Communications Manager (JHB Hybrid)

Job Description

ENVIRONMENT:

Communications Manager THE expertise of a forward-thinking Communications Manager is sought by a Community Upliftment Programme located in Johannesburg to take charge of its communications strategy driving the organisation’s brand and mobilizing both people and resources. You will be responsible for crafting compelling messages, managing internal and external communications, building productive media relations, and enabling judgments about the effects of the Programme’s communication. The ideal candidate should have exceptional writing and interpersonal skills, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of effective communication practices. You will also require a Degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism or similar field, have 5 years’ experience in a similar role realising effective communications in a Development / Social / Non-profit context developing including media relations such as. cultivating relationships with Journalists, managing press releases, and organising media events. You also need to be familiar with Crisis Communication practices and Reputation Management techniques.

DUTIES:

Monitor early learning and wider ECD news, policy developments, and research to identify opportunities and/or issues for consideration and potential communication or other responses.

Develop, realise, and innovate effective, contextual communication approaches –

Develop communication plans for Information, engagement and influence across contexts and modes in service of the Programme’s success — mindful of all key stakeholders, constituencies and audiences incl. children, franchisees, practitioners, parents, staff, partners, and the public.
Amplify the voices of the network incl. by guiding and supporting the network to communicate more effectively.
Craft compelling communications –

Write clear, concise, informative, engaging, and influential communications and other content for distinct stakeholders, constituencies, and audiences across channels and platforms while maintaining consistent brand voice and tone. This includes inter alia press releases, articles, speeches, newsletters, organisational reports, and website copy.
Manage internal and external communications –

Guide and oversee all internal communication channels incl. FundaApp, newsletters, and email updates, to keep staff, partners and practitioners informed and engaged.
Manage external communications to maintain a valuable brand image — incl. media relations, crisis communication, and public relations activities.
Build productive media relations –

Cultivate relationships with journalists, media entities, and influencers to promote positive, valuable (informative, engaging, influential) coverage of the early learning sector in general and the network in particular (incl. franchisors and other partners).
Pitch stories and coordinate interviews.
Prepare spokespersons for media engagements.
Monitor relevant media coverage and respond to media inquiries promptly.
Maintain brand consistency and advance the brand –

Ensure that all communications enhance the brand, informed by brand guidelines.
Maintain professional integrity individually and for the brand.
Collaborate with Marketing, Programme and Advocacy, and/or other functions to create engaging and effective communication collateral and brand assets.
Monitor and analyse communication effectiveness –

Track the effects of communication initiatives using appropriate metrics and analytics as well as qualitative feedback.
Judge and enable judgments about the effects of communications informed by data and feedback.
Report on communications and recommend improvements.
Manage crisis and/or other time-sensitive communications –

Develop crisis communication plans and protocols to effectively respond to, act within, mitigate, and influence key reputational and other risks.
Act as a spokesperson during crises and manage internal and external communication flow in challenging situations.
Scan, learn from, and explore communications developments –

Stay up to date with changing communication trends, technologies, techniques, and practices.
Ongoingly explore potential improvements and/or innovations.
Respond or adapt appropriately.

REQUIREMENTS:

Qualifications –

Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or other relevant Degree.

Experience/Skills –

Minimum of 5 years’ experience as a Communications Manager or similar realising effective communications in a Development / Social / Non-profit context developing.
Excellent, evidenced written and verbal communication skills across constituencies and platforms.
Experience in media relations incl. cultivating relationships with Journalists, managing press releases, and organising media events.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Proficiency across multiple communication tools and platforms incl. social media management, content management systems, and relevant analytics tools.
Strong management skills including prioritising between and managing across multiple demands.
Familiarity with Crisis Communication practices and Reputation Management techniques.

Advantageous –

A relevant Master’s Degree.
Creativity re visual design and branding.
Familiarity with industry-specific terminology and regulations.

ATTRIBUTES:

Can work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Strong problem-solving capability.
Able to see the big picture and attend to details rigorously.
While we would really like to respond to every application, should you not be contacted for this position within 10 working days please consider your application unsuccessful.