Duties/Pligte

• Strategic communications and marketing: Aligning the Division’s communication and marketing strategies with that of the RC Operations and Finance; developing and implementing short- and long-term communications plans and campaigns; and ensuring effective liaison and coordination with the Communications Specialist in the Office of the COO and the Corporate Communications and Marketing Division.
• Media relations: Identifying and creating opportunities for positive media coverage that will enhance the visibility of the Division and its departments to the various target audiences; in liaison with SU’s media office, developing and distributing media releases and managing possible media queries; using and promoting staff members (experts in their fields) as spokespeople in media channels, such as broadcast, radio, podcasts, etc.; continuously monitoring media coverage and developing proactive media material for issues that might influence the Department and the bigger University’s brand and reputation.
• Content development, news article development and reporting:  Developing content for internal and external news/features distribution, for newsletter(s), websites, and social media channels; compile the Division’s management reports for the Rectorate and Council (submitting to the Office of the COO).
• Transformation communication: Developing integrated communications strategies for change and transformation in the Department in line with the University’s goals.
• Communications management: Identifying communication risks, issues, challenges, and opportunities that could impact the Division; developing effective crisis communication strategies; ensuring close collaboration between the Division and the Trade Mark Department to comply with trade mark approval on marketing; ensuring and overseeing the effective implementation of SU’s language policy and brand across all divisions.
• Internal communications: Identifying communication risks, issues, challenges, and opportunities that could impact the Division; developing effective crisis communication strategies; ensuring close collaboration between the Division and the Trade Mark Department to comply with trade mark approval on marketing; ensuring and overseeing the effective implementation of SU’s language policy and brand across all divisions.
• Know-how: Staying current on industry trends and best practices in marketing communications.
• Digital Strategy: Developing digital content for various platforms used in the Division in conjunction with relevant channel coordinators and other colleagues; ensuring websites are up to date and used proactively to communicate with the stakeholders of the Department; ensuring optimal usage of AI and other new media platforms.
• Specialised writing: Compiling various forms of output (speeches, statements, briefings, presentations, multiple levels and types of reports, and other forms of written communication) in collaboration with the leadership team and other stakeholders of the Division for submission; writing specialised articles on topical themes such as technology transfer, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and innovations, etc.
• Engagements and events: Assisting with developing innovative campaigns and events for staff, students, and other SU stakeholders’ awareness regarding topical themes.
• Relationship building: Using exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build, grow, and maintain networks and relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including the media, stakeholders from other universities, local and international peers, and internal staff and students.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• Appropriate bachelor’s degree (e.g., journalism, politics, education, marketing, media, or communication) with at least three years’ working experience in a media/corporate communication environment or at least three years’ relevant industry experience.
• Appropriate national diploma (e.g., journalism, politics, education, marketing, media, or communication) with at least five years’ working experience in a media/corporate communication environment, or at least five years’ relevant industry experience.
• Extensive research, writing, and media production experience.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• The ability to manage multiple competing priorities on deadline and work independently and proactively, as well as in a team.
• Excellent writing ability and skills, and the ability to function effectively in a multilingual (proficiency in Afrikaans and English) and multicultural environment.
• Meticulous execution of campaigns and events and attention to detail.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build, grow and maintain networks.
• Computer proficiency in MS Office and writing-related technology tools.
• Proven ability to write about a diverse range of topics.
• Thorough knowledge of digital communications and the influence of AI and new media on institutional communications.
• Excellent understanding of the South African – and where relevant – the international media landscape.
• The ability to efficiently manage teams of freelance, specialised writers and designers to execute campaigns, develop marketing communications material or produce knowledge-leadership articles.
• The ability to multi-task and work in a team.
• Experience with MailChimp, and or any other marketing platform.
• Experience with any designing software, for example Adobe Illustrator, Canva Design, etc.

Closing Date:  23-Jun-2025