Head of Communications & Media Relations at Museum of West African Art

The MOWAA Trust is an independent, charitable organization that supports initiatives in heritage, the arts and archaeology. Our ambitions span the delivery of world-class research, educational and scientific goals, aligned with a cultural and economic regeneration of the city more broadly. This involves the set-up of a major collections and research facility, the MOWAA Pavilion, and the wider development of a creative district in the heart of Benin City.

MOWAA seeks an accomplished professional to serve as Head of Communications & Media Relations — a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping MOWAA’s public profile, strengthening donor engagement, and expanding the museum’s visibility locally and internationally.

This role leads institutional communications, media relations, digital growth, and public positioning. 

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership in Communications

• Design and implement a comprehensive annual communications strategy aligned with MOWAA’s institutional priorities.
• Define key audiences, messaging frameworks, and platform strategies across programs, research, fundraising, and partnerships.
• Advise senior leadership on communications positioning and reputation management.
• Ensure consistent and compelling branding across all outputs.
• Align with MOWAA partners to ensure complementary communications planning and delivery.

Media Relations and Public Engagement

• Cultivate strong relationships with local, regional, and international media.
• Develop press strategies around exhibitions, research milestones, partnerships, and institutional developments.
• Craft press releases, media statements, and executive talking points.
• Monitor media coverage and provide strategic analysis and recommendations.

Donor and Fundraising Communications

• Work closely with the Development Team to shape persuasive donor communications, impact reports, and campaign messaging.
• Support fundraising positioning by ensuring communications clearly articulate MOWAA’s value, vision, and outcomes.
• Provide strategic communications input into major proposals and partnership decks.

Digital Strategy and Social Media Management

• Develop and oversee MOWAA’s digital communications strategy.
• Supervise social media, website content strategy, and performance growth.
• Analyze digital metrics and recommend data-driven improvements.
• Oversee digital distribution channels for institutional announcements and campaigns.

Content Oversight and Brand Governance

• Provide editorial sign-off and brand oversight across all outgoing communications.
• Establish internal messaging guidelines, templates, and tone standards.
• Work collaboratively with program leads to ensure content accuracy and alignment.
• Train staff on communications tools, messaging frameworks, and media engagement.

Public Relations Oversight

• Develop and implement a forward-looking PR strategy positioning MOWAA as a trusted authority in arts, heritage, and research sectors.
• Manage reputation risk and crisis communications where required.
• Drive public relations campaigns aligned with fundraising and programmatic priorities.

Team Building and Management

• In consultation with Senior Management, oversee the development and talent sourcing of the Communications and Public Relations department and its external contractors
• Manage 2-4 direct reports, coordinating schedules, reviewing outputs, and oversee their general performance

Key Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience building brand awareness and engaging diverse audiences.
• Strong skills in copywriting, editing, and presentations, with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to plan, manage, and complete projects, including budgets and proposals.
• Experience leading teams or contractors to meet goals effectively.
• Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable in dynamic environments.
• Passionate about working for a mission-driven organization with a strong social purpose.
• Excellent teamwork and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Familiarity with digital tools and analytics to monitor and improve communication efforts.

Career Growth, Training & Development: 

As MOWAA’s initiatives evolve, the Head of Communications & Media Relations will expand their influence from supporting the Institute’s organizational and project-level needs to driving strategies that unify communications across all programs and facilities within the Creative District. This pivotal role positions the individual as a key architect of MOWAA’s fundraising and business development efforts, shaping its growth and solidifying its reputation as a global leader in the cultural sector.

Terms and Conditions:

• Reporting Line: Director, MOWAA
• Duty Station: Lagos / Benin City, Nigeria
• Start Date: ASAP, subject to a 6-month probation period
• Compensation & Benefits: Highly competitive, subject to credentials

Method of Application