Public Relations Professional

About the role

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is seeking a Public Relations Professional in Lomé, Togo, to support its area presidency and Church leaders in building relationships of mutual understanding with leaders, influencers and organisations. The role works under the direction of the area communication and publishing director and the area manager of public relations, and is a career-level professional position.

Key responsibilities

• Support the definition of the relationship-building part of the communication strategy, including plans to connect Church leaders with key opinion leaders and communities.
• Help establish and strengthen the Church's reputation and promote religious freedom.
• Develop, maintain and prioritise a list of key contacts across the area, and ensure materials and gifts are ready for high-level meetings.
• Record all interactions in the CRM tool while respecting data privacy laws, and assist in training communication councils.
• Obtain permissions to visit heads of state in advance of outreach visits.
• Monitor and report on religious freedom and legislative issues, working with legal counsel and partners.
• Identify key opinion leaders for symposia, help organise events, and brief leaders and influencers on key issues.
• Work with headquarters to align messaging on global issues, provide spokesperson training and develop speaking points.
• Lead the creation of press releases, news articles, position papers, speeches and responses to journalists, and develop crisis management plans.
• Analyse social, political and economic trends, research and evaluate pre- and post-public relations initiatives, and act as a point of contact for some communication councils.

Required profile

• Active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and worthy of a temple recommend.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a communication-related field; a master's degree is preferred.
• 4 years of public relations experience (8 years combined education and experience may be considered).
• Experience executing strategic outreach plans and using a wide range of communication channels.
• Valid driver's licence, valid passport and willingness to travel.

Required skills

• Excellent writing and editing skills in the local language; advanced English is an advantage.
• Competence with Microsoft Office.
• Critical thinking, problem solving and teamwork.