Head of Communications

Ilifa Labantwana; Cape Town; Presencial; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Tempo integral

Resumo da oferta

Ilifa Labantwana is seeking an experienced Head of Communications to lead the next phase of strategic communications in South Africa. You will shape governance messages, translate complex systems-change work into compelling narratives, and strengthen Ilifa’s public voice with government, partners and funders.

You’ll oversee media relations, editorial standards and content strategy, ensuring evidence-informed communications from policy through to implementation is clearly conveyed to diverse

Qualificações

• Hold a degree in communications, journalism or a related field.
• At least five years’ experience in a mid-to-senior communications role.
• Ability to translate complex systems and data into clear narratives for varied audiences.

Responsabilidades

• Shape Ilifa’s overall communications strategy, narrative and positioning
• Translate complex systems-change work into clear and compelling stories and messages
• Identify opportunities to influence policy, public discourse and practice
• Turn evidence, implementation learning and sector insights into high-quality content
• Strengthen Ilifa’s media profile and thought leadership
• Oversee the quality of Ilifa’s website, publications, social media and other external communications
• Bring a communications perspective into programmes and initiatives from the outset
• Help teams think strategically about audiences, messaging and influence
• Support communications that strengthen relationships with government, partners and funders
• Ensure Ilifa communicates its role and contribution thoughtfully within a highly collaborative sector

Conhecimentos

Strategic communications

Storytelling

Media relations

Editorial judgement

Public policy understanding

Formação académica

Degree in communications/journalism

Descrição da oferta de emprego

At Ilifa Labantwana, we’re working to ensure that every young child in South Africa has access to quality early childhood development. We partner with government, communities and organisations to create better outcomes for children, caregivers and women.

We’re looking for an experienced communications professional to lead the next phase of Ilifa’s strategic communications.

About the role

Ilifa’s communications function has been significantly strengthened in recent years. We have a refreshed brand and visual identity, a new website, established communications channels and a growing public profile. The foundations are in place.

We now need someone who can build on them.

The Head of Communications will get deeply into the substance of Ilifa’s work, understandcomplex programmes and systems, and use communications strategically to help move the work forward.

This is a role for someone who combines strategy, storytelling and sound judgement. You’llshape how Ilifa communicates its work, strengthen our public voice and help teams think more strategically about audiences, messaging and influence.

Much of Ilifa’s work is done with and through government and in collaboration with sectorpartners. The role therefore requires judgement: knowing when Ilifa should lead, when we should amplify others, and how to communicate our contribution without claiming collectiveprogress as our own.

Key responsibilities

• Shape Ilifa’s overall communications strategy, narrative and positioning
• Translate complex systems-change work into clear and compelling stories andmessages
• Identify opportunities to influence policy, public discourse and practice
• Turn evidence, implementation learning and sector insights into high-quality content
• Strengthen Ilifa’s media profile and thought leadership
• Oversee the quality of Ilifa’s website, publications, social media and other externalcommunications
• Bring a communications perspective into programmes and initiatives from the outset
• Help teams think strategically about audiences, messaging and influence
• Support communications that strengthen relationships with government, partnersand funders
• Ensure Ilifa communicates its role and contribution thoughtfully within a highlycollaborative sector

What we’re looking for

• Hold a degree in communications, journalism or a related field, with at least fiveyears’ experience in a mid-to-senior communications role.
• Are curious about public systems and social change
• Enjoy turning complex ideas, research and data into clear and compelling narratives for a range of audiences
• Can move comfortably between policy discussions, programme implementationcommunicati ns strategy
• Understand the dynamics of government and civil society systems
• Are an excellent writer, editor and storyteller with strong editorial judgement andpresentation skills
• Build credibility through strong thinking and collaborative relationships
• Can work effectively with colleagues across different disciplines and areasofexpertise
• Are innovative, adaptable and comfortable navigating complexity, ambiguity andcompeting priorities.
• Care about quality and attention to detail while maintaining focus on the biggerpicture
• Lead the next phase of communications for an organisation working on some ofSouth Africa’s most important early childhood development challenges
• Work closely with teams spanning policy, financing, data, research and programmeimplementation
• Help translate complex systems-change work into communications that supportreal-world change
• Work in close partnership with government, civil society and other organisations across the ECD sector
• Join a collaborative team committed to improving outcomes for young children andtheir caregivers