordinator is an established role on our collaborative team, building off of existing structure, bringing the African Road voice to a widening audience and playing a vital role in advancing African Road’s mission and deepening our impact. This role goes beyond conventional communications—it is an invitation to join an expanding, innovative, and global story of hope, change, and dignity.

Reporting directly to the CEO, this team member will work closely with leadership while also bringing initiative and innovation. Your work is the strengthening and enlivening of the bridge between the work of our Changemaker partners in East Africa and our circle of friendship in the United States. The person in this role will amplify stories, maintain the organizational voice and DNA, support donor champions with content for crowdfunding, build broad engagement, and further organizational objectives.

Work Culture and Expectations

This is a role for someone who is energized by purpose, finds joy in excellence, and embraces the highs and lows, sharing both the big successes and the mundane tasks of small-team nonprofit work. We’re looking for someone who isn’t motivated by spotlight, but by shared impact. You’ll bring your expertise, your humanity, and your skills—while also listening, learning, and supporting others with care.

Key Qualities

We are looking for someone who:

• Embodies integrity and authentic care for others.
• Approaches work with energy, compassion, and enthusiasm.
• Is flexible and adaptable, comfortable in a small team with limited infrastructure.
• Has an artistic sensibility and aesthetic
• Brings strategic thinking along with a hands-on mindset.
• Is energized by helping a mission-driven organization shine and grow.
• Thrives in an environment of collaboration, mutual support, and purpose-driven work.
• Engages respectfully with people from a wide range of religious traditions and faith practices, political and philosophical beliefs, and backgrounds.
• Shows initiative and curiosity, continually seeking better ways to engage audiences and honor stories.
• Enjoys a strong sense of ownership while remaining collaborative and responsive.
• Demonstrates commitment to ongoing learning, approaching new challenges with curiosity, humility, and a genuine interest in growth—personally, professionally, and in understanding the broader context of African Road’s mission, cross-cultural partnership, and community-led development.

Skills, Experience, and Qualifications

• Demonstrated successful professional experience in a relevant communications or marketing role.
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in communications, marketing, and/or design preferred but not required.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with demonstrated experience writing across formats (newsletters, blogs, social media).
• Strong interpersonal and relational skills; able to communicate across cultures and contexts with respect.
• Proficiency and creativity with digital media tools including social platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), e-newsletter software (e.g., Constant Contact), and website content management (e.g., WordPress).
• Demonstrated strength and skill with design and design software
• Ability to produce attractive, brand aligned print and digital pieces
• High proficiency in Google Workspace and database management systems.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, time management, and ability to juggle multiple priorities.
• Ability to build and maintain systems and calendars while remaining agile and responsive.
• Understanding of current marketing trends and platforms, especially in nonprofit and mission-driven contexts.
• Experience with media relations, press releases and campaign execution is a bonus.
• Able to work evenings/weekends on occasion for events or campaigns.
• Physical capacity for event support (carrying supplies, light lifting, navigating stairs, etc.)
• Willing and able to participate in travel to East Africa. The training process will include one international trip, generally taken in the first 18 months.

Core Responsibilities

Digital Media & Content (daily/weekly):

• Grow and maintain a cohesive, mission-aligned digital strategy.
• Maintain and improve the website, blog, and email newsletter.
• Create and schedule engaging content across social media platforms.
• Build and grow audience engagement and respond thoughtfully to online interactions.

Marketing Strategy & Campaigns:

• Support the creation and execution of marketing plans for the organization, including fundraising campaigns, events, and special initiatives.
• Design and implement communications timelines that align with organizational goals and fundraising calendar.
• Collaborate on and create strategy and written content for donor decks, event presentations, and campaign messaging.
• Analyze engagement metrics and adjust strategies accordingly.
• Craft compelling, dignified storytelling that highlights African Road’s Changemaker partners.

Design, Brand Oversight & Messaging:

• Ensure consistency across all communications (voice, tone, visuals).
• Maintain and update brand guidelines.
• Produce and design pieces for print and for digital communications, including sign design for events.
• Assist with or oversee the development of organizational materials, including annual reports and mailings, working in conjunction with team and CEO.

Collaborative Work & Relationship Stewardship:

• Work with staff to support fundraising, gratitude, and donor engagement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with media contacts and identify opportunities for visibility.
• Develop creative approaches to long-standing messages, reaching new and diverse audiences.
• Support team members and Changemakers with communications needs as they arise.
• Interface with and manage relationships and logistics with vendors or contractors for communications.

Strategic Planning & Evaluation:

• Set communications goals in collaboration with leadership and evaluate progress regularly.
• Contribute to budget planning and allocation for communications and marketing efforts.
• Create systems and documentation to ensure continuity in the role over time.

Event Support:

• Participate as a collaborative team member in planning and executing in-person and virtual events, including setup, logistics coordination, and on-the-ground support.
• Represent African Road with professionalism and warmth at public-facing events, engaging with guests, helping represent our mission, and supporting storytelling and media collection efforts as needed
• Work hours will exceed at strategic times: for events and during the year end fundraising campaign, including an annual Gala which would require 40+ hours.

Content & Asset Management:

• Maintain an organized, well-structured digital filing system for all communications-related assets, including photos, videos, documents, and promotional materials, using Google Drive or other shared platforms. Upload and organize all new photos.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for locating and providing access to communication files and content, supporting team members with timely access to needed materials.

How To Apply

Please submit your resume, a thoughtful cover letter sharing your interest and alignment with African Road’s mission, along with two writing and at least two design samples that demonstrate your storytelling, design, and/or marketing skills to HR@africanroad.org.

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Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

African Road is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on any basis including age, sex, color, race, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, political belief, disability, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, African Road will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations to participate in the application, interview, and hiring process. Alternative formats of this application are available upon request.

Medical, dental, generous PTO package, 401(k)

English-proficient