Communications Officer

Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 540,000; Full time

Job summary

Stellenbosch University invites applications for a Communications Officer (Post Level 10) in the Faculty of AgriSciences, Dean's Office, on Stellenbosch Campus. This is a three-year fixed-term contract with a focus on turning complex academic work into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences.

The role centres on website management, newsletters, social media, and proactive internal and external communications in collaboration with departments and partners.

Qualifications

• A relevant national diploma or degree in communication, journalism, media, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• At least three years' relevant experience in communications, journalism, digital media, content development, or a comparable environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging content.

Responsibilities

• Managing and maintaining the Faculty of AgriSciences website with accurate, current content in collaboration with academic departments.
• Developing, writing, editing and publishing engaging content across digital platforms.
• Coordinating the monthly Faculty newsletter with an editorial calendar and sourced stories.

Skills

Content writing

Editing

Digital media

CMS management

Newsletter production

Social media

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Education

Degree in communication or related field

Tools

Microsoft 365

Content Management System (CMS)

Social media tools

Job description

(Three-year fixed-term contract)

Department Description/Departement Beskrywing

Faculty of AgriSciences

Dean's Office

Communications Officer (Post Level 10)

(Three-year fixed-term contract)

(Stellenbosch Campus)

Ref. AW00/350/1126

The Faculty of AgriSciences at Stellenbosch University (SU) is a leading research-intensive agricultural faculty in Africa, operating at the intersection of food security, climate resilience, and sustainable resource management. As part of its "Faculty of the Future" strategy, the Faculty integrates multidisciplinary teaching, applied research, and industry partnerships to deliver impact across the full agricultural value chain - from production to markets and policy. Through innovation in digital agriculture, sustainability, and systems-based approaches, the Faculty develops graduates, knowledge, and solutions that strengthen agricultural systems and contribute to economic, environmental, and societal resilience.

Duties/Pligte

• Managing and maintaining the Faculty of AgriSciences website, ensuring accurate, current, accessible and professionally presented content, in collaboration with academic departments and Faculty environments.
• Developing, writing, editing and publishing engaging content showcasing the Faculty’s teaching, research, innovation, achievements, events, partnerships and societal impact across digital communication platforms.
• Coordinating and producing the monthly Faculty newsletter, including maintaining an editorial calendar, sourcing relevant stories and transforming specialist contributions into clear, engaging content for internal and external audiences.
• Managing the Faculty's social media content and schedule, adapting news, research, achievements and events into platform-appropriate content supported by suitable visual and digital material, while monitoring engagement and ensuring brand alignment.
• Coordinating Faculty-wide internal communication, ensuring that announcements, events, opportunities and strategic or operational information are communicated clearly and timeously, while promoting a consistent flow of information across the Faculty.
• Developing communication content and opportunities that strengthen stakeholder engagement and the Faculty's external profile, including engagement with industry partners, alumni, donors, research collaborators, prospective students and other organisations, in collaboration with relevant Faculty and University communication structures.

Job Requirements/Pos Vereistes

• A relevant national diploma or degree in communication, journalism, media, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• At least three years' relevant experience in communications, journalism, digital media, content development, or a comparable environment.
• Excellent writing, editing, proofreading and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex or specialist information into clear and engaging content for different audiences.
• Demonstrable experience in website content management, newsletters and social media, including the ability to adapt content appropriately across different digital platforms.
• Strong organisational and project-management skills, including the ability to maintain an editorial calendar, coordinate contributions from multiple stakeholders and meet recurring deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-engagement skills, with the ability to work effectively with academics, professional staff, students and external partners.
• Sound judgement, attention to detail and an understanding of the reputational, brand and confidentiality considerations associated with institutional communication.
• Proficiency in relevant Microsoft 365 and digital communication tools, together with the ability to work independently and manage competing priorities.

Recommendation/Aanbeveling

• None.

Your application, comprising a comprehensive curriculum vitae (including the names and email addresses of at least three references), must reach the University before or on the closing date in the advertisement.

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

Enquiries/Navrae

Enquiries about this post: Dr MJ Freeborough on 021 808 4806, or at [e-mail]

• Currency Commencement Date01-Feb-2027 Closing Date02-Dec-2026 Amount of Travel Work At Home