Corporate Communications Manager Job at DIB Kenya

Corporate communications in banking is about far more than writing press releases or managing media enquiries. For a financial institution, every public statement, executive speech, employee message and response to a difficult situation can influence how customers, regulators, investors, employees and the wider public view the organization.

That is the environment surrounding the Corporate Communications Manager opportunity at DIB Kenya. The position is designed for an experienced communications professional who can take responsibility for the bank's reputation, public voice and strategic communications while connecting communications work directly to wider business ambitions.

The role brings together media relations, executive communications, internal engagement, stakeholder management, employer branding and reputation protection. It also requires an understanding of the environment in which a Shariah-compliant bank operates and the importance of ensuring that communications remain consistent with both regulatory expectations and Islamic banking principles.

Turning a Bank's Identity Into a Strong Public Voice

One of the central challenges of corporate communications is making sure an organization's identity is understood consistently by different audiences.

For DIB Kenya, the Corporate Communications Manager will be responsible for developing and executing a communications strategy that reaches media organizations, employees, regulators, corporate stakeholders and communities. The aim is to create a clear and credible Kenyan narrative around the bank while supporting its commercial ambitions.

This means planning communications rather than simply reacting to events. A bank-wide communications calendar will need to bring together important dates, strategic milestones, product launches and major events so that communications opportunities are anticipated in advance.

The role will also involve preparing corporate announcements, press releases, leadership statements and communications around important bank milestones. These materials need to meet the required standards while remaining aligned with DIB Group communications expectations.

Executive communication is another significant part of the position. The manager will prepare CEO speeches, Board presentations and stakeholder correspondence, requiring an ability to turn complex business issues into clear and professional messages.

Building Relationships With the Media

A strong media network can become one of the most valuable assets within a corporate communications function.

The successful candidate will be expected to build and maintain relationships with important journalists and media stakeholders across print, broadcast, online and trade publications in Kenya and the wider East African region.

The focus will not only be on responding when journalists ask questions. The role calls for a proactive media strategy capable of generating positive coverage around DIB Kenya's business milestones, Islamic banking education and community contributions.

This involves understanding what different media audiences are interested in and identifying opportunities for the bank and its leadership to contribute meaningfully to relevant conversations.

The manager will handle media enquiries, coordinate press briefings and oversee the spokesperson function. Accuracy and consistency will be particularly important because communications coming from a financial institution must remain aligned with the bank's position and obligations.

Media monitoring will also form part of the work. Weekly and monthly reports will be produced to track coverage, while earned media value will be calculated to help assess the results generated by media activity.

The position specifically calls for strong relationships with financial, business, Islamic finance and lifestyle journalists.

When the Audience Is Inside the Bank

Corporate communications does not stop at external audiences.

Employees also need to understand what the organization is doing, where it is heading and how its strategy and values connect with their work. The Corporate Communications Manager will therefore work closely with Human Resources to create and manage a structured internal communications programme.

This can include internal newsletters, leadership messages, town hall materials and communications distributed to employees across the organization.

The manager will also partner with HR when communicating organizational changes, policy developments and culture-building initiatives. During periods of uncertainty or change, internal communication becomes particularly important, with the role responsible for supporting accurate and timely crisis communications to employees.

This part of the job requires someone who understands that different audiences may need different communication approaches. A message prepared for the public may not be appropriate for employees, just as an internal leadership message may require a different tone from a media statement.

Giving Senior Leaders a Stronger Platform

Another defining feature of this opportunity is executive positioning.

The Corporate Communications Manager will support the CEO and Executive Committee in developing their profiles as credible voices within banking, Islamic finance and the broader business environment.

This includes preparing keynote speeches, media appearances, opinion articles, speaking engagements and other thought leadership opportunities. A thought leadership calendar will be developed to identify relevant opportunities for DIB Kenya's leadership at banking, Islamic finance and business events in Kenya and across Africa.

The work extends to writing and editing executive material, including speeches, articles, LinkedIn content, award submissions and industry commentary.

Before senior leaders participate in external engagements, the manager may also prepare briefing notes, talking points and media-training support.

This requires considerably more than strong writing ability. The communications professional needs to understand the business well enough to translate strategy into messages that senior executives can confidently communicate to external audiences.

Protecting Reputation When Things Become Difficult

A communications strategy is tested most seriously when an organization faces a difficult situation.

The Corporate Communications Manager will develop and maintain DIB Kenya's reputation management framework, including issues-management procedures, crisis communications playbooks and stakeholder escalation pathways.

The position requires ongoing monitoring of brand sentiment, media narratives, competitor positioning and public perception. This information will be used to provide intelligence to the Head of Marketing, Brand & Communications and the CEO.

