Head: Newsroom & Publications at University of Cape Town

EQUIREMENTS FOR THE JOB:

• An appropriate NQF 7 or higher tertiary qualification preferably in journalism, media studies, communication sciences or related field
• Five or more years of experience in communications, publications, or newsroom environments, of which at least three years must be at a senior level.
• Experience must have been in an editorial capacity either as a copy editor, sub-editor, editor or a writer
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and sound managerial capability

IT IS ADVANTAGEOUS TO HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Current editorial conventions and practices.
• Current South African media landscape.
• The higher education sector.
• South African Press practices, especially relating to republishing content, use of images and photographs [including those relating to minors], permissions for reuse of external content.
• Online publishing conventions [both local and international]

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT NOT LIMITED TO:

• Manage and drive key editorial projects, publications and other content generated by the unit from conceptualisation to completion.
• Manage the overall running of the newsroom and work closely with the senior writer in mentoring junior writers.
• Ensure that written and audio-visual content published on all platforms is not in contravention of copyright laws and other laws relating to the protection of people’s dignity; as well as rights enshrined in the South African Constitution.
• Ensure that journalistic ethics and high standards of accuracy and professionalism are maintained at all times.
• Ensure that UCT News and Publications are in alignment with the UCT vision and CMD’s overall strategy, making output much more visible, accessible and relevant.
• Work closely with other managers within CMD and the wider UCT community to ensure that online news seamlessly integrates across all websites, and a variety of multimedia and social media platforms while maintaining tone, accuracy and brand consistency.

Closing date:    16 February 2026