Content Lead

Discovery Limited; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Discovery Limited is seeking a Content Lead to own the content strategy and delivery for Discovery Invest and Cogence Portfolio. You will lead senior writing, editorial judgement, strategic content planning and operational oversight to produce high-quality content across platforms, audiences and formats.

In this contractor role, you’ll split time between writing and development (about 60%) and strategy and planning (about 40%), mentoring junior writers, guiding external partners, and ensuring

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualification in marketing, communications, journalism or a related field.
• 8–12 years senior experience in content, communications or agency/PR environments with a strong brand, media and stakeholder track record.
• Proven track record developing and owning content strategies from brief through to execution at a senior level.
• Experience across digital platforms and ability to develop content strategies for business units, stakeholders or brands.
• Experience in investment and financial writing is preferred or advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Write and develop excellent content across formats and audiences, including supporting PR and earned media strategies.
• Develop content strategies for Discovery Invest and Cogence based on business objectives and platform requirements.
• Translate briefs into clear content approaches, narrative frameworks and execution plans.
• Identify opportunities for thought leadership and pitch content proposals to internal stakeholders.
• Partner with PR and communications to ensure content amplifies media relations and reputation objectives.
• Plan and manage daily content operations, priorities and delivery schedules.
• Project manage larger content initiatives with multiple stakeholders, channels or external contributors.
• Manage and guide freelance writers and content contributors.
• Brief and work with external partners (designers, agencies, PR specialists) to support campaigns.
• Ensure consistency of tone, voice and quality across outputs.
• Support executive content initiatives, including briefing materials, speeches and senior stakeholder narratives.

Skills

Content strategy

Editorial writing

Stakeholder management

Project management

Mentoring

Leadership

Content operations

Education

Marketing/Comm/Journalism degree

Tools

CMS

MS Office

SEO tools

Job description

Discovery - Marketing

Content Lead - Discovery Invest and Cogence Portfolio

About the role

We are looking for a Content Lead to own the content strategy and delivery for Discovery Invest and Cogence. This role brings together senior writing, editorial judgement, strategic content planning and operational oversight to produce clear, high-quality content across platforms, audiences and formats.

Key purpose of the role

The purpose of the Content Lead role for Discovery Invest and Cogence is to enable and support marketing and PR strategies through content that builds awareness and understanding of Discovery Invest and Cogence in the investment and financial services market.

Key responsibilities

The Content Lead reports to the Head of Content for Discovery. This role combines senior writing abilities, strategic planning and operational oversight, with approximately 60% focused on content writing and development and 40% on strategy and planning. The role is responsible for developing educational, branded, and thought leadership content as well as content for media. It also involves translating business and communication objectives into clear content approaches, frameworks and execution plans, and delivering measurable content outcomes.

• Writing and developing excellent content across various formats and for different audiences, including developing content in support of PR and earned media strategies
• Developing content strategies for Discovery Invest and Cogence based on business objectives, audience needs and platform requirements
• Translating business and communication briefs into clear content approaches, narrative frameworks and execution plans
• Identifying opportunities for thought leadership and narrative development, and pitching content opportunities and proposals to internal stakeholders
• Partnering with the PR and communications team to ensure content amplifies media relations and reputation objectives
• Planning and managing daily content operations, priorities and delivery schedules
• Project managing larger content initiatives that involve multiple stakeholders, channels or external contributors
• Managing and guiding freelance writers and content contributors
• Briefing and working with external partners, including designers, agencies and PR specialists, to support campaign, media and leadership content requirements
• Ensuring consistency of tone, voice and quality across all outputs
• Supporting executive and leadership content initiatives, including briefing materials, speeches, opinion pieces and senior stakeholder narratives

Leadership and collaboration

• Creating an environment that encourages creativity and continuous improvement
• Mentoring and developing junior content and writing talent
• Acting as a content champion and editorial standard-bearer across the organisation
• Supporting skills development and knowledge sharing
• Staying up to date with content, media and digital trends
• Building strong working relationships across marketing, editorial, communications, project teams and internal stakeholders.
• Contributing to team cohesion and delivery excellence
• Demonstrating professionalism, inclusivity and respect
• Strong writing and editorial skills across brand, PR, thought leadership and media content
• Understanding of PR and communications principles, including media relations, message framing and reputation management
• Ability to develop content approaches for different audiences and platforms
• Ability to translate complex ideas into engaging content
• Ability to turn marketing briefs into clear content strategies, narrative routes and execution recommendations
• Strong project management and organisational skills
• High attention to detail
• Ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure
• Proven credibility advising senior executives and leadership teams
• Ability to work constructively with senior stakeholders, internal teams, freelancers and external partners

Education and experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification (marketing, communication, journalism, writing or related field)
• Extensive professional writing and content development experience
• 8 to 12 years' senior experience in content, communications or agency and PR environments, with a strong record of producing work for brand, media and stakeholder channels
• Proven track record developing and owning content strategies from brief through to execution at a senior level
• Experience working across digital platforms
• Experience developing content strategies or content approaches for business units, stakeholders or brands
• Experience in, or ability to quickly get up to speed on, regulated or financial services environments is advantageous
• Experience in investment and financial writing is preferred or advantageous

Contract basis

This Content Lead role is engaged on a contractor basis, rather than as a permanent employment position. The successful candidate will operate as an independent contractor responsible for delivering the scope of work outlined above.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

The Company's approved Employment Equity Plan and Targets will be considered as part of the recruitment process. As an Equal Opportunities employer, we actively encourage and welcome people with various disabilities to apply.