PURPOSE OF THE POSITION

The purpose of the position is to strategically plan, manage and execute the internal/external communication and stakeholder relations of the university on all available platforms, so as to reflect the university’s mission and strategic priorities, thus promoting the reputation and positioning of the university. Liaise with identified managers on behalf of the Dir: Corporate Communication and the Ex Dir: Corporate Relations and Marketing and oversee the various team leaders within the department and their functions.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic planning:

• Strategically plan themes, content and messages to be used on all internal/external platforms of the university.
• Strategically plan and manage stakeholder relations and events, with outcomes that support the university’s strategic positioning and maintaining a positive image of the university.

Implement and measure communication strategy:

• Implement an integrated plan to evaluate all existing internal/external communication channels of the university with regard to identified stakeholder groups to determine which would deliver the desired outcome and measure the effectiveness of these channels.
• Identify and establish new channels should the existing ones not be sufficient.

Media and crisis communication:

• Assist with convening of crisis teams whenever necessary, assign communication responsibilities and monitor and respond to relevant communication channels in the execution of the crisis communication plan.
• Establish and maintain positive media relations and communicate on behalf of the NWU as institution to the external audiences.
• Assist in ensuring that an effective proactive media strategy is in place to curb negative publicity.
• Assist in creating a media strategy to ensure optimal coverage of NWU achievements regarding its core business as well as student related matters.
• Assist in ensuring that an effective media monitoring process is in place.

Distribute and measure internal/external publications and messages:

• Oversee the distribution of internal/external publications and messages to all internal/external stakeholders.
• Based on the strategic direction of the university, effectively oversee the communication of messages that would assist in the internal/external audience buying into the strategic direction of the university and measure the impact of these messages across the university.

Writing and copy editing:

• Responsible for the collecting, writing, editing of articles to be used in internal/external publications and implement strategies to maximise reach and impact of strategic messages.

General liaison:

• Together with the Dir: Corporate Communication and the Ex Dir: Corporate Relations and Marketing, liaise directly with the office of the vice-chancellor to ensure that strategic messages are incorporated into all official communication.
• Liaise directly with the managerial corps of the university to assist in ensuring effective managerial communication.
• Provide general guidance to stakeholders with regard to internal/external communication channels and procedures.
• Liaise with identified managers on behalf of the Dir: Corporate Communication and the Ex Dir: Corporate Relations and Marketing and manage the responsibilities of the respective team leaders.

Stakeholder relations, events management and client service:

• Manage and arrange all planned and ad hoc events to ensure the image and reputation of the university is upheld.
• Responsible for managing client facing functions.

Office administration:

• Support the Director: Corporate Communication in planning and managing the budget and the resources allocated to the office.
• Assist the Director: Corporate Communication in compiling regular reports for distribution to various stakeholders.

KEY FUNCTIONAL/ TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES:

• Computer literate in MS Office, e-mail, DreamWeaver, content management systems and databases.
• Proven knowledge of the higher education landscape.
• Building networks and maintaining effective liaison with key stakeholders.
• Knowledge of electronic, print and other internal and external 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 driver’s licence).
• Have a sound knowledge of the media and understand the dynamics of different types of media, including social media.
• The ability to produce and manage media events, conferences and related logistical tasks.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Proven ability in originating and preparing written materials such as press releases, speeches, editorials and profiles.
• Demonstrated ability to independently research complex issues and synthesise large amounts of information into effective communications and messaging quickly and effectively.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and adapt messages to be suitable for a variety of audiences across the university, while still ensuring consistency in messages.

KEY BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES:

• 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 organisation.
• Decision making skills, able to be objective, flexible but decisive.
• Strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Good organisational 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.

REMUNERATION

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:                       Mr. Louis Jacobs, Tel No: 018 299-4918

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Ms. Hawa Joosub, Tel No: 018 389-9015

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                        21 March 2024

COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                                                 As soon as possible

Kindly take note: applications may only 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 the Employment Equity Act and is committed to transformation. Preference will be given to candidates from the designated groups, in accordance with the principles of the aforementioned 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.