PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:

The purpose of the position include to strategically execute the internal and external communication of the NWU Faculty of Law on all available platforms, to effectively manage current student activities across all the campuses, establish new initiatives based on student’s needs, source student internships, liaise with various stakeholders of the faculty and to enhance the image of the faculty, so as to reflect the university's strategy 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 maintain 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 about 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 implement 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 of the faculty and the broader university, as well as content needed for the university website and implement strategies to maximise the reach and impact of strategic messages.
• Manage all updates on the website of the faculty.

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 handling crisis communication.
• 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 university's strategic direction, effectively communicate messages that would assist the internal/external audience in buying into the strategic direction of the faculty/university and measure the impact of these messages across the faculty.
• The focus should also be placed on social/digital media platforms within the faculty and the monitoring thereof.
• Manage all content of the faculty's Facebook page.

6.     Events management:

• Assist with implementing an effective student programme across the campuses and assist with establishing new initiatives for future programmes.
• Coordinate all the logistics, including the budget and conceptualisation of agreed events, functions, seminars, and conferences, in such a way that it supports the university's strategic positioning and, in the process, maintains a positive image of the faculty and university.
• Constantly liaise with the Director: Corporate Communication and Director: Undergraduate Studies to ensure that activities are planned in line with the university's approach.

7.     Student recruitment:

• Assist with programmes and initiatives to ensure that annual recruitment targets for the faculty are met.
• Constantly liaise with the Director: Marketing and Student Recruitment and Director: Undergraduate Studies to ensure that the approach aligns with the bigger university-wide recruitment plan.

8.     Corporate identity management:

• Strategically execute internal and external brand building, brand positioning and marketing 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.
• Handle the purchasing of promotional items including corporate gifts to enhance brand recognition and brand loyalty among internal and external target audiences.

9.     General liaison:

• Through the identified channels, liaise with all CRM departments 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 regards to internal/external communication channels and procedures.

10.   Office administration:

• Support the executive dean in planning and managing the budget and the resources allocated to the office.

·          A bachelor’s degree (NQF level 7) in Journalism or Communication.

·          A minimum of 2 years’ experience in writing, editing, and managing of internal and external communication channels.

·          Demonstrable experience of working with students or in a student environment.

RECOMMENDATIONS / ADDED ADVANTAGES:

·           A minimum of 2 years’ experience in journalism or communication and marketing.

·           A minimum of 2 years' experience in building and maintaining effective relationships with stakeholders on different levels, project/events management.

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 driver’s licence).

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 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:                    Dr N L Morei, Tel: 018 389 2484

ENQUIRIES REGARDING RECRUITMENT PROCESS MAY BE DIRECTED TO:    Mr Zenyo Seboko, Tel: 018 299 4951

CLOSING DATE:                                                                                                      09 May 2024

PLANNED COMMENCEMENT OF DUTIES:                                                           As soon as possible

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.