Head Of Media at South African Institute of Race Relations (IRR)

Job description

South African Institute of Race Relations

Job Description:

• Develop and execute a media strategy for the Institute aligned to its brand strategy and research output
• Take editorial responsibility for all publications
• The media strategy must have as its focus the wide dissemination and interaction of the public with the Institute’s work.
• Key media targets include: newspaper citations, radio and TV interviews, social media interactions etc.
• The role of the media head will be to ensure that the Institute uses appropriate benchmarks to assess the reach and impact of its research, in addition to the targets set out above.
• Maintain the Institute’s media database
• Work with the research department to answer data/research queries from journalists
• Work with the research department to issue press releases
• Communicate with journalists/producers in arranging interviews and press briefings
• Ensure placement of articles written by policy fellows
• Ensure familiarity of journalists and SA media broadly with the entire breadth of the Institute’s work and core ideas.
• In addition to the core work described above will be required to drive promotions and ancillary campaigns as the need arises.

Skills/qualifications:

• Exceptional writing and editorial skills
• Good eye for public interest issues and a discerning ear for appropriate tone
• Degree/diploma in media related fields desirable but not essential
• Prior experience in a political environment or newsroom
• Good grasp of political and economic concepts
• Established relationships with editors, journalists, show producers etc. will be considered very favourably
• Working knowledge of CRM tools especially SAGE would be beneficial
• Proficiency in at least two languages essential: English and one other official South African language