Strategy and Communications Officer

Chandler Institute of Justice; Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 350,000 - 550,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chandler Institute of Justice seeks an experienced Strategy and Communications Officer to lead the development of its organizational strategies. The ideal candidate will excel in communications, possess a strong branding portfolio, and have proven experience in strategic planning and stakeholder engagement and will play a vital role in enhancing institutional visibility and community engagement.

Qualifications

• 5-7 years of progressive experience in strategic communications and marketing roles.
• Strong portfolio demonstrating branding capabilities and storytelling abilities.
• Proficiency with design and editing tools is an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of CIJ’s organisational, business, and communications strategy.
• Implement and manage internal and external communications strategies.
• Plan and coordinate high-impact events, ensuring they reflect CIJ’s brand identity.

Skills

Strategic communication

Branding

Storytelling

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Attention to detail

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Business

Bachelor’s degree in Communications

Bachelor’s degree in Marketing

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism

Tools

Canva

Adobe Creative Suite

Final Cut Pro

Premiere Pro

Job description

About Chandler Institute of Justice

Chandler Institute of Justice (CIJ) is a consulting firm that works with African governments by leveraging the transformative power of law reform to enhance good governance and facilitate social mobility and inclusive economic development. CIJ is founded on the philosophy that, through concerted efforts and strategic investments in developing effective legal frameworks, African countries can build resilient societies founded on the principles of justice, prosperity, and inclusivity.

Focus Areas

Good Governance: Legal frameworks that establish the institutional mechanisms necessary to prevent abuse of power, corruption, and arbitrary decision-making, thus promoting cultures of integrity, good governance, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights

Economic Development: Legal frameworks that provide the foundation for economic thriving activity by establishing clear and enforceable laws that create a conducive environment for investment, entrepreneurship, and innovation, fostering economic growth and prosperity

Social Mobility: Legal frameworks that promote social justice, equity, and inclusivity by protecting the rights of marginalized groups, ensuring access to justice, and fostering social cohesion. These include laws that govern education, healthcare, housing, labour rights, and social protection with the aim to contribute to the well-being and prosperity of individuals and communities, thus addressing inequalities and promoting social mobility

Role

CIJ is seeking an experienced and innovative Strategy and CommunicationsOfficer to lead the review and development of CIJ’s organisational, business, and communications strategy. This individual will supports specific aspects of strategy execution, and organisational brand-building and storytelling efforts.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator, strategy-minded, multimedia-savvy, design-minded, and highly organised — equally comfortable with developing business strategic plans, communication plans, and storytelling.

Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Documentation:

• Support the development of organisational and business strategies through research, data tracking, annual planning support, and preparation of strategic reports and presentations
• Maintain and regularly update CIJ’s internal strategic documents and corporate collateral to ensure consistency and accuracy

Communications, Content and Branding:

• Develop, implement, and manage internal and external communications strategies, ensuring consistent brand identity, effective messaging, and coordinated crisis response
• Create and oversee engaging written and visual content across various media, manage public relations and media outreach, and produce organisational publications

Digital Marketing and Engagement:

• Manage digital marketing initiatives, including overseeing website and social media channels, engaging online communities, and leveraging analytics to refine digital outreach strategies

Event Executive and Stakeholder Support:

• Perform secretariat functions for CIJ’s Board, including coordinating meetings, preparing minutes, and managing administrative documentation
• Support the Executive Director with cross-cutting strategic projects, funder engagement initiatives (prospecting, pitch materials, impact reporting), and high-impact event management, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives

Event Management and Institutional Visibility:

• Plan, coordinate, and brand high-impact internal and external events, including Board meetings, retreats, conferences, and launches
• Ensure events reflect CIJ’s brand identity, support institutional objectives, and foster visibility, partnerships, and team cohesion

Requirements

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in strategic communications and marketing roles
• Strong portfolio of work demonstrating branding capabilities, strategic communication and storytelling ability
• Proficiency with design, editing, and publishing tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro) will be an added advantage
• Ability to manage social media platforms and digital campaigns with measurable impact
• Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to distill complex ideas into engaging content
• Experience managing brand assets and communications during organisational or reputational challenges
• Exceptional project management, stakeholder engagement, and reporting capabilities
• Attention to detail, creative thinking, and a proactive, collaborative work ethic

Administrative Details

Start date: Immediate preferred

Compensation: Competitive base salary

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field, ideally with some exposure to strategy, planning, and/or communications functions

Experience: 5–7 years of progressive experience in strategic communications and marketing roles

Languages: Excellent command of English required (written and spoken)

Travel : Based in Cape Town, South Africa