Communications Manager (6 Months Contract)

PURPOSE OF THE JOB: To lead, direct and manage the internal and external communication requirements for the organisation by implementing effective methodologies, frameworks, policies, procedures and systems to manage communication operations.

Destination Communication & Media Relations:

• Develop and implement an annual destination communications and media relations plan.
• Plan and conduct new research-based advertising strategies for current and subsequent years that will increase leisure and business travel market share.
• Conduct research and trend analysis on effective tourism promotion.
• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, media production companies, partners, stakeholders and external agencies, including proactively creating and managing media lists.
• Support and manage the implementation of safety perception and awareness programmes.
• Devise, write and issue press releases and features to the South African and international media to obtain editorial coverage.
• Responsible for collating, evaluating and reporting on media relations activity outputs.

Corporate PR and Communications:

• Develop an internal corporate communication strategy and plan which supports organisation’s strategic objectives.
• Develop and execute effective marketing communication programmes and campaigns.
• Monitor, track and report on post campaign performance and media coverage.
• Manage the reputation of organisation by driving awareness of the role of the Authority and its vision.
• Responsible for crisis communication and coordination, including the development of crisis communication protocols.
• Initiate, write, edit and distribute news announcements, features, and media statements.
• Organise various media channels and make use of affordable and effective media strategies, including paid media to promote tourism in Gauteng.
• Coordinate targeted interventions such as the visiting journalist programme etc.
• Development and management of internal communications tools including revamping of the organasation''s intranet.
• Ensure an integrated approach to internal stakeholder communication management.
• Conduct internal handling of media training.
• Serve as the editor of all organsation''s external and internal publications.

Develop and Implement Content and Campaign Landing:

• Manage all companie''s communication with the tourism industry, including the website, social media channels and newsletters.
• Establish the Media Content Hub to provide a broad range of information on upcoming events, new products and the latest news from Gauteng Tourism, destination Gauteng as well as access to the image library & other assets.
• Develop relationships with national, international and regional tourism-based publications and writers, tour operators and travel agents.
• Prepare and release press kits to media and build campaigns and stories for unique selling points.
• Implement a global media relations programme.
• Manage and produce the organisation''s destination newsletter.

Minimum Qualification Requirements:

• Appropriate 3 – year degree or equivalent level of qualification in a relevant discipline such as Communications, Journalism, Media Studies).
• A Relevant post graduate qualification in Journalism, Public Relations and Communications plus a recognised management/ leadership qualification will be advantageous.