Job Details

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll  - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.  The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements, as well as the following standard documentation:
                                                                  
•    A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
•    Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation).
•    A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
•    Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).
 

Duties and responsibilities

Strategic Management of Internal Communication 
•    Develop and implement effective internal communication strategies to enhance organizational transparency.
•    Coordinate the creation and distribution of internal communications through various channels to ensure consistent and timely messaging.
•    Collaborate with different departments to gather relevant information for internal communications and ensure alignment with DCM and the UFS objectives and goals.
•    Provide input into the strategy of the Department Communication and Marketing.
•    Support the university’s global rankings project by aligning internal communication with strategic priorities; this includes the work done by the Content Hub. 
•    Develop operational plans for the Unit for Internal Communication.
•    Serve on the departmental Crisis Communication team.
•    Provide input into the departmental Risk Register.
•    Serve on the Reputation Management Forum.
•    Manage and maintain internal communication platforms, including newsletters, intranet, and other digital channels.
•    Assist in handling crisis communication and sensitive information dissemination with discretion and professionalism.

Functional Management 
•    Supply direct support and advice to the Senior Director in the functioning of the Unit for Internal Communication. 
•    Align with the strategic and operational plans regarding integrated communication and marketing and ensure alignment with the strategic areas of the UFS.
•    Contribute to collaboration and innovation within the Department of Communication and Marketing.
•    Provide strategic management support to the Unit for Internal Communication. 
•    Manage the operational use of policies and procedures of best practice in the Department of Communication and Marketing. 
•    Benchmark best practices in the internal communication space and drive the improvement in relevant teams. 
•    Identify relevant market research pertaining to the brand reputation concerning internal communication initiatives at UFS and spearhead the implementation of necessary adaptations within the Department of Communication and Marketing.

Internal Communication Coordination:
•    Develop and implement internal communication protocols. 
•    Develop an internal content strategy indicating the key and supporting messages.
•    Compile an annual internal content calendar, including all the internal channels managed by DCM. 
•    Coordinate the creation of content for and oversee the distribution of internal communication channels, i.e. Digest, Newsflash, student newsletter, intranet, ufs4life email etc.
•    Review content provided for publication on internal communication platforms for quality and alignment with the institutional strategy.   
•    Develop a channel map and a roll-out plan for internal communication channels.
•    Act as editor/producer of institutional magazines and corporate profiles, i.e. Dumela, Bult, the institutional profile, ad-hoc publications. This includes development of content plans and production schedules and liaising with graphic designers. 
•    Act as producer of institutional videos. This includes development of content plans, production schedules and coordination of the script writing process. 
•    Measure the success of the internal communication strategy and report on findings to the Senior Director: Communication and Marketing. 

Internal Communication Campaign Coordination:
•    Coordinate the planning of campaigns and special projects according to DCM priorities as well as the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s internal stakeholder engagement programme.
•    Measure the impact of awareness campaigns and special projects and report on findings to the Senior Director: Communication and Marketing. 

Coordinate DCM’s content hub:
•    Act as Editor of the Content Hub.
•    Chair the editorial meetings of the Content Hub. 
•    Update the weekly Content Hub news list. 
•    Curate content for the Content Hub in multimedia format according to assigned portfolio.
•    Coordinate the services of freelance language editors.
•    Coordinate the services of freelance writers.
•    Repurpose content submitted to the Content Hub for use in other internal communication channels.
•    Coordinate updating of the style guides.
•    Coordinate the university’s Executive Communication Strategy. 
•    Coordinate the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s content calendar. 

People Management:
•    Develop, implement, and monitor performance indicators for the Unit. 
•    Develop job profiles for team members.
•    Supervise and develop team members by identifying various learning and development opportunities. 
•    Develop skills and professional development plans for the Unit.
•    Motivate, manage, and maintain unity of purpose of the team. 
•    Manage the day-to-day operations of staff members to ensure professional ways of work and HR-related matters.
•    Monitor adherence to relevant policies and procedures.
•    Conduct regular performance reviews to formally evaluate employee performance.

Financial Management: 
•    Manage costs against the approved budget of the Unit in line with organisational policies and guidelines.
•    Identify, assess, and mitigate any financial risks that could impact the Unit’s financial performance and stability.
•    Compile the Unit’s annual budget.
•    Conduct ring-fencing of the budget as and when required. 
•    Assess and review budget status against projects. 
•    Investigate and implement methods to optimise financial resources and save cost.

Continuous Professional Development
•    Maintain awareness of industry trends and best practices. 
•    Professional development training to improve current skills and competencies and to obtain new skills and competencies for the position to remain competitive in the field of Communication and Marketing.
•    Take part in continuous personal development and training. This is done by attending conferences, webinars and doing on the on-the-job training. 

Trendspotting 
•    Conduct ongoing research on industry trends, technological advancements, and cultural shifts.
•    Monitor competitors, market dynamics, and regulatory changes to identify potential opportunities or threats.
•    Work closely with various departments, including Reputation Management Forum to share trends and insights.
•    Collaborate with external partners, industry experts, and thought leaders to gain diverse perspectives.

Inherent Job Requirements

•    Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 in Corporate Communication/Marketing/Media Studies or closely related field. 
•    Minimum of four (4) years' relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations

•    Honours degree/postgraduate diploma/professional bachelor’s degree on NQF Level 8 in Journalism/ Media Studies/ Communication, or a related field
•    Experience in managing a team.
•    Exceptional writing skills.
•    Knowledge of journalism and corporate communication.
•    Demonstrable knowledge of internal communication reporting using analytical data. 
•    Work experience in the higher education environment. 
•    Proven proficiency in corporate writing and experience in writing relevant content for digital and print channels/publications, including design processes (print and electronic).
•    Proven experience in producing corporate videos. 
•    Experience in managing internal digital communication platforms in a higher education environment.
•    Experience of project management.
•    Experience in publication and design processes (print and electronic) and principles.
•    Knowledge of industry best practices.
•    Extensive experience in content research and writing in the higher education sector at a senior level.
•    Proven record of producing high-quality, impactful content across a broad range of topics.
•    Experience in speechwriting.
•    Familiarity with multimedia production, including digital content creation.
•    Basic project management skills.
•    Prior experience in public relations, with a focus on institutional communication.
•    Experience in a higher education environment is preferred.
•    Advanced computer skills, especially in MS Word and PowerPoint.
•    Basic photography skills.

Key Competencies:

•    Results Orientated:
-    The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
-    The ability to be reliable, responsible, dependable and to fulfil obligations.
•    Strategic Thinking:
-    The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
-    The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
•    Business Acumen:
-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
-    Proficient in using MS Office.
•    Leading:
-    The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
-    The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
•    Building Coalitions:
-    The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
-    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
01 August 2025 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:
24 June 2025

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits: 
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries, please feel free to contact 051 401 9814 or email MakolaCM@ufs.ac.za  or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9810/ 9848 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf 

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.