Digital Communications Manager

SAIIA; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading think tank in South Africa is seeking a Digital Communications Manager to enhance its media presence and manage digital channels. The role involves overseeing website management, developing effective communication strategies, and guiding the communications team. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in communications, a degree in a related field, and strong technical and managerial skills. Applicants should be proficient in social media management and possess excellent writing abilities to effectively communicate and engage with diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Minimum five to seven years in a communications role.
• At least two to three years’ experience in a management role.
• Experience in the non-profit sector and research communications.
• Proven success in developing effective communication strategies.
• Current knowledge of African/international relations.

Responsibilities

• Manage service providers for quality control of media products.
• Oversee the technical aspects of SAIIA’s website.
• Manage communications department’s budget.
• Assess impact of digital communication using analytics.
• Develop relationships with targeted media outlets.
• Monitor African and international affairs for engagement opportunities.
• Represent SAIIA at press engagements.
• Plan media briefings ahead of key policy windows.
• Support events team with communication aspects.
• Manage key digital communication channels like website and social media.
• Implement a communications strategy integrating various channels.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar.

Skills

Excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills

Website management through WordPress

Mailchimp newsletter management

Google Analytics for performance evaluation

Graphic design and video skills

Planning and project management skills

Social media management

Summarising complex content

Strategic communication development

Knowledge of data protection legislation

Education

Degree in journalism, communications or related discipline

Job description

Overview

The South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA) is an independent, non-governmental, development and foreign policy think tank, focusing on South Africa’s and Africa’s international relations. Its goal is to contribute to the achievement of a well-governed, peaceful, economically sustainable, and globally engaged Africa. It has been consistently ranked among the top think tanks in Africa.

Company Name: SAIIA

Position: Digital Communications Manager

Location: Johannesburg

Closing Date: //2

Responsibilities

• Manage service providers appointed for specific projects, such as videographers and podcasters, to ensure products are of the highest quality and consistent with SAIIA’s brand.
• Oversee the technical aspects of SAIIA’s website and databases in collaboration with the web developer to ensure robustness and responsiveness.
• Manage the Communications department’s budget.
• Manage reporting for the communications unit, using analytics tools to assess the impact of SAIIA’s digital communication and media engagement.
• Guide the Communications Officer on developing and managing relationships with targeted media outlets (national, regional and global) to amplify coverage and dissemination of SAIIA’s work.
• Contribute to keeping an active media database with influential contacts relevant to SAIIA.
• Monitor African and international affairs to proactively identify opportunities to bolster SAIIA’s media presence (interviews, podcasts, panels, etc).
• Be familiar with the African media landscape and multilateral and development spaces to widen SAIIA’s engagement opportunities.
• Represent SAIIA in engagement with the press and related stakeholders at the Institute’s events.
• Plan regular media briefings in collaboration with the research programmes ahead of key policy windows.
• Support the Events team with all communication aspects related to events, such as e-mail invitations, presentations, and other digital material.
• Manage SAIIA’s key digital communication channels – website, social media and newsletters, ensuring messages reach intended audiences and engagement grows across digital platforms.
• Support the Head of Communications in implementing the communications strategy for SAIIA, integrating traditional and digital dissemination channels for optimal visibility and impact.
• Work closely with researchers to design and implement digital media campaigns and strategies that support specific programmes outcomes and targets.
• With guidance from the Head of Communications, develop and maintain a content calendar to ensure a steady stream of messaging that promotes SAIIA’s research while also being responsive to current affairs.
• Write and edit newsletters, press releases, social media posts, and website content; create basic infographics and text-based videos that package research findings in engaging ways. Training will be provided if required for articles and annual reports.

Requirements, Experience and Skills

• Degree in journalism, communications, or a related discipline.
• Minimum five to seven years in a communications role; at least two to three years’ experience in a management role.
• Experience working in the non-profit sector and in research communications.
• Proven success with developing and implementing effective communication strategies that meet programme objectives and support the uptake of evidence-based research in policymaking.
• A skilled communicator with excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills who can tailor messages for specific audiences.
• Strong technical skillset: website management through WordPress or other content management systems, Mailchimp newsletter distribution and management, and Google Analytics for performance evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience with managing social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram).
• A demonstrated ability to summarise dense/complex content into engaging and easy to understand messages.
• Strategically minded with the ability to develop communications strategies and plans and see them through.
• Graphic design and video skills, or experience with platforms like Canva, will be advantageous.
• Awareness of data protection legislation relating to marketing/communications activities.
• Current knowledge of African/international relations and the latest trends in the media landscape.
• Planning, project management and financial management skills.
• This critical position requires an organised, innovative, and self-motivated person, who possesses a digital-first skills set along with excellent writing and editing skills.

Application Details

Digital Communications Manager Ref: DCM

For more info:

[e-mail]