Strategic Communications Specialist

SUMMARY:
Develop and implement a stakeholder engagement and strategic communications strategy and plan to enhance the Company’s profile as a thought leader in the sectors through strategic communication.  To position the Company as a leader in its field through best-in-class content so that industry stakeholders associate the Company with insight, thought-leadership and authority

POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION

Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Strategic Communication Plan Development and Implementation Co-create the Company Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and Strategic Communications Plan, focusing on strategic communication to enhance the Company’s profile as a thought leader and AUTHORITY in the Company.

• Consult and network with the various departments on strategic communication requirements and determine or decide on appropriate action.
• Collaborate with the relevant internal stakeholders (Experts, managers and executives) to implement the annual strategic communications plan.
• Assist and provide support to the Manager: Communications and Marketing regarding the preparation of key announcements and matters related to the Company operations.
• Implement the guidelines and protocols for stakeholder relationship management and engagement with strategic partners.

• Provide focused strategic communications support to all internal departments across the Company to effectively communicate key messages and build internal branding according to the Stakeholder Engagement Strategy and objectives
• Manage and oversee strategic communication projects and campaigns as requested by executives and managers.
• Implement printed and digital thought leadership campaigns.
• Arrange for the publication and communication of Company research results through various media including presentations at professional conferences, publications in academic journals and industry journals.
• Liaise with external communications vendors to ensure consistency and high-quality deliverables.

• Prepare the Annual Report content plan, interview executive managers, consolidate management reports and complete copy writing for approval.
• Content development and editing for all additional publications such as the Company Quarterly Newsletters, banners, information brochures, pamphlets, case studies and programme information as needed to ensure compliance with communication and marketing strategies
• Ensure all Company official documents are proofread according to language norms and standards.
• Develop terminology by researching, creating and recording terms.
• Provide specialised advice on language, grammar and terminology to colleagues and external role player
• Assist in the preparation of speeches for Executive Management of the Company.

• Develop and implement internal communication activities aligned to the strategic communications plan, to enable timely, frequent and relevant information to the Company workforce.
• Manage and update all internal communication platforms such as noticeboards, posters, Company intranet, email banners etc.
• Support the implementation of the employee engagement activities as per the annual plan
• Assess the effectiveness of the internal communications campaigns through employee surveys and or other evaluation tools

• Ensure the implementation of the communications and marketing strategy, internal and external, in line with the Company’s strategic focus.
• Provide guidelines to managers regarding Company representation to ensure reputation, brand and image management and consistency in accordance with the communications and marketing strategy and to enhance the image of Company as thought leader in the sector.
• Create communication tools that convey the Company’s values, culture, mission, vision, and business objectives to its internal and external stakeholders and strategic partners.

• Manage relationships with key journalists and editors,
• Develop and maintain a current National database of all sector appropriate media / publications / journals etc
• Work closely with internal stakeholders and outsourced communication service provider/s to appropriately amplify thought leadership activities through social media and other communications activities.
• Assess and monitor the effectiveness of media coverage through various Media Coverage Reports.
• Provide guidance to internal stakeholders and communication and marketing vendors about the sectors.
• Produce content briefs regarding media releases and public distribution of information aligned to the Strategic Communications Plan and emerging public relations content.
• Review the draft submissions from the external communication vendors and recommend changes or submit for approval, according to the delegation of authority.

• Co-develop a portfolio of external events where Company executives and staff will need to be present, including, but not limited to, annual award nominations/lists, relevant panels, conferences and other speaking engagements and ensure deadlines are met for nominations / registrations / paper submissions etc.
• Pitch and secure new speaking engagements; respond to roster of incoming speaking opportunities.
• Secure executive management, manager and subject matter expert diaries and compile briefing packs
• Provide senior-level advisement and oversight of all opportunities for participation in conferences, speaking opportunities, keynote panels and other relevant engagements to executives and relevant individuals within the organisation.

• Utilise digital media such as Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube, and others, to help generate brand awareness and to distribute thought leadership content to build / increase credibility and reputation, create useful engagement, and to be seen as a voice of authority.
• Oversee the development of website-specific content and ensure search engine listing.
• Optimise the effectiveness of digital platforms for strategic communication purposes and increase the interactive use of Company digital and social media platforms by stakeholders, users/followers.

• Compile budgets for strategic communications initiatives for approval as per the Delegation of Authority guidelines.
• Manage and control projects, events and initiatives within budget parameters.
• Track, reconcile and consolidate strategic communication initiative expenses.

• Continue professional development through attendance of meetings, professional seminars, webinars and conferences.
• Take ownership and accountability for tasks and activities and demonstrate effective self-management in terms of planning, prioritising and self-development.
• Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity work standards are consistently and accurately maintained.

• B Degree or equivalent (NQF level 7) in relevant field, e.g., Communications/Public Relations or related

• 4 – 7 years’ experience in strategic communications, public relations, event management
• Experience in proactively building relationships with media and event partners, and in successfully positioning subject matter experts to achieve national and/or industry specific recognition

• Advanced Computer Literacy (MS Office package)

• Post-Graduate Degree or equivalent (NQF level 8) in relevant field, e.g., Communications/ Public Relations or related
• Experience in Thought Leadership Marketing
• Experience in the Educational/ Skills Development industry
• Project Management
• Digital Marketing

• The Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA)
• Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA)