Head of Department Corporate Communications at Vaal University of Technology

JOB DESCRIPTION
Key performance areas include but are not limited to:

• Develop and implement a communication strategy that includes media outreach and social media content creation, and is aligned to the overall corporate communication and marketing plan
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of the Corporate Communications Department
• On-time production and distribution of relevant information about VUT to all internal and external stakeholders
• Establish and maintain good relations with a range of media houses and journalists
• Develop media releases and coordinate media conferences
• Ensure optimum use and maintenance of all VUT communication channels
• Facilitate the development and issuing of all VUT publications
• Develop and coordinate inputs for VUT newsletters (digital and print)
• Ensure uniformity of corporate branding across all VUT publications and correspondence
• Manage and coordinate all internal communications
• Support and evaluate results of communication campaigns
• Ensure content on VUT websites is up to date
• Monitor and improve VUT media coverage
• Respond to media enquiries and requests
• Enhance the image of VUT through a range of media platforms and promote VUT’s academic programmes, positive achievements and services.

APPLICATION CRITERIA:
Qualification and experience:

• M+4 in Communication, Public Relations or Journalism
• 3-5 year’s management experience in a Communication and Media Relations environment
• Knowledge of different media channels and their application
• Proven social media and networking expertise
• Extensive experience in the writing and production of promotional materials
• Strategic and creative mind-set
• Working knowledge of the formulation of policies and procedures.
• Working knowledge of public relations, budget and performance management
• Works well under pressure and meets tight deadlines
• Development and implementation of a media strategy and media relations plan

Skills and Competencies:

• Excellent Business English writing skills, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Extraordinary attention to detail (for proofreading)
• Above-average interpersonal and presentation skills, planning and organising, initiative, team leadership

CLOSING DATE FOR APPLICATIONS: 13 November 2024

Applications should include:

• A fully completed prescribed application form which can be obtained from https://vut.ac.za/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Application-of-Employment-Form-updated.pdf
• A detailed curriculum vitae (explicitly stating experience or knowledge in the above-mentioned fields)
• Certified copies of all academic certificates/degrees
• Certified copy of ID
• Current contact information of referees
• Please email applications to [email protected] and quote the post reference and post description in the subject line.
• No manual applications will be accepted. Incomplete applications or applications without the application form and required documents will be disregarded.
• Only applications made on our application for employment form would be considered.
• Communication will be entered into with short-listed candidates only. If you don’t hear from VUT within 3 months deem your application as unsuccessful.