Stellenbosch University

Division of the Chief Operating Officer

Part-time (4/8) Communication Specialist: Responsibility Centre of the Chief Operating Officer

(Two-year contract appointment)

(Ref. UBH/076/0319)

The Responsibility Centre of the COO is comprised of the following divisions: Finance, Information Technology, Innovus, Maties Sport and Facilities Management. This wide ranging and complex Responsibility Centre is responsible for most of the operational aspects of Stellenbosch University.

Duties:

The purpose of the position is:

• Assisting the leadership of the Responsibility Centre of the Chief Operating Officer with corporate communications, including reporting to the Senate, the Council and the Innovus Board of Directors;
• Assisting senior members of the Responsibility Centre with internal and external communication;
• Assisting with internal and external news reports and the maintenance of websites in the divisions of the Responsibility Centre;

Communication Strategy:

• Aligning the communication strategy of the Responsibility Centre with the divisional and institutional strategic policy documents;
• Identifying communication risks, issues, challenges and opportunities within the Responsibility Centre;
• Planning and developing the short- and long-term communication campaigns and formats of the Responsibility Centre;
• Ensuring close collaboration between the Responsibility Centre and the Division for Corporate Communication at Stellenbosch University.

Media Relations:

• Identifying and creating opportunities for positive media coverage and marketing, thereby maximising the visibility of the Responsibility Centre;
• Constantly undertaking, gathering, managing, distilling and compiling various forms of research.

Digital Communication:

• Assisting with digital content on relevant platforms, in conjunction with relevant Channel Coordinators and other colleagues;
• Ensuring that websites are up to date and used proactively to communicate with the stakeholders of the Responsibility Centre.

Speech and Specialised Writing:

• Compiling various forms of output (speeches, statements, briefings, presentations, various levels and types of reports, and other forms of written communication) in collaboration with the Chief Directors/Senior Directors of the Responsibility Centre for submission to different stakeholders, such as the Council and the Senate;
• Assisting with the development of innovative campaigns for student awareness in respect of security, safety and sustainability, event protocols and mobility.

Requirements:

• Appropriate Bachelor’s degree (e.g. journalism, politics, philosophy, education, public administration, marketing, media, communication);
• Three to five years’ work experience in a media / corporate communication environment, or three to five years’ relevant industry experience;
• Extensive research, writing and media production experience at senior level;
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise work in order to meet deadlines;
• Ability to write very well and to function effectively in a multilingual (proficiency in Afrikaans and English) and multicultural environment;
• Meticulous execution of functions and attention to detail;
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to build, grow and maintain networks;
• Computer proficiency in MS Office;
• Proof of writing about a diverse range of topics;
• Experience with website maintenance;
• Ability to multi-task;
• Self-motivated, proactive and the ability to work independently as well as in a team.

Recommendations:

• A postgraduate university degree;
• Experience as a speech writer or campaigner;
• Multimedia production experience (radio, television);
• Experience in a public relations environment;
• Experience in higher education or any of the University’s stakeholder sectors (e.g. government, community, industry).

Commencement of duties: 1 May 2019

Closing date: 27 March 2019

Enquiries regarding this post: Ms N van den Eijkel on 021 808 3918 or at

az.ca.nus@lekjiedv

Enquiries regarding remuneration/benefits as well as technical assistance with the electronic application process: Human Resources Client Services Centre on 021 808 2753

The University will consider all applications in terms of its Employment Equity Plan, which acknowledges the need to diversify the demographic composition of the staff corps, especially with regard to the appointment of suitable candidates from the designated groups.

The University reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and e-mail address of at least three referees), must reach the University before or on the closing date of the advertised post. 

Apply online at www.sun.ac.za/english/careers

The University reserves the right to investigate qualifications and conduct background checks on all candidates.

Should no feedback be received from the University within four weeks of the closing date, kindly accept that your application did not succeed.

Posted on 19 Mar 11:52