Centre for Communication Impact (CCI) is a non-profit South African organisation based in Pretoria. CCI aims to improve the health and well-being of all people living in South Africa through evidence- based strategic communication programmes.
Job Title: Communications Manager: Strategic Communication & Community Responses
Location: Pretoria
The Communications Manager will be responsible for handling all content and communication initiatives for CCI in order to develop a better understanding of the organisation among all stakeholders and role players. CCI is looking for someone who is experienced in employing all channels available to communicate the NPO’s role. The key focus areas of this role are ‘Media’ and ‘Writing’. CCI is looking for a candidate from a Journalism, Media and Communications background, specifically in the news and current affairs arena, with excellent writing and subbing skills (this is non- negotiable) would be preferable. The successful candidate will take on the role as ‘spokesperson’ for the organisation’s programmes and must be extremely well connected with the media and able to handle crisis and reputational risk management. This is a super chance to shine in a meaningful and rewarding role.
Responsibilities
- Manage reputational risk (which can mean being available to the media and colleagues 24/7)
- Overseeing all publications, reports, collateral and campaigns
- Researching and writing quality content across a broad spectrum relevant to CCI programs, and for a wide range of communications channels – from publications such as the CCI’s annual report, to online and social media, multi-platform awareness campaigns and other publications
- Develop media plans and strategies for campaigns
- Oversee all events run by CCI
- Timeously addressing all public queries and requests daily basis
- Overseeing the daily updating of the contacts, business and business development contact databases – Some of these you will manage and update hands on while others you will supervise
- Tell the story across a range of projects, media, campaign poster slogan or PowerPoint presentation
- Research, sub edit, proof-read and fact check all work produced by Strategic Communications & Community Responses Programmes teams (and occasionally that of other colleagues as required, such as in CEO reports)
- Solve problems and manage own time, especially under tight deadlines
- Pitch new ideas to the media and actively seek out stories
- Work consistently under deadline, across numerous projects simultaneously, and still be able to accommodate daily out-of-the blue requests from other departments as well as the media and members of the public
- Manage the CCI website including content and infrastructure and contribute content for brand websites
- Lead public relations efforts for the organization and campaigns this includes; creating awareness and talkability for campaigns, writing and distributing PR collateral, inviting and hosting media launches and ensuring brands exposure
Requirements
- Degree/Diploma in Journalism, Communications and Media – preferred
- Minimum of eight years’ experience in a similar managerial role in Communications, preferably in a newsroom scenario or with a publishing house, and with a proven track record of having written and published articles and other works including publications. The position also requires a keen instinct to know what is newsworthy and makes for strong copy
- Experience of working in, or with, service organisations, NGOs or NPOs
- Experience in online and print publishing with a thorough understanding of production management
- An understanding of effective media relation strategies, both reactive and proactive
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English – Another South African language would be a distinct advantage
- Ability to tailor communications for different media
- Strong people skills and the ability to engage with stakeholders across all economic sectors
- An understanding of how new technology (e.g. apps, mobile compatibility, etc) can be deployed in communication programmes
- Proven long-term experience in liaising with the media and in the preparation of both media strategies and media releases
- Computer Literacy: MS Office (Outlook, Word and PowerPoint)
- Knowledge of InDesign in terms of being able to edit text in the programme and undertake basic design changes
- Valid driver’s licence and own reliable transport (and be prepared to work “after hours” when the need arises).
- Proven ability to lead and motivate a Communications team within the Strategic Communication & Community Responses Programmes Unit
- An ability to be deadline and detail driven at all times
- A passion for downtowns and what makes them work
- Experience in pitching for sponsorships would also be an advantage, as the CCI would like to explore this in the future
Applications
Interested candidates to forward their CV’s to the CCI Human Resources Manager, ([email protected]). The closing date of this external advertisement is COB Friday 18 January 2019.