Duties and responsibilities:

Strategic Responsibilities:

Provide input into the department’s Communication and Marketing Strategy and implementation.
Serve as a member of the departmental Crisis Communication team.
Update and contribute to the departmental Risk Register.
Report on the unit’s work and outcomes during the reporting cycle.
Chair meetings of the ICT Services coordinating committee.
Serve on the Reputation Management Forum.
Serve on the departmental Newsdesk.
Data analysis of and reporting on digital media channels.
Formulate and implement relevant policies/protocols.
Develop and oversee the implementation of digital communication plans (web and social media).
Maintain the department’s digital ecosystem map.
Coordinate the digitalisation plan of DCM from the research phase to launching new platforms, software, and processes – together with the relevant role players.

Web content management:

Conduct focus groups and surveys to obtain the input of different stakeholder groups on webpages, website designs and content when needed.
Develop, implement, and update a Content Management Plan (main pages and identified departmental pages).
Develop, update, and implement Digital Content Guidelines.
Maintain the Digital Brand Guidelines in collaboration with the Manager: Reputation, Brand and Marketing Management.
Develop content plans and production schedules for each of the websites.
Share content plans and production schedules with faculty/departmental contacts responsible for content.
Liaise with faculty/departmental contacts for content and website updates.
Ensure weekly upload of content on the front page of the website and Kovsielife student website.
Manage the development of new web pages and websites.
Monitor the use of the brand on the website and address it where needed.
Oversee the website workflow on the Content Management System.
Assist with the Search Engine Optimisation of the website.
Authorise website roles and user permissions, system customisation and change management.
Update digital content.
Review content provided for publication for quality and alignment with the university’s Strategic Plan.
Repurpose web content in other digital channels.
Submit and monitor departmental IT projects and requests.
Set output and outcome objectives to be achieved with the website.

Social media management:

Develop a social media strategy indicating the key and supporting messages.
Compile an annual social media calendar.
Maintain social media protocols and guidelines as part of the Digital Content Guidelines.
Develop content plans and production schedules for each of the platforms.
Investigate available App platforms.
Participate in the curation process of the Newsdesk.
Manage approval process for new social media platform applications.
Liaise with relevant internal role players (including ICT Services, and Legal Services) about matters on social media that can pose a reputational risk to the UFS.
Monitor the UFS social media platforms, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, Linkedln, lnstagram, YouTube, Giphy, RSS and Vimeo and address deviations from the standards and protocols.
Manage content creation and planning for the UFS social media platforms, i.e., Facebook, Twitter, Linkedln, Pinterest, lnstagram, YouTube, Giphy, RSS and Vimeo.
Manage the execution of social media campaigns.
Report weekly on user feedback and engagement

Multimedia management:

Develop and implement a multimedia management plan.
Oversee the processes and projects in the video and photography environment.
Manage and maintain the institutional photo and video archive.
Manage and maintain institutional campus maps.
Oversee the livestream arrangements for institutional events arranged by the department.
Oversee the management of audio-visual channels.
Coordinate and manage the Google Ads process together with relevant role players within the department.
Manage and maintain the departmental database of service providers for videography and photography.

Data analysis of and reporting on digital media channels:

Report on the number of visitors, and engagement for all social and digital media channels.
Monitor and report on progress made with audio-visual archives.
Investigate, implement and report on innovative ideas in the social media environment.
Scan the social media environment to identify developing issues in student and young people’s conversations and recommend proactive actions for implementation by the department where possible.
Report on social media target audience profiles.
Use analytics to measure engagement and recommend improvements and/or new developments.
Provide weekly dashboard reports on engagement, what is read, and how much time is spent on different pages and actions to grow engagement.

People management:

Develop job profiles for team members.
Supervise and develop team members.
Develop skills and professional development plans for the unit.
Conduct performance reviews as per the institutional cycle.
Maintain positive employee relations.
Drive change management within the unit.
Manage human resource administration.
Ensure that information affecting staff is communicated to them.
Monitor adherence to relevant policies and procedures.

Financial management:

Develop a budget for the unit.
Develop and implement a resource management plan for the outputs to be achieved.
Investigate and implement methods to optimise financial resources
Project management:

Write project scope and deliverables.
Monitor the progress of a project.
Provide regular feedback and reporting on projects.
Liaise with different stakeholders involved in the project
Manage costs against the approved budget and in line with organisational policies and guidelines.
Investigate and implement methods to optimise resources.

Growth responsibilities:

Identify growth areas and develop a skills and competence development plan.
Identify relevant professional associations, join and get involved in projects.
Attend at least one professional development session per month.
Submit entries to awards programmes with the purpose of professional growth.
List the areas in which trends will be identified and tracked.
Read articles in reputable publications to stay on top of new developments.
Share with the department and used to identify improvement areas.
Suggest and research new webpages and websites {this will include content and design).
Scan the national and international environment within the area of responsibility for new developments and trends, review and propose implementation where applicable.
Implement best practices for the unit.

Inherent Job Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 in Communication/ Marketing.
Four (4) to five (5) years’ relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities

Recommendations:

Honours degree/Postgraduate Diploma on NQF level 8 in Communication/Marketing.
A Master’s degree on NQF level 9 or higher in Communication/Marketing.
Experience in managing digital communication platforms in a higher education environment.
Experience of project management.
Experience in publication and design processes (print and electronic) and principles.
Knowledge of industry best practices.
Experience in working with Web CMS technologies like WordPress and/or SiteFinity.
Experience in HTML and CSS.
Experience in the use of Adobe design programmes (graphic and web design).
Experience in managing multimedia channels and websites.
Experience of brand application in the digital environment.
Experience in Google Analytics and social media insights.
Experience in the use of Big Data Analytics to identify social media trends.
Experience in the use of Google Ads.
Experience in managing a team.
Competencies
Key Competencies:

• Results Orientated:
– The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
– The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
• Strategic Thinking:
– The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
– The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
• Business Acumen:
– Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
– The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
– The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others
• Building Coalitions:
– The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
– The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Required Documents

Please ensure all relevant documentation is attached to your application. INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.
*Certified copies must not be older than 6 months

A detailed curriculum vitae and cover letter
Certified copies of all academic records
Certified copies of relevant qualifications (please provide SAQA accreditation in the case of foreign qualifications)
A Certified* copy of your identity document
Proof of registration with a Professional Body (if applicable)
A copy of your driver’s license (if applicable)
A service record of your current employer / last employer