Events and Communication Manager

University of Pretoria; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600 000 - 800 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university invites applications for an Event and Communications Manager. This role involves strategic leadership in events and communications, developing university-wide strategies, and managing a diverse range of events. Ideal candidates will possess a Bachelor's degree in Communications/Marketing and have at least 8 years of experience in a relevant field. Candidates are expected to coordinate closely with internal and external stakeholders to enhance the university's visibility and reputation.

Benefits

Opportunity to work in a leading research environment

Professional development and training

Networking opportunities in academia

Qualifications

• 8 years of experience in communications strategy and event strategy.
• Experience in academic or research settings.
• Ability to work under pressure and ensure quality output.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership of events and communications functions.
• Develop and implement a CAS communications strategy.
• Organise fundraising events and ensure compliance.

Skills

Budgeting and procurement processes

Communications principles

Marketing strategies

Digital marketing principles

Multimedia production

Data analytics

Computer literacy

Language skills

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Communications/Marketing

Tools

Google Analytics

Social media platforms

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Overview

Event and Communications Manager (3‑Year Fixed‑Term Contract) – POST LEVEL 7

The University of Pretoria invites applications for this vacancy. The University is one of South Africa’s top research universities and is committed to quality, diversity and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

To provide strategic and operational leadership of CAS’s events and communications functions. To elevate CAS’s visibility and reputation internally at UP, nationally, across Africa and globally. To design and deliver a coherent calendar of scholarly events, seminars and public engagements. To support research translation and stakeholder engagement through compelling, compliant, and data‑driven communications. To contribute to resource mobilisation through aligned messaging, donor‑facing content and partner stewardship.

• Develop and implement a CAS communications strategy and annual workplan aligned to UP policies and CAS’s 2026–2028 priorities.
• Define audience segmentation, key messages, channel mix and content calendar; ensure brand and corporate identity compliance.
• Coordinate with UP central communications/marketing for alignment and amplification.
• Design and lead CAS’s annual transdisciplinary conference: concept, programme curation, speakers, partnerships, sponsorship/host agreements, logistics, marketing, registration and post‑event outputs.
• Manage a year‑round events portfolio (seminars, lectures, workshops, policy dialogues, colloquia, fellow showcases), including hybrid/virtual delivery.
• Organise fundraising events.
• Ensure that projects associated with the Centre are appropriate for the activities of the Centre and that the funding obtained is sufficient to achieve the objectives of the projects.
• Serve as a primary liaison for communications and events stakeholders (internal: CAS staff, fellows, students; external: funders, partners, media, service providers).
• Support research leads and postdoctoral fellows with profiling, knowledge translation and event communications.
• Establish dashboards and tracking KPIs across visibility, engagement, event participation, content performance and media uptake.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports to the Director and management on progress, insights and corrective actions.
• Prepare and manage communications and events budgets; forecast, monitor and control expenditure.
• Oversee compliant procurement and vendor management per UP policies; verify and track invoices.

Minimum Requirements

A Bachelor’s Degree in Communications/Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism or related field; 8 years of work experience in communications strategy and event strategy within academic, research, non‑profit or comparable institutional settings; content development and editing across digital, social, print and multimedia; media relations and press material development; brand management and corporate identity compliance; stakeholder/vendor management and cross‑functional collaboration; budgeting and procurement processes for communications/events.

Required Competencies

• Knowledge of budgeting, procurement processes and financial compliance in communications projects.
• Knowledge of communications principles, strategies and tools, including corporate communication, internal communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Knowledge of marketing strategies, brand positioning and reputation management, including alignment with institutional branding protocols.
• Knowledge of digital marketing principles, online campaigns, analytics and social media engagement.
• Knowledge of multimedia production, graphic design principles and digital storytelling (video, podcasts, infographics and other related forms of content development).
• Knowledge of data analytics and metrics‑driven communications, including social media metrics, website traffic analysis and campaign ROI measurement.
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet, social media).
• Language and communication/presentation skills (written and spoken).
• Design, implement and evaluate integrated communications strategies and workplans aligned with institutional goals.
• Tracking, evaluating and reporting communication performance using digital tools (Google Analytics, social media insights and survey platforms).
• Generate, curate and edit high‑quality content for print, online, social and broadcast platforms.
• Ability to perform effectively in high‑pressure or time‑sensitive situations, maintaining composure, focus and quality of output.
• Ability to work methodically and accurately, ensuring communications, reports and outputs are free from errors and meet high standards.
• Ability to negotiate and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes while preserving relationships.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within complex teams.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders at all levels (academics, students, donors, media, partners).
• Ability to represent the institute in high‑level engagements with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to use digital platforms effectively to amplify institutional messaging.
• Ability to lead and coordinate cross‑functional communication projects from conception to delivery.
• Ability to mentor, coach and develop team members and interns in communications functions.

Added Advantages and Preferences

• Experience in higher education or research ecosystems; transdisciplinary or pan‑African programmes.
• Donor/partner communications and advancement support, including impact narratives and reporting.
• Digital analytics (web, social, email) and use of dashboards for decision‑making.
• Working in multicultural, multilingual contexts with sensitivity to diverse audiences.
• A valid driver’s licence.
• Marketing Association of SA, Digital Media and Marketing Association, Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa.
• Verbal and written comprehension of Francophone.
• Project management qualification.

All shortlisted candidates may be required to participate in relevant skills assessments as part of the selection process.

Applicants are requested to apply online at www.up.ac.za and follow the link: Careers@UP.

In applying for this post, please attach a cover letter; a comprehensive CV; certified copies of qualifications; and the names, e‑mail addresses and telephone details of three referees whom we have permission to contact.

Closing date: 20 January 2026. No application will be considered after the closing date, or if it does not comply with at least the minimum requirements.

Enquiries: Ms M Molema, Tel: [phone], [e-mail] for application‑related enquiries; Ms Kirsty Nepomuceno, [e-mail] for post‑related content.

Should you not hear from the University of Pretoria by 30 April 2026, please accept that your application has been unsuccessful.

The University of Pretoria is committed to equality, employment equity and diversity. In accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets, preference may be given but is not limited to candidates from under‑represented designated groups. All candidates who comply with the requirements for appointment are invited to apply. By applying for this vacancy, the candidates consent to undergo verification of personal credentials and related information including, but not limited to, qualifications, criminal record, credit record, current and historic disciplinary proceedings as part of the selection process. The University of Pretoria reserves the right to not fill the advertised positions.