Communications Manager - University of Pretoria

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The successful incumbent will be responsible for, but not limited to, the following:

• Formulate, implement, and coordinate Future Africa’s communications strategy and workplan in collaboration with the Future Africa Management team;
• Generate content and/or edit content relating to all Future Africa activities and events, in alignment with Future Africa and the University’s strategies and goals;
• Support Research Chairs, Project Leads, and Future Africa Campus Operations with communications, including branding and marketing;
• Ensure all marketing, branding, and communications are compliant and in line with relevant policies, strategies and protocols as set by the University of Pretoria;
• Formulate, implement, and coordinate Future Africa’s multimedia strategy, including print, online, social media, and broadcast, in collaboration with the Future Africa management team;
• Develop and enable opportunities and materials to promote Future Africa’s image, reputation and transformative research/transdisciplinary agenda, while engaging with all stakeholders and service providers;
• Be on point with relationships related to the communications functions – both internal and external and routinely update and report to the Future management team;
• Identify potential newsworthy media opportunities, including stories, commentaries, interviews, blogs, editorials and articles that engage Future Africa leaders and experts to enhance the reputation and image of Future Africa and the transformative research/transdisciplinary agenda;
• Prepare marketing and media-related budgets in collaboration with the Future Africa management team, and ensure all projects and operational costs remain within budget;
• Manage and coordinate the Future Africa website, including vendor relationships, content, and stakeholder networks and engagement;
• Develop a vision for the growth of Future Africa’s Communications function, including a communications team, aligned to Future Africa’s growth trajectory;
• Any other responsibilities and duties assigned by Future Africa management.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree (three years) in Marketing/Communications/Public Relations/Journalism or related;
• A minimum of 4 years experience in:
  • Media or public relations, and marketing;
  • Managing relationships with agencies/third parties and stakeholder engagement;
• A valid driver’s licence.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES (SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES):

• Excellent knowledge of communications;
• Excellent computer skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint);
• Strong social media experience and savvy;
• Excellent language and communication/presentation skills (written and spoken);
• Excellent writing skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills;
• Ability to work under pressure and after hours;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision;
• Understanding of science and academic work.

ADDED ADVANTAGES AND PREFERENCES:

• Honours degree in Marketing/Communications/Public Relations/Journalism ;
• Management qualification;
• Project management qualification;

• Five years experience in:
  • A large institution, preferably a higher education institution;
  • Data analytics of digital media channels;
• Proven established relationships with media/journalists;
• Membership with:
  • The Marketing Association of South Africa;
  • The Digital Media and Marketing Association;
  • The Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa;
• Verbal and written comprehension of French.