Thabit Bin Hassan HABINEZA
Communication Expert
Kigali
Summary
As a dedicated PR and Digital Marketing professional, I combine strategic communication expertise with a passion for storytelling to elevate brand identity and engagement. My experience spans media relations, digital campaigns, and stakeholder communication, all aimed at delivering measurable success and long-term value.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
9
9
Certifications
4
4
Languages
Work History
Communication & Community Manager
Bank of Kigali
12.2023 - Current
- Led the Communication and Community team to enhance brand presence and engagement among employees, customers, and stakeholders.
- Oversaw customer experience initiatives, managing inquiries, complaints, and feedback across digital platforms, including social media and the bank’s website.
- Established and maintained the WhatsApp Business community for personalized customer support and engagement.
- Directed the content writing team in creating and managing an editorial calendar, producing SEO-optimized blogs, newsletters (for customers and staff), and FAQs aligned with marketing strategies.
- Developed and managed Mobile Advertisement campaigns, including In-App and Push Notifications as well as Ads Widgets on the BK Mobile App and Internet Banking.
- Ensured consistency in messaging and information dissemination through collaboration with customer experience and content teams.
- Monitored customer sentiment via weekly analysis reports and implemented insights to improve products and services.
- Managed internal communications, including intranet content and employee campaigns, to foster engagement and alignment with the bank’s goals.
- Conducted quarterly reviews to assess communication strategies and optimize brand presence, customer engagement, and satisfaction metrics.
PR Specialist
Bank of Kigali
03.2022 - 11.2023
- Managed media relations, including drafting press releases, coordinating press events, and building relationships with journalists.
- Developed crisis communication strategies to protect and enhance the bank’s reputation.
- Created content for newsletters, blogs, social media, and executive speeches.
- Organized corporate events and CSR initiatives to strengthen community engagement.
- Monitored media coverage and public sentiment, providing actionable insights to management.
- Supported stakeholder communication through annual reports, investor updates, and presentations.
- Enhanced internal communication by crafting employee campaigns and managing intranet content.
Digital Communication Manager
RWANDA FOOTBALL FEDERATION
03.2020 - 02.2022
- Coordinate the development of communication and public relations work plans and budgets;
- Oversee the development of stakeholder analysis and mapping to enable development of targeted communications strategy and feedback mechanisms;
- Develop the corporate image and identity of FERWAFA and increase awareness of FERWAFA to the public and stakeholders;
- Provide feedback to FERWAFA clients, and design the process in which it is communicated in consultation with FERWAFA General Secretary;
- Coordinate the drafting, reviewing and approval of press releases, notices and circulars intended for the public;
- Plan and Manage press conferences, radio, television talk shows and press releases;
- Liaise with the media outlets in order to sustain good public image;
- Monitor and track newspapers, social media platforms and other sources of information and identify articles, issues, or queries that concern or relate to FERWAFA, analyze such sources of information, prepare periodic reports and submit them to the General Secretary;
- Update regularly the FERWAFA website and social media platforms namely Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and any other platforms of the same type that belongs to FERWAFA as well as consistently engaging with the public audience;
- Develop and periodically update a communication framework for and to stakeholders;
- Develop communication plans for different department's projects and coordinate their implementation;
- Ensure the availability of quality visual content for social media platforms and the website and visual hard promotional materials;
- In Collaboration with the IT Officer, create and optimize web communication and keywords search;
- Prepare periodic reports outlining the performance of the Digital and communication office;
Communications Consultant
LEGACY XP
02.2019 - 02.2020
- Streamlined internal communications for higher efficiency by creating a centralized system for information sharing.
- Boosted website traffic by optimizing content for search engine visibility and user experience improvements.
- Supported crisis management efforts, ensuring timely responses to address reputation issues and minimize negative impacts.
- Increased client retention through consistent communication and timely updates on project progress, ensuring satisfaction with deliverables and adherence to expectations.
- Provided expert advice on public speaking techniques for clients preparing presentations or speeches, boosting confidence levels and enhancing delivery quality.
- Coordinated events such as conferences, webinars, or workshops that facilitated networking opportunities and industry-specific knowledge sharing among attendees.
- Worked with marketing teams to design campaigns and communications.
- Developed comprehensive training materials to improve employees'' communication skills, resulting in more effective workplace interactions.
- Improved employee engagement through the development of effective internal communication strategies and initiatives.
- Expanded client base through the creation of compelling proposals that showcased unique offerings and expertise in the field of communications consulting.
- Enhanced media statements and presentations before sending to general public or media organizations.
- Monitored effectiveness of various campaigns and communication strategies.
- Managed social media accounts effectively, growing followers and increasing engagement rates through consistent posting and audience interaction.
- Established positive media relations, securing coverage in high-profile publications to increase brand recognition.
- Promoted thought leadership by authoring insightful articles on industry trends and best practices for publication in relevant outlets, positioning clients as experts within their respective fields.
- Enhanced client branding by developing strategic communication plans and implementing targeted marketing campaigns.
- Increased client satisfaction with customized content solutions tailored to their specific needs and objectives.
- Updated company media platforms to align with changing internal goals and external variables.
