Manager: media and commmunications

JOB DESCRIPTION:

• Content Management & Storytelling: editorial strategy/content calendar and quality control; multi-format content across paid, earned, social and owned (PESO) channels; balanced faculty inclusion/distribution; undergraduate and postgraduate marketing content coordination; website content maintenance and performance benchmarking.
• Media Relations: build and maintain journalist/editor relationships; pitching and handling inquiries/interviews; current affairs monitoring and opportunity alignment; sentiment/coverage/AVE reporting; high-level placement strategy.
• Social & Digital Media: social media calendar and daily publishing; trend monitoring and best practices; website SOPs and content oversight; SEO and web traffic reporting; stakeholder collaboration for website updates.
• Media & Communications Management (University-wide): portfolio strategy implementation; media stakeholder engagement/coordination; special projects delivery; monitoring, reporting and performance tracking (incl. media coverage/AVE).
• Financial Planning & Budgeting: annual budget development; expenditure control and monthly/quarterly reporting; asset safeguarding; cost containment and prevention of unauthorised/wasteful expenditure.
• Organisational Unit Staff Management: team leadership and work planning; resource planning and recruitment support; training and development; performance management and conduct/discipline oversight; workplace satisfaction and wellness.
• Employee Communication: internal editorial/content strategy aligned to the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) strategy and channel management and improvement; stakeholder liaison to source internal news; project-specific internal comms planning plus evaluation/reporting; brand narrative and message consistency.
• Supplier Relations: establish/maintain preferred supplier panels; oversee contracts, compliance and performance with Supply Chain Management; support RFQs/tenders; address underperformance.
• Governance, Risk, Compliance, Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation: policy compliance audits/scans; training and awareness for compliance; risk identification/mitigation/reporting; monthly/quarterly reporting and reviews.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Honours qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field.
• Five (5) years 'experience specifically in a media and communication management role
• Five (5) years experience in marketing and communications.

ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES:

• Masters degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field.

COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES:

• Values: promotes equity and inclusivity; acts with integrity; prioritises stakeholder-centred service; demonstrates accountability; advances social responsiveness through innovation and excellence.
• Business Acumen: proposes solutions to complex problems; synthesises issues; stays current; operates well under ambiguity; identifies trends and innovations; thinks strategically; is accountable; acts decisively.
• Change Leadership: communicates change clearly; mobilises key staff; aligns decisions to new direction; leads by example; manages transition pace and workload; resolves implementation issues; sets expectations; monitors progress; drives culture change.
• Critical Thinking: applies creative, evidence-based judgement; seeks input when needed; remains open to alternatives; anticipates risks/opportunities; listens actively; analyses complex data; draws sound conclusions; troubleshoots; limits bias.
• Partnering: defines shared goals upfront; uses measurable outcomes; builds trust; enables collaboration; communicates agreements; resolves conflict; creates mutual value; manages partnership risks.
• Brand Awareness & Reputation Enhancement: embeds brand standards in practice; ensures compliance; educates others; operationalises brand strategy; sets and tracks brand measures; monitors quality across channels; stays current on digital trends.
• Reputational Risk Management: monitors reputational and media risks against metrics; implements communication strategies with internal partners; stays current on cyber risks; builds capability through training; escalates risks timeously; reinforces institutional values in communications.
• Student Attraction: implements attraction strategies aligned to vision and values; projects positive image; tracks student-cycle metrics; identifies gaps and improves processes; supports and evaluates recruitment events; collaborates with Student Affairs.
• Accountability: sets realistic targets and secures resources; drives results-based performance; monitors and evaluates delivery; uses feedback and benchmarking; supports team problem-solving; meets standards and timelines; ensures compliance and quality.
• Excellence: works in full compliance; invests in development; builds others capability; shares knowledge and coaches; remains committed to institutional goals.
• Professionalism: protects institutional standing; communicates clearly, respectfully and consistently.
• Service Culture: sets service expectations; measures effectiveness; leads by example; corrects non-compliance; recognises consistent excellent service.

REMUNERATION

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