Manager: Communications at Services Seta

Description

PR Strategy Development and Management

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies that align with the organisation's objectives and improve public perception
• Lead content strategy development to maintain brand consistency across channels
• Implement metrics to track the effectiveness of PR strategies and assess their value
• Plan and oversee communication material development
• Adhere to communications policies and procedures
• Direct communication initiatives for Board programmes
• Implement recommendations from media analysis reports

Content Creation and Editorial Oversight

• Oversee all communication to align with brand guidelines and PR objectives
• Drive continuous improvement in communication processes to enhance quality and efficiency
• Research, write, edit and update content across platforms (print, digital, and internal communication)
• Provide copywriting and proofreading services to project a professional image and maintain consistent tone across all organisational communications

Media Relations and Crisis Management

• Build and nurture strong relationships with key media contacts, identifying opportunities for positive coverage
• Develop and maintain a media contact database, tracking engagement and media reach
• Prepare and distribute press releases, media kits, and briefing materials for media interactions
• Coordinate media interviews, preparing spokespeople with key messages and talking points
• Monitor media coverage daily, identifying risks or trends that may impact the organisation
• Conduct regular publicity risk assessments, identifying areas where negative press could arise
• Develop crisis management strategies, including rapid response plans and internal communication protocols
• Coordinate with internal teams to gather accurate information during crises, ensuring timely, transparent, and accurate media responses
• Draft crisis communication statements and talking points, adapting messaging for different stakeholders
• Conduct post-crisis evaluations to analyse responses and implement improvements

Content Optimisation for SEO and User Engagement

• Develop and implement a content optimisation strategy to enhance SEO across all digital platforms, ensuring alignment with audience engagement goals
• Conduct regular SEO audits of digital content to identify areas for improvement in search rankings, including keyword analysis and content updates
• Manage the integration of SEO best practices into content creation workflows, providing guidelines and training to the content team
• Analyse user engagement metrics (e.g., page views, click-through rates, and time on page) and adapt content strategies based on insights
• Establish internal communication channels, including plasma screens, desk planners, and calendars, to deliver timely updates and key information across the organisation
• Oversee the design and content updates for internal communication tools, ensuring they are visually engaging and informative
• Collaborate with digital and analytics teams to implement A/B testing and optimise content formats for maximum user interaction
• Review and assess new digital tools and platforms for content distribution to enhance visibility and engagement
• Provide regular performance reports on SEO and engagement metrics, sharing insights and recommendations with senior management to inform decision-making
• Lead initiatives to enhance cross-platform user experiences, ensuring seamless integration between digital and physical communication channels for consistent messaging

Team Leadership and Development

• Establish clear performance objectives and indicators for each team member, aligning them with organisational goals and PR strategies
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings and team check-ins to discuss progress, address challenges and provide constructive feedback
• Develop individual development plans, offering targeted professional development opportunities through training, workshops and conferences
• Implement a coaching programme within the team to foster skill-sharing, collaboration and knowledge transfer
• Conduct performance reviews, setting measurable goals and providing actionable feedback to drive continuous improvement
• Promote accountability and ownership by assigning team members specific projects with clear timelines and deliverables
• Monitor workload distribution to prevent burnout, reallocating tasks or adjusting priorities as necessary
• Recognise and celebrate achievements, both individual and team, to motivate and retain high-performing employees
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices, sharing insights with the team to encourage continuous learning and adaptability

Campaign Analytics and Reporting

• Track and analyse PR campaigns, providing actionable insights
• Conduct market and performance analyses
• Develop and manage an archiving system for Services SETA content, including speeches, videos, publications, media releases, articles, photos, and presentations

Reporting

• Draft, consolidate, and verify weekly, monthly, and quarterly departmental reports
• Meet all departmental reporting requirements

Effective Control of Project Costs

• Plan and execute projects within the allocated budget
• Monitor project budgets in compliance with Services SETA policies
• Address project-related risks and implement cost-saving initiatives for programme efficiencies

Achievement of Work Plans

• Implement work plans and manage real-time evidence collection
• Produce reports on work plan implementation
• Respond to audit findings with complete and timely evidence
• Use documented data management

People Management Practices for the Unit

• Provide sufficient staff and adequate staffing for the Unit
• Implement people management practices for direct reports
• Assign and manage tasks to direct reports
• Monitor and evaluate the performance of direct reports
• Manage attendance and leave for direct reports
• Provide capacity building through, training, coaching and development of direct reports
• Communicate organisational and performance information to the team
• Build, motivate and support employees as part of the team

Requirements

• National Senior Certificate, at a minimum NQF 4
• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification (NQF 7) in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing
• 5 years of experience in PR or Content management, of which 3 years must be in a management or team lead role
• Familiarity with media relations, SEO, and digital content management