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:
•    Coordinate the planning, development, publication, distribution, and optimisation of internal communication across institutional platforms, ensuring content is accurate, engaging, and aligned with institutional priorities.
•    Support institutional communication campaigns, projects, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and organisational communication by collaborating with faculties, support divisions, campuses, and DCM to deliver integrated communication.
•    Coordinate the operational activities of the Internal Communication Unit, including communication workflows, publication schedules, content approvals, administrative processes, and compliance with communication standards.
•    Monitor communication performance, analyse audience engagement, prepare communication reports and dashboards, and provide insights to support communication planning and continuous improvement.
•    Coordinate the development of creative and multimedia content, including digital storytelling, photography, videography, graphic design, and campaign content to enhance audience engagement.
•    Support the University's Content Hub through content planning, workflow coordination, institutional storytelling, content amplification, and the repurposing of content across communication platforms.
•    Perform ad hoc communication and administrative duties, provide operational support to the Assistant Director: Internal Communications, and participate in crisis communication activities when required.
 

Inherent requirements:
•    Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 7 in Corporate Communication, Communication Science, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, Marketing Communication, Strategic Communication, or a related field.
•    Minimum of two (2)  years’ relevant experience in internal communication, corporate communication or a related communication environment.

Recommendations:
•    Experience in higher education communication, marketing, or stakeholder engagement environments.
•    Experience in content management, editorial planning, or communication coordination.
•    Experience in communication analytics, reporting, and audience measurement.
•    Experience in photography, multimedia content creation, or visual storytelling.
•    Experience using design, photo-editing, or multimedia software.
•    Understanding of institutional storytelling and Content Hub models.
•    Valid driver's licence (attach a copy).
 

Required competencies: 
•    Results Orientated:
-    The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
-    The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations. 
•    Strategic Thinking:
-    The ability to deal with several activities at a time.
-    The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
•    Business Acumen:
-    The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
-    Proficient in using MS Office.
•    Leading:
-    The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others. 
-    The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
•    Building Coalitions:
-    The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.
-    The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:
As soon as possible.

Closing date:
27 July 2026

Salary:
The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R464 881.91 – R585 070.51 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

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 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za  or Recruit@ufs.ac.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659/9813 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: ufs-employment-equity-plan_2025.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.