Senior Communications Officer

Placements24; Stellenbosch Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid benefits

Provident fund

Paid time off

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24, on behalf of our client in Paarl, Western Cape, seeks a Senior Communications Officer to shape and disseminate the organization's message, build community engagement, and foster stakeholder relationships. The role combines strategic planning with hands-on content creation across website, newsletters, and press releases in a hybrid work setting.

You will lead communication plans, manage social media, support fundraising and advocacy materials, and ensure consistent brand messaging

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Proven experience in content creation for websites and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and media contacts.
• Familiarity with social media management tools and website content management systems (CMS).
• Experience in event support and community outreach is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies aligned with organizational goals and mission.
• Create engaging and informative content for websites, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Manage and update the organization's website and social media channels, ensuring a consistent brand voice.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, journalists, and community stakeholders.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews, providing accurate and timely information.
• Assist in developing and executing crisis communication plans.
• Monitor media coverage and social media sentiment, reporting on key trends and insights.
• Organize and support communication aspects of community events and outreach programs.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather stories and highlight the impact of the organization's work.
• Ensure all communications adhere to brand guidelines and messaging protocols.
• Support the development of fundraising and advocacy materials from a communication perspective.

Skills

Written and verbal communication

Editing and proofreading

Content creation (web and social media

Stakeholder relation building

CMS familiarity

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Marketing

Tools

CMS (e.g., WordPress)

Social media management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic non-profit organization dedicated to community development in **Paarl, Western Cape**, is seeking a skilled and passionate Senior Communications Officer. This role is instrumental in shaping and disseminating the organization's message, building community engagement, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, media, and the public. The ideal candidate will possess excellent writing and editing skills, a strategic approach to communication, and a deep commitment to the organization's mission. You will be responsible for developing communication plans, managing social media, creating compelling content, and ensuring consistent brand messaging across all platforms. The position involves a hybrid work model, allowing for flexibility while maintaining essential in-person collaboration at the **Paarl, Western Cape** office. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful social impact and enhance the visibility of vital community initiatives. The focus will be on building a strong narrative around the organization's work and impact. We are seeking an individual who can effectively communicate the value and reach of our client's programs. The role demands creativity, empathy, and a strong understanding of diverse community needs. The objective is to amplify the organization's voice and impact within the **Paarl, Western Cape** region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication strategies aligned with organizational goals and mission.
• Create engaging and informative content for various platforms, including website, social media, newsletters, and press releases.
• Manage and update the organization's website and social media channels, ensuring a consistent brand voice.
• Build and maintain relationships with local media outlets, journalists, and community stakeholders.
• Respond to media inquiries and coordinate interviews, providing accurate and timely information.
• Assist in developing and executing crisis communication plans.
• Monitor media coverage and social media sentiment, reporting on key trends and insights.
• Organize and support communication aspects of community events and outreach programs.
• Collaborate with program staff to gather stories and highlight the impact of the organization's work.
• Ensure all communications adhere to brand guidelines and messaging protocols.
• Support the development of fundraising and advocacy materials from a communication perspective.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 4 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a similar role, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Proven experience in content creation for websites and social media platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders and media contacts.
• Familiarity with social media management tools and website content management systems (CMS).
• Experience in event support and community outreach is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• A genuine passion for community development and the mission of non-profit organizations.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Understanding of the local **Paarl, Western Cape** context is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, and provides opportunities for professional development through relevant training and workshops. Comprehensive medical aid benefits are included. A provident fund is available for long-term savings. Employees are entitled to generous paid time off, including vacation leave, sick days, and public holidays. This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility with regular in-office work in **Paarl, Western Cape**, and remote working options. Our client fosters a supportive and mission-driven work environment. Access to necessary communication tools and resources is provided. This role presents a rewarding opportunity to use communication skills to make a tangible difference in the **Paarl, Western Cape** community.