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
ROLES AND 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.
- Working with SAIIA’s web developer, oversee the technical aspects of SAIIA’s website and databases so that they are robust and responsive to our needs.
- Manage the communication department’s budget.
- Manage the reporting for the communications unit, using relevant analytics tools to assess the impact of SAIIA’s digital communication and media engagement.
- The candidate will 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 various content such as newsletters, press releases, social media posts, and website articles. Create basic infographics and text-based videos that package research findings in engaging ways. (Training will be provided if required.)
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