When a reputational risk event occurs, the manager will lead the communications response while coordinating with functions such as Legal, Compliance, Human Resources and the CEO's Office.

The ability to remain calm and exercise sound judgment under pressure is therefore important. Crisis communication cannot be approached casually, particularly within a regulated financial environment.

Public-facing communications must also remain compliant with Central Bank of Kenya requirements, DIB Group policies and Islamic banking principles.

Working With Regulators and Other Stakeholders

The role extends into stakeholder engagement, particularly with organizations and institutions that have an important relationship with the banking sector.

The manager will oversee relationships with stakeholders including the Central Bank of Kenya, Kenya Bankers Association, Shariah advisory bodies and relevant industry associations.

A structured stakeholder engagement plan will be developed to ensure these relationships are maintained through regular and meaningful interactions. Government bodies and community leaders will also form part of the external stakeholder environment.

This requires a structured approach to stakeholder management. The communications manager needs to know which audiences matter, understand their interests and ensure that engagement supports the bank's broader objectives.

Employer Branding Gives the Role Another Dimension

The position also reaches into recruitment and employee engagement through employer branding.

Working alongside HR, the Corporate Communications Manager will develop communications designed to position DIB Kenya as an employer of choice within Kenya's financial services sector.

This includes recruitment communications, career portal content and campus engagement programmes. The manager will also oversee the bank's LinkedIn Careers presence, Glassdoor profile and other talent-attraction communications.

Employee stories can play an important role in this work. The position includes producing staff testimonials, employee spotlight features and behind-the-scenes content that presents the human side of the organization.

The employer brand should communicate the bank's diversity, inclusive values, Shariah-compliant culture and commitment to career development.

The Experience Expected

This is a senior communications position and requires a substantial professional background.

Candidates should have at least eight years of experience in corporate communications, public relations or a closely related field. That experience should demonstrate practical responsibility for media relations, executive communications and reputation management.

At least three years should have been spent working within, or providing agency services to, the financial services or banking sector. Experience with an Islamic financial institution would be a significant advantage.

The successful candidate should also have a demonstrated record of securing high-quality media coverage within Kenyan and East African business and financial media.

Experience supporting CEOs or other C-suite executives is important, particularly in areas such as speechwriting, thought leadership and stakeholder briefing preparation. The candidate should also have experience handling at least one significant reputational issue or crisis communications situation in a regulated environment.

Experience managing external PR agencies or communications consultants is required, while employer branding, internal communications and employee engagement experience would add value.

More Than a Communications Qualification

The educational requirement is a minimum bachelor's degree in Marketing, Business or another relevant discipline from a recognized university. A master's degree in business management would be an advantage.

The position also requires a broad collection of specialist skills. Media training and spokesperson coaching are required, as are crisis communications training and advanced business writing and executive speechwriting abilities.

Digital communications proficiency is also expected, including social media management and web content. The candidate should be comfortable using media monitoring and analytics platforms and should have strong project and stakeholder management skills.

Knowledge of Islamic banking and Shariah-compliant finance is strongly preferred. Candidates who do not already have this knowledge should be willing to develop it formally.

Judgment, Integrity and Discretion

The professional qualities required for this position are closely tied to the sensitive nature of banking communications.

Integrity is essential. Communications need to be honest and ethically handled while remaining consistent with the bank's Shariah-compliant values and regulatory responsibilities.

Accountability is equally important. The person in this role is expected to take ownership of communications outcomes and consistently meet deadlines, while communicating early when pressure on timelines could affect delivery.

Discretion is another critical requirement. The position involves access to sensitive, confidential and commercially significant information, meaning professionalism must be maintained at all times.

Cultural sensitivity also matters. The successful candidate should demonstrate genuine respect for Islamic values, Muslim communities and the diverse cultural environments represented among DIB Kenya's stakeholders.

At the same time, communications is a collaborative function. The manager will need to work across different departments and understand the needs of the wider business rather than operating communications as a standalone activity.

Connecting Communication to Business

Ultimately, this opportunity is for a communications professional who can see beyond publicity.

The role connects reputation with business strategy, executive visibility with leadership objectives, employee communication with organizational culture and stakeholder engagement with long-term relationships.

DIB Kenya is therefore looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with strong writing, media expertise, crisis judgment and stakeholder management. The successful professional will be expected to understand that every communication has a purpose and that a strong corporate reputation is built through consistency across every audience.

For an experienced communications specialist with substantial financial-services exposure, executive communications experience and the ability to operate confidently in a regulated environment, the Corporate Communications Manager position offers a broad opportunity to influence how DIB Kenya is understood both inside and outside the organization.

Application

Please send your CV and cover letter to careers@dibkenya.co.keby Monday, 12th October 2026 Quoting Job Title as the Subject of the email application.