- Acted as liaison between media and company during press releases and interviews.
- Conducted comprehensive audits on clients'' existing communication channels, identifying areas for improvement and recommending actionable steps for optimization.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of communication strategies with overall business objectives.
- Strengthened relationships with key stakeholders by maintaining open lines of communication throughout projects from initiation to completion stages.
- Managed media relations for organizations to produce successful results.
- Conducted media relations and responded to media requests for information.
- Supported public relations managers with writing, researching and preparation of materials
- Built and maintained positive relationships with public by utilizing strategic plans.
- Used various social media platforms for media and blogger outreach.
- Engaged in professional networking to maintain strong relationships with communications and media professionals to drive partnerships and effective dissemination of mass communications.
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to identify key messages and create compelling content for press releases and other materials.
- Developed and implemented social media strategy to increase engagement and reach new audiences.
- Monitored media coverage and produced detailed reports to analyze impact of PR efforts.
- Facilitated press conferences and other outreach events to raise visibility of organization.
- Produced and distributed brochures, newsletters and press kits.
- Studied objectives, promotional policies or needs of organizations to develop public relations strategies influencing public opinion or promoting ideas.
- Developed comprehensive media outreach plan to increase visibility of organization in local, regional and national markets.
- Drafted press releases detailing relevant newsworthy information and supporting brand image, and worked with news media to spread positions.
- Prepared or edited organizational publications such as employee newsletters or stockholder reports for internal or external audiences.
- Created and executed targeted PR campaigns to raise awareness of organization and initiatives.
- Increased revenues and supported business goals by developing public relations strategies and campaigns.
- Coordinated media interviews with organization staff, board members and volunteers.
- Cultivated strong relationships with media representatives to secure widespread coverage and feature stories.
- Wrote press releases and other materials utilizing SEO practices.
Floor Manager and PR Officer
AZAM Media Rwanda LTD
03.2016 - 10.2019
- Company Overview: Media House
- Respond to requests for information from the media and designate an appropriate spokesperson or information source
- Established and maintained cooperative relationships with representatives of community consumer, employee and public interest groups
- Liaison between AZAM MEDIA and Rwanda Football Federation managing the contract that bound both parties
- Events Management (Rwanda Premier League Awards, Peace Cup Draw Ceremonies)
- Prepared and edited organizational publications for internal and external audiences
- Created and Managed social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook and Instagram)
- Generated advertising materials and slogans
- Member of the joint technical team between AZAM TV & FERWAFA
- Media House
Presenter and Producer
RADIO AND TV10
03.2013 - 02.2016
- Company Overview: Media House
- Presented and Produced content for different radio and TV10 programs
- Arranged the financing and implementation of the most creative youth show CODE 250
- The show was sponsored by MTN Rwanda
- Wrote the scripts and made contacts for the ideal people to have on the show in order to keep the standards of the show itself
- Media House
Media Consultant
East African Promoters
01.2013 - 07.2013
- Company Overview: Events Management Company
- Uploaded digital media such as photos and videos to the online auction website
- Consulted with advertising agencies to arrange promotional campaigns in all types of media
- Purchased advertising space as required to promote client's products
- Created and Managed Social Media Accounts such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
- Events Management Company
Education
Ecole Secondaire Islamique de Gisenyi
02.2008 - 11.2010
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Media and Communication (Public Relation Option)
Mount Kenya University
09.2016 - 08.2019
Skills
- Public Speaking
- Microsoft Excel
- Creative Writing
- Editing
- Translation & Interpretation
- Design Thinking
- Digital Marketing
Certification
Digital Branding and Investment - Coursera
Hobbies: Basketball, Football, Music, Travelling
I am passionate about basketball and football, which foster teamwork, discipline, and strategic thinking. Music serves as a source of creativity and relaxation, while traveling allows me to explore diverse cultures, gain fresh perspectives, and fuel my inspiration for storytelling.
Timeline
Advanced Google Analytics - LinkedIn Learning
11-2024
Leadership & Management - Crestcom International
11-2024
Digital Marketing Analytics - LinkedIn Learning
10-2024
Search Engine Optimization - LinkedIn Learning
09-2024
Design Thinking - Udemy Business
08-2024
Communication & Community Manager
Bank of Kigali
12.2023 - Current
Modern Corporate Communication - Mercury Training
12-2022
PR Specialist
Bank of Kigali
03.2022 - 11.2023
Digital Communication Manager
RWANDA FOOTBALL FEDERATION
03.2020 - 02.2022
Communications Consultant
LEGACY XP
02.2019 - 02.2020
Marketing in a Digital World
02-2018
Creative Writing - Coursera
07-2017
Digital Branding and Investment - Coursera
03-2017
Bachelor of Arts - Mass Media and Communication (Public Relation Option)
Mount Kenya University
09.2016 - 08.2019
Floor Manager and PR Officer
AZAM Media Rwanda LTD
03.2016 - 10.2019
Presenter and Producer
RADIO AND TV10
03.2013 - 02.2016
Media Consultant
East African Promoters
01.2013 - 07.2013
Ecole Secondaire Islamique de Gisenyi
02.2008 - 11.2010
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