Communications Specialist

ADvTECH; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

An educational institution in South Africa is seeking a Head of Communications to develop and implement integrated communication strategies. Key responsibilities include writing content for various channels, managing media relations, and supporting internal communications. The ideal candidate holds a degree in Communications or related field, has 3+ years of PR experience, and possesses excellent writing and editing skills. Competitive salary and benefits, including lifelong learning opportunities and performance bonuses, are offered.

Benefits

Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning

Staff and family discounts

Incentive bonus structure

Provident fund contributions

Birthday vouchers

Competitive annual leave allowance

Qualifications

• 3 years Communications or PR experience.
• 3 years Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• 2 years experience with managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to integrated campus communication strategies.
• Support marketing campaigns for student recruitment.
• Write and edit content for various channels.
• Build media relationships and draft releases.
• Support leadership messaging and campus initiatives.
• Draft post-event coverage for national events.

Skills

Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills

Strategic thinking

Strong stakeholder relationship management

Resilience under pressure

Detail-oriented

Sound judgement

Education

Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field

Job description

Direct Reporting Line

Head of Communications

Emeris consolidates resources and expertise from IIE Varsity College, IIE MSA, IIE‑Vega School, and IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management, with a unified approach ensuring a consistent standard of excellence in teaching, learning, and student support.

Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Communications Management & Implementation

• Contribute to the development and execution of integrated campus communication strategies aligned with institutional goals.
• Support marketing and communication campaigns that drive student recruitment, reputation enhancement, reputation management and stakeholder engagement.
• Assist in the creation of communication calendars and messaging frameworks.

Content Development & Management

• Write and edit content for various channels to be used on the website, newsletters, press releases, etc.
• Curate and publish engaging student and staff stories that reinforce the university’s brand and values in collaboration with campus and national stakeholders.
• Collaborate with faculties, departments, the Office of the Registrar and student experience for content input.
• Write and disseminate press releases, caption stories and opinion pieces, etc. to the media.

Media Relations & Publicity

• Build and maintain relationships with media contacts.
• Draft and distribute media releases, coordinate interviews and prepare media kits.
• Track and report on media coverage and press engagement.
• Monitor engagement and moderate responses in line with university policy.

Internal Communications

• Support leadership messaging, change management communication, and campus‑wide initiatives of a PR nature.

Event & Communication Support

• Draft post‑event media coverage by assisting the Head of Communications for national events.
• Work closely with campus teams to ensure the correct information is received to draft written content for events such as Graduation, Open Days, etc.

Brand & Reputation Management

• Provide editorial support and guidance to campus faculties or departments to maintain quality and consistency.
• Identify and mitigate reputational risks through careful messaging and issue monitoring.
• Assist Campus Heads and Senior Campus Heads to draft or edit general student communications of a PR nature or in response to events and crisis communications.

Skills required

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to connect communication outputs to institutional goals.
• Strong stakeholder relationship management.
• Resilience under pressure, especially in crisis or high‑visibility moments.
• Detail‑oriented, with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects.
• Sound judgement in sensitive or reputational issues.

Minimum Qualification Requirement

• Bachelor’s degree (NQF Level 7) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field.

Ideal

• Experience in the higher education sector.
• Knowledge of South African media landscape and education trends.

Minimum Experience Requirements

• 3 years Communications or PR experience.
• 3 years Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• 2 years experience with managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.

Salary

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Lifelong learning opportunities through LinkedIn Learning subscriptions.
• Staff and family discounts on educational programs within our brand portfolio.
• Incentive bonus structure based on performance and achievement of goals.
• Provident fund contributions, including Death & Funeral Cover, to support your financial well‑being and future planning.
• Birthday vouchers to celebrate your special day.
• Competitive annual leave allowance for well‑deserved time off and rejuvenation.

Application Response

• Due to the high volume of CVs received, personal contact with all applicants may not be feasible. Only candidates whose qualifications and skills closely align with the position requirements will be contacted for interviews.

Technical Support

Should you experience technical difficulties applying for the position, kindly use the following URL for further assistance: https://hire.simplify.hr/ContactUs

Equal Opportunity Employer

Emeris is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Preference may be given to previously under‑represented groups in accordance with the South African Employment Equity Act. The company reserves the right to close or place the vacancy on hold at any time, without prior notice.