Communication and Digital Specialist (Pretoria) at Adams & Adams

Description

• The Marketing Communications and Digital Specialist is responsible for leading and executing an integrated marketing communications and digital strategy for the firm.  The incumbent will drive firm-wide communications (beyond just the marketing department), ensuring a consistent and positive image of the business both internally and externally. 
• Working closely with the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and other senior stakeholders, the Specialist will provide strategic direction for all digital marketing initiatives and communications campaigns, manage a small team of marketing staff, oversee external partners (including PR and digital agencies), and take ownership of budgeting and performance metrics for marketing communications. 
• A key focus of this role is to leverage internal and external communications, such as thought leadership articles, client newsletters, press releases, and social media content, to support the firm’s business development objectives, drive brand awareness, generate quality leads, and enhance client engagement. 
• By combining leadership, creative communication expertise, and data-driven digital marketing skills, the Marketing Communications and Digital Specialist will ensure that marketing and communications efforts effectively contribute to the firm’s growth and strategic goals. The specialist is expected to monitor and analyse the effectiveness of all initiatives, continually optimising strategies to meet or exceed set metrics while managing resources and budgets efficiently.

COMPETENCIES & KEY ACTIVITIES

Leadership & Strategic Vision

• Strategic Planning: lead the development of the firm’s integrated marketing communications and digital marketing strategy, in alignment with overall vision and business goals.
• Strategic Initiatives: identify and champion new opportunities (e.g., adoption of emerging digital platforms, innovative communication campaigns) to enhance the firm’s brand presence and support revenue growth.
• Decision-Making: set priorities for marketing communications initiatives and make data-driven decisions to optimise campaign outcomes and ROI.

Team & Vendor Management

• Leadership of Team: supervise, mentor, and develop junior marketing staff (e.g., Marketing Coordinator or Assistant), providing guidance, feedback, and professional development to build a high-performing team.
• Vendor Management: manage relationships with external service providers, including the firms appointed public relations agency and digital marketing agency. Set clear expectations, provide direction, and monitor performance of these vendors to ensure quality deliverables and alignment with the firm’s strategy.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: foster strong collaboration with internal departments and senior leadership, acting as the firm’s central point for communications and ensuring messaging consistency across the organisation.

Digital Marketing and Content

• Digital Campaign Oversight: oversee and contribute to all digital marketing activities (e.g., website content management, SEO/SEM/AdWords campaigns, social media management, email marketing) to drive online visibility and lead generation.
• Content Creation and Management: direct the creation of high-quality, targeted content (including articles, thought leadership pieces, press releases, social media posts, videos, internal newsletters) that enhance the firm’s brand and engage both external audiences (clients, industry stakeholders) and internal employees.
• Editorial Oversight: ensure consistency in brand voice and messaging. Review and refine content produced by the team or contributors (proofreading articles, newsletters, etc.) to maintain high standards of writing quality and adherence to branding guidelines.

Internal Communication and Events

• Firm-Wide Internal Comms: oversee the planning and delivery of internal communication across the firm (not just within the marketing department).
• Develop and implement internal communication plans to keep all staff informed and engaged, including crafting firm-wide announcements, leadership communications, and managing the internal newsletter, and other employee communication channels.
• Internal Events: lead the coordination and execution of key internal events (e.g., partner meetings, internal training sessions like “Legal Connexion” and “Adams Assembly,” and the annual year-end staff event) to ensure they are well-organised, engaging, and reinforce company culture.
• Stakeholder Engagement: collaborate with partners, practice area leaders, and other departments to source content (awards, success stories, updates) for internal communications and ensure alignment with overall firm messaging.

External Communication and Brand Management

• Public Relations & Media: serve as the primary liaison with PR agency and media outlets.  Work with firm partners and the PR company to identify newsworthy developments (e.g., major client wins, awards, landmark cases) and develop press releases, media pitches, and thought leadership columns for publication).
• Brand & Reputation Management: manage the firm’s presence on external platforms, including industry memberships and directories (e.g., Chambers, Legal 500, WIPR, WTR, MIP). Ensure all firm and individual profiles are current and compelling, highlighting recognitions and awards.
• Seek out and leverage opportunities to raise brand profile through active involvement with directory and membership platforms (events, seminars, sponsorships, etc)
• Global & Regional Outreach: Digital Marketing and Content
• Budgeting and Performance Management
• Budget Ownership: develop and manage the marketing communications and digital marketing budget. Plan, allocate, and monitor spending for all related campaigns, platforms, and events. Ensure that projects are executed within budget and provide justification for expenditures, demonstrating prudent cost management.
• Metrics & Analytics: establish key performance indicators (KPIs) for digital marketing and communications initiatives (e.g., website traffic, social media engagement, lead conversion, internal newsletter engagement). Regularly track and analyse performance data (in partnership with the digital agency and using analytics tools) to assess effectiveness.
• Reporting & Optimisation: prepare and present monthly and quarterly reports on all marketing communications and digital activities. Highlight results against targets and firm objectives, and use insights to adjust strategies, campaigns, or budget allocations to continuously improve results.

Requirements

EDUCATION

• Degree/Diploma (required)
• Bachelor’s degree or national diploma in Marketing, Communications, Digital Marketing or a related field
• Post Graduate Qualification (preferred):
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., Honors or Master’s in Marketing, Communications, Digital Marketing) or relevant professional certifications (e.g., Digital Marketing, Content Strategy, SEO/Analytics certifications). 

EXPERIENCE

• 5–7 years of progressive experience in marketing communications, digital marketing, or a related role in a corporate or professional services environment
• Leadership and Team Management - experience managing or mentoring junior marketing/communications staff and coordinating work with external vendors or agencies
• Strategic Marketing and Communications - proven ability to develop and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns, digital initiatives, and communication strategies aligned with business objectives
• Budget and Project Management - hands-on experience planning and managing marketing or communication projects, including budget management and meeting project deadlines and goals
• Business Development Collaboration - familiarity with working alongside sales or business development teams to utilise marketing communications for lead generation, client engagement, and supporting revenue growth
• Industry Background - experience in a professional services or B2B environment (e.g., law firm consulting, financial services) is highly advantageous, with an understanding of how to communicate effectively within such environments.
• Communication and Collaboration - strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with internal and external stakeholders and promote the firm's brand
• Reporting - the ability to prepare and present clear and concise reports to stakeholders
• Negotiation - strong negotiation skills to secure favourable terms with vendors and suppliers