Stellenbosch University
Corporate Communication Division
Copy Editor
(One-year contract position)
(Ref. AKK/200/0618)

The corporate communication division creates a competitive advantage for Stellenbosch University by strategically positioning the brand favourably, implementing effective communication programmes and optimising stakeholder relationship management, thereby enabling the university to realise its aspiration of being an inclusive, innovative, and future-focused institution. The division offers a dynamic and interesting work environment. Most of the division’s activities are deadline-driven, fast-paced, and linked to extended working hours. The copy editor will be a member of the team responsible for communication and stakeholder relations, and report directly to the content hub manager. 

The corporate communication division is responsible for a variety of digital and printed publications, media releases, video productions, web content and communication campaigns. The purpose of this position is to ensure excellent quality content (in various formats) as an output of the content hub; ensure alignment of content with institutional and divisional objectives; coordinate content distribution to various channels, and to provide on-the-job training for journalists as may be necessary.

Duties:

• Writing, editing, translating, and proofreading various texts with emphasis on editing and adapting
• Adapting copy (rewriting, editing, reverting to writer) to improve readability, accuracy, style, and clarity
• Adapting copy for various channels, target audiences, and platforms
• Ensuring that, where required, content is aligned with institutional core messages
• Verifying facts, dates, and statistics and using standard reference sources to ensure accurate and top-quality texts
• Compiling and updating style guides
• Providing guidance and training journalists to ensure content of exceptional quality

Requirements:

• Relevant bachelor’s degree
• At least five years’ relevant and proven experience of working with text in various formats
• Computer proficiency: MS Office
• Excellent language proficiency in both Afrikaans and English, as content output is in both languages
• Proven creativity in copy generation and/or copy revision
• Ability to function in a multi-language and multicultural environment
• Meticulous execution of functions and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team, and to use own initiative
• Ability to function well under pressure and to meet deadlines
• Willingness to work irregular/long hours
• Valid drivers licence

Recommendations:

• Knowledge of the higher education sector
• Relevant postgraduate qualification (degree or diploma)
• Ability to edit, rewrite, proofread, and adapt copy equally well in Afrikaans and English, and the ability to translate equally well from Afrikaans into English, and from English into Afrikaans
• Ability to write/adapt content for digital, printed and other communication channels, as well as social media
• Experience of editing academic/scientific/technical texts for publication in mass media/popular communication channels

Commencement of duties: 1 August 2018 or as soon as possible thereafter. The contract position is for a period of 12 months as from the starting date.

Closing date: 29 June 2018.

Enquiries regarding this post: Susan van der Merwe, Director: Communication and Stakeholder Relations, on 021 808 4634, or at

az.ca.nus@ewremdvs

(Enquiries related to job content only. Applications to be submitted online. Please do not send CVs to this email address.)

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 email 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 20 Jun 08:34