Head Newsroom & Publications

University of Cape Town; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading South African university in Cape Town seeks an experienced editorial manager to manage key content projects and oversee newsroom operations. Candidates should have a minimum NQF 7 qualification in journalism or media studies and five years of communications experience, including three years in a senior editorial role. The position includes ensuring compliance with copyright laws and maintaining the journalistic ethics of published content. Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful storytelling.

Qualifications

• Five or more years of experience in communications, publications, or newsroom environments, with at least three years at a senior level.
• Experience in an editorial capacity as a copy editor, sub-editor, editor, or writer.

Responsibilities

• Manage key editorial projects from conceptualisation to completion.
• Oversee the running of the newsroom and mentor junior writers.
• Ensure content complies with copyright laws and ethical standards.
• Align output with the UCT vision and CMD’s strategy.

Skills

Effective communication skills

Managerial capability

Education

NQF 7 or higher qualification in journalism, media studies, or communication sciences

Job description

Job Location: Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Application Deadline: February 04, 2026

EQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB:

• An appropriate NQF 7 or higher tertiary qualification preferably in journalism, media studies, communication sciences or related field
• Five or more years of experience in communications, publications, or newsroom environments, of which at least three years must be at a senior level.
• Experience must have been in an editorial capacity either as a copy editor, sub-editor, editor or a writer
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and sound managerial capability

IT IS ADVANTAGEOUS TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Current editorial conventions and practices.
• Current South African media landscape.
• The higher education sector.
• South African Press practices, especially relating to republishing content, use of images and photographs [including those relating to minors], permissions for reuse of external content.
• Online publishing conventions [both local and international]

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Manage and drive key editorial projects, publications and other content generated by the unit from conceptualisation to completion.
• Manage the overall running of the newsroom and work closely with the senior writer in mentoring junior writers.
• Ensure that written and audio-visual content published on all platforms is not in contravention of copyright laws and other laws relating to the protection of people’s dignity; as well as rights enshrined in the South African Constitution.
• Ensure that journalistic ethics and high standards of accuracy and professionalism are maintained at all times.
• Ensure that UCT News and Publications are in alignment with the UCT vision and CMD’s overall strategy, making output much more visible, accessible and relevant.
• Work closely with other managers within CMD and the wider UCT community to ensure that online news seamlessly integrates across all websites, and a variety of multimedia and social media platforms while maintaining tone, accuracy and brand consistency.

Closing date: 16 February 2026