Media Manager - Scientia at Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)

About the job:

The CSIR has a vacancy for Media Manager within the Human Capital and Communications portfolio. The incumbent will play a pivotal role in developing relevant media and digital media strategies, along with establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with the media and other relevant stakeholders to improve the CSIR’s visibility in public spheres and among relevant stakeholders. This position is based in Pretoria.

Key responsibilities:

• Develop and implement the strategies listed below as part of the Strategic Communications Plan
• Media strategy;
• Social media strategy;
• Crisis communication strategy; and
• Technical inquiries strategy.
• Identify and build strategic relationships with a range of media representatives and key stakeholders to establish networks and communication channels to effectively disseminate information about the CSIR, with the objective of enhancing CSIR awareness and visibility.
• Identify and effectively utilise media opportunities to create and secure regular positive publicity for the CSIR and to raise the profile of the organisation.
• Assume control of the operational implementation of the CSIR media strategy in line with the strategic objectives of the external communication portfolio.
• Manage the establishment of and compliance with processes and guidelines to govern content development for the CSIR website and other digital media platforms.
• Work alongside communication professionals to ensure that the content for digital media is current, comprehensive, relevant, dynamic and accurate.
• Proactively inform CSIR leadership of issues in the public domain that might affect the operations and the brand of the organisation and provide guidance on how to manage those issues in the media.
• Develop and implement a CSIR media training plan to ensure that CSIR employees are familiar with best practices to communicate their work in the media and interact with the media.
• Proactively source and package content in an appropriate manner for different audiences for use in various media engagement activities. This includes, but is not limited to:
• Writing opinion pieces and commentary on behalf of the CEO and Executive Committee members;
• Developing fact sheets/information bulletins for dissemination to media; and
• Writing media releases and repackage scientific content for non-technical audiences. Enhance the CSIR brand through non-paid publicity (editorial).
• Organise and facilitate media interviews and media briefings on behalf of the CSIR.
• Ensure that the CSIR media database is current and sector-specific.
• Monitor the media daily and advise key CSIR stakeholders accordingly – sensitising them to media views and opinions, including any negative coverage, as well as forecast any occurrences that may damage the CSIR’s reputation as a result of media coverage.
• Manage CSIR media buying in an advertorial context.
• Plan the handling of technical enquiries to the CSIR via telephone, email, social media and website, as well as implement related systems and guidelines. Ensure that all enquiries are attended to within twenty-four hours and keep record of all enquiries and how they were resolved.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

• A Postgraduate degree (Honours or higher) in journalism, communication or public relations with at least eight years’ experience in communications, media or stakeholder relationship management.
• A minimum of three years of management experience.
• Proven experience in identifying and engaging with strategically relevant media stakeholders.
• Proven experience in identifying and capitalising on opportunities for positive publicity that go beyond mainstream channels and mechanisms.
• Proven experience in building legitimate and trusted relationships within an organisation, as well as with with external stakeholders.
• Experience in securing results and planned outcomes in the context of a limited media budget and within strict timelines or deadlines.
• Active problem solving and situation management without prior preparation, including implementing ad hoc reputation management measures.
• Excellent skills in writing, presenting and research communication.
• Expertise in media relations with established networks or contacts in media.
• Strong interpersonal, networking and relationship-building skills.
• Proven track record in the media industry and/or media relationship management for corporate, government or industry.
• Highly computer literate and ability to work at the leading edge of new media.
• Sound budgeting and financial management experience.
• Proven track record in managing staff.
• Ability to think in an innovative and independent manner.
• All international qualifications require an evaluation report or certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority.

Closing date: 28 November 2023