Senior Liaison Officer
Listing reference: nwu_000435
Listing status: Under Review
Apply by: 15 February 2022
Position summary
Industry: Education & Training
Job category: University and Academy
Location: Mafikeng - Capital City
Contract: Permanent
Introduction
NORTH-WEST UNIVERSITY (MAHIKENG CAMPUS)
FACULTY/ DIVISION: FACULTY OF ECONOMIC AND MANAGEMENT SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT: CORPORATE COMMUNICATION
POSITION NUMBER: N000489
VACANCY: SENIOR LIAISON OFFICER
PEROMNES GRADE: P10
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: PERMANENT
Job description
The purpose of the position is to strategically execute the internal and external communication of the faculty on all available platforms, to establish sound relationships with various stakeholders of the faculty and to enhance the image of the faculty, so as to reflect the university’s purpose, dream, brand promise and strategic priorities, thus promoting the reputation and positioning of the university.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
1) Strategic Execution
Strategically execute identified themes, content and messages on all internal and external platforms of the faculty, with outcomes that support the university’s strategic positioning and maintaining a positive image of the university. Specifically focus on addressing identified communication needs of the faculty.
2) Implement and measure communication strategy
Assist in evaluating all existing internal and external communication channels of the faculty with regard to identified stakeholder groups to determine which would deliver the desired outcome, and measure the effectiveness of these channels. Identify possible new channels should the existing ones not be sufficient, and assist in implementing these channels.
3) Writing and copy editing
Collect, write, edit and arrange for the translation of articles to be used in internal and external publications as well as content needed for the university website and implement strategies to maximise reach and impact of strategic messages.
4) Handling of the media
Collect information for the sake of media statements. Act as the contact person for the faculty, should any information for the sake of a media enquiry be needed. Constantly liaise with the Dir: Corporate Communication to identify possible reputation risks, and assist with the handling of crisis communication. Arrange engagements with the media to promote the image of the faculty and for the sake of establishing sound media relations. Ensure that all information regarding experts at the faculty is provided to Corporate Communication to ensure an updated list on the NWU website.
5) Distribute and measure internal and external messages
Compile and distribute internal and external messages to all internal and external stakeholders. Based on the strategic direction of the university, effectively communicate messages that would assist in the internal/external audience buying into the strategic direction of the faculty/university and measure the impact of these messages across the faculty. Specific focus should be placed on social media platforms within the faculty and the monitoring thereof.
6) Stakeholder engagement and events management
Assist with the implementation of an effective stakeholder engagement programme with regard to all internal and external stakeholders and assist with establishing new initiatives for future programmes. Assist with the efficient management of relationships with key sponsors / donors, supporters and partners to ensure ongoing, mutually beneficial relationships and ongoing funding. Coordinate all the logistics, including the budget and conceptualization of agreed events, functions, seminars and conferences, in such a way that it supports the university’s strategic positioning and in the process maintain a positive image of the faculty and university. Maintain a database for key stakeholders of the faculty to maximise reach and impact of strategic messages.
7) Student recruitment
Assist with programmes and initiatives to ensure that annual recruitment targets for the faculty are met with regard to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
8) Corporate identity management
Strategically execute internal and external brand building and brand positioning plans and messages within the faculty, with outcomes that support the university’s strategic positioning and maintaining a positive image of the faculty and university. Advise on the corporate identity and sub brands within the faculty to ensure the university’s logo and other brand collateral are used correctly and that all material bearing these features adheres to the institution’s corporate identity standards. Assist with the purchasing of promotional items including corporate gifts in order to enhance brand recognition and brand loyalty among internal and external target audiences.
9) General liaison
Through the identified channels, liaise with the office of the executive dean/deputy dean and the Dir: Corporate Communication to ensure that strategic messages are incorporated into all official communication. Through the identified channels liaise with the managerial corps of the faculty to assist in ensuring effective managerial communication. Assist in providing general guidance to stakeholders with regard to internal/external communication channels and procedures.
10) Office administration
Support the Executive Dean/Deputy Dean and the Director: Corporate Communication in planning and managing the budget and the resources allocated to the office.
Minimum requirements
- An appropriate Diploma (NQF6) or Bachelor’s Degree (NQF 7) in Communication or Journalism (Essential)
- A relevant degree plus approximately 5 year’s relevant experience will be considered where the experience and ability of the candidate is exceptional.
- 3-5 Experience in journalism or communication and marketing. (Essential)
- 3-5 Experience in writing, editing and managing of internal communication channels. (Essential)
- 3-5 Experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders on different levels, project/events management. (Essential)
KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES
- Computer literate in MS Office, e-mail, DreamWeaver, content management systems and databases, Drupal, FireWorks, PhotoShop, Illustrator and InDesign.
- Proven knowledge of the higher education landscape.
- Building networks and maintaining effective liaison with key stakeholders.
- Knowledge of electronic, print and other internal communication tools, principles and practices, including design and layout.
- Knowledge of strategic processes and principles.
- Extremely professional with high standards, able to produce work of a superior quality.
- Ability to function effectively in a multilingual and multicultural environment.
- Ability to work irregular hours and travel (valid drivers’ licence).
KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
- Excellent writing and editing skills.
- Strong interpersonal and communication (written and oral) skills.
- Good problem solving and persuasive skills: logical and analytical.
- People management skills with an ability to collaborate with stakeholders at all levels of the organization.
- Decision making skills, able to be objective, flexible but decisive.
- Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
- Good organizational and planning skills.
- Self-starter, detail-orientated, proactive, able to work independently as well as in a team.
- Ability to work well under pressure and within tight deadlines.
The annual total remuneration package will be commensurate with the level of appointment as advertised and in line with the NWU policy guidelines.
ENQUIRIES REGARDING JOB CONTENT MAY BE DIRECTED TO: Louis Jacobs (Louis.Jacobs@nwu.ac.za)
TEL: 018 299 4918
CLOSING DATE : 14 February 2022
PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES : 01 April 2022
Kindly take note: applications must be submitted online through the official nwu vacancy website.
Incomplete applications and those submitted through any other platform will not be considered
The University subscribes to and applies the principles of Employment Equity (EE) Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the EE Act and NWU Employment Equity Plan.
The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. If you are not contacted within two months from the closing date of this advertisement, please accept that your application was unsuccessful.
