Purpose:

To develop, manage and implement an integrated communication and marketing strategy that builds the reputation, visibility and brand equity of Sol Plaatje University; to manage and grow institutional relationships with media and the public; and to lead the Communication and Marketing unit in delivering consistent, strategic and impactful institutional communication across all platforms and audiences.

Minimum requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma (NQF07) in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing or Media Studies,
• A Honours Degree at (NQF Level 8) would be recommended.
• Five (5) years' relevant experience in communications, marketing, public relations or brand management.
• Three (3) years' experience in a supervisory, management or team leadership capacity.
• Proven experience managing institutional or corporate brand identity across multiple platforms.
• Experience in media relations, including press release writing, spokesperson duties and media liaison.
• Proven experience in social media strategy, content management and digital analytics.
• Experience in production and editorial management of publications (print and digital) including annual reports, newsletters and corporate communications
• Budget planning, management and reporting experience

Recommended Requirements

• A Honours degree (NQF08) in Communication, Public Relations, Marketing or Media Studies.
  
  

Duties

1. Communication Strategy and Planning

•  Develop, implement and review an integrated institutional communication strategy aligned to the SPU Strategic Plan.
• Translate the University's vision, mission and values into clear, consistent and compelling messaging for internal and external audiences.
• Establish measurable communication objectives and report on outcomes against agreed targets.
• Advise senior leadership on communication risks, opportunities and institutional positioning.
• Contribute to the development of the Institutional Advancement strategy and departmental operational plans.
• Serve on the Crisis Communication team and ensure communication protocols are in place and current.

2.  Brand Management and Marketing

• Serve as custodian of the SPU brand, ensuring consistent identity application across all platforms, materials and stakeholder touchpoints.
• Develop and implement a marketing strategy to support student recruitment, institutional profile-building and stakeholder engagement.
• Oversee the production of all marketing collateral including prospectuses, admissions materials, event branding, merchandise and promotional items.
• Manage relationships with external design, print and production service providers.
• Develop and manage the annual communication and marketing budget, including procurement processes aligned to SPU supply chain policy.
• Conduct environmental scanning and market research to inform positioning and campaign planning.

3. Media Relations and Public Relations

• Build and maintain relationships with print, broadcast and digital media houses at local, regional and national level.
• Proactively generate positive media coverage that positions SPU as a credible, visible and distinctive institution.
• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories and official institutional statements, follow ManCo approval.
• Serve as institutional spokesperson as and when required on designated matters and coordinate spokesperson activity across the University.
• Manage media monitoring, including oversight of any appointed media monitoring service, and report on coverage, sentiment and AVE to leadership.
• Manage reputational risk through proactive and reactive media engagement, including crisis communication protocols.

4. Digital Communication

•  Develop and implement a social media strategy across all institutional channels (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, YouTube and emerging platforms).
• Manage and maintain the official SPU website, ensuring content is current, accurate, brand-aligned and optimised for user experience.
• Oversee the creation and scheduling of digital content across platforms, including written, visual and video content.
• Monitor social media platforms for reputational risk, respond to public enquiries appropriately, and escalate matters as required.
• Provide regular analytics and performance reporting on digital channels to inform strategy
• Ensure adherence to the social media Policy and related governance frameworks across the institution.
  

5. Internal Communication

•  Develop and implement an internal communication strategy that keeps staff and students informed, engaged and aligned to institutional goals.
• Manage internal communication channels including institutional newsletters, staff bulletins, intranet content, and corporate publications.
• Coordinate institutional events and campaigns linked to the Vice-Chancellor's internal stakeholder engagement programme.
• Serve as editor and production coordinator for institutional publications, including the Annual Report, newsletters and corporate communications.
• Ensure consistent messaging from leadership is communicated accurately and timeously to internal audiences.
• People Management and Administration
• Supervise, develop and performance-manage staff
• Develop and maintain job profiles, performance plans and individual development plans for direct reports.
• Ensure unit compliance with SPU HR policies, including leave management, performance review cycles and HR administration.
• Manage the day-to-day operations of the Communication and Marketing unit, including workflow planning and resource allocation.
• Identify training and professional development needs within the team and coordinate relevant interventions.

6. Governance, Reporting and Professional Development

•  Contribute to the preparation of the Vice-Chancellor's reports, Senate reports and Council briefings on Communication and Marketing performance.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in institutional communications, marketing, digital media and the higher education landscape.
• Participate in and contribute to MACE, PRISA and other relevant professional body activities.

Enquiries can be made via email at [email protected]

Assumption of duties: As mutually agreed to upon acceptance of the appointment. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment. 

Women and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Note: Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is dedicated to meeting its Employment Equity targets.