Communications Manager at Eskom Pension and Provident Fund

Description

Content development and management

• Develop print materials and branding strategies for internal use, which presents a professional image of EPPF.
• Manage the production and distribution of promotional materials, checking compliance with budgeted figures.
• Leverage technology and modern communication methods i.e. websites and social media channels to drive a successful channel strategy.
• Act as a custodian of the EPPF brand to strengthen the reputation of the organisation.
• Oversee all EPPF content ensure professionalism and consistency of style, as custodian of the Writing Style Guide.
• Project manage and/or deliver all EPPF communication material, in liaison with the relevant stakeholders, achieving stipulated objectives.

Internal communications management

• Contribute to the formulation and implementation of an integrated internal communication strategy across corporate and client (active members and pensioners) groups; in collaboration with key internal stakeholders.
• Formulate and implement specific action plans to address internal communications requirements, quarterly.
• Ensure alignment of communication plans implemented with the organisation’s objectives.
• Act as a business partner to the internal departments for change communication and any departmental activities that require communication support.

Media relations and external communications management

• Contribute to implementation of an integrated external communication strategy, in collaboration with key internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the implementation of a crisis communication strategy and the management thereof.
• Manage communication campaigns for the Fund activities, drive measurable results, providing reported feedback to the Head of Communication on positive impact created through communication initiatives with EPPF’s stakeholders.
• Ensure alignment to the EPPF Communication Policy to drive continuity and consistency in the organisation’s communication.

Provide input to the management of the section

• Assist the Head of Communication in the compilation of comprehensive business reports for this function, highlighting successes and risks in terms of achieving the section’s objectives.
• Keep abreast with changes in relevant guidelines and other legislation and make recommendations where policies and procedures need amendment.
• Support implementation of processes and procedures that are relevant to the section and enhance service delivery.

Governance, compliance and reporting

• Adheres to and embeds the communication requirements that are set out by the Pension Fund’s Act and the Financial Services Board’s circulars on minimum communication requirements for pension funds.
• Ensure that all communication templates are updated regularly.
• Commit to regular update meetings with the Head of Communication to give feedback on compliance
• Assume responsibility for the maintenance of the Communication function’s institutional memory.

People Leadership 

• Manage planning of resource requirements, ensure sufficient capable resources are in place to meet service delivery demands, maintaining the effective and efficient capability of the department.
• Build a high performing team where the best people are deployed in the right roles and deliver against strategy.
• Ensure that all employees are motivated, developed.
• Manage employees’ performance and ensure that their individual and collective performance is of the required standard.
• Implement and maintain an effective system of internal controls and delegations of authority for the department, to ensure that accountability for decisions made.
• Inspires, aligns and engages employees around the vision and strategy of the Fund, maximising employee engagement and willingness to invest discretionary effort

Annual Budgets / Financial Management

• Manage the Marketing & Communications budget and ensure programme milestones related to marketing & communications are achieved on time and within budget.
• Compile and gain budget approval (with support of EPPF’s Board) in line with policy guidelines.
• Manage costs against guidelines and ensure alignment of expenditure with the budget.

Requirements

TECHNICAL COMPETENCY REQUIREMENTS 

• Good understanding of the South African media landscape
• In depth knowledge of brand management, public relations, marketing and integrated communication strategies (internal and external) using traditional and digital media channels
• In depth knowledge of CRM and big data analysis
• Insight into CRM and customer centricity principles
• Familiarity with Pension Fund industry and trends
• Reputation and crisis management skills
• Project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

REQUIRED MINIMUM EDUCATION/TRAINING

• Relevant bachelor’s degree in the field of public relations, communication, marketing, journalism or related field Registered with professional bodies where applicable.

REQUIRED MINIMUM WORK EXPERIENCE

• At least 6 years job-related experience, which should include at least 2 years’ experience in a management role (preferably in a corporate communication role or a communications agency).
• Working knowledge of the pension fund industry preferred