Job Opportunities at University of Pretoria/Universiteit van Pretoria

Responsibilities

• The incumbent will contribute to the promotion of the reputation of the University of Pretoria by enhancing the universities’ image and distinctive identity to external stakeholders through various academic, research and community engagement projects and programs, as well as key cultural and sports events, staff expertise and student achievements.

The Incumbent Will Be Responsible For

• Reviewing and editing written content to ensure messaging in accordance with the communication strategy and UP2025 vision;
• Work with the content hub editor and team, publications team, marketing and brand specialist and internal communication manager to ensure effective flow of information;
• Set up and facilitate monthly news meetings with faculty marketers and other support services departments to identify potential story ideas for media engagement as well as UP platforms where possible;
• Oversee team to source and negotiate with vendors and suppliers;
• Manage the team in terms of deliverables and objectives per event;
• Manage and oversee executive hosted events at the University;
• Provide events team with strategic guidance and ensure where possible that events align to University strategy;
• Ensure all University protocol is adhered to in event planning phase;
• Oversee protocol at events that will involve ambassadors and other dignitaries;
• Project manage all event operations;
• Analyse the events success and prepare feedback reports as required;
• Formulate, implement and manage the University’s Media engagement strategy in conjunction with Deputy Director and the Director;
• Develop and implement a media plan in line with the University Relations Strategy;
• Deliver a media consultation service to Executive, Deans, Faculty Managers, Faculty Marketers and other media personnel as required;
• Proactively identify opportunities to promote the University's image and positioning within the media;
• Proactively identify threats to the University's reputation and image and address in conjunction with line manager and director;
• Promote effective media structures within the University;
• Manage and implement internal media training and coach internal clients in effective communication with the media;
• Responsible for the achievement of media exposure targets for the university;
• Responsible for managing the relationship with the appointed media monitoring service provider;
• Work with the appointed media monitoring service provider to give insight and best practise in terms of media trends in the higher education sector;
• Ensure monitoring of the media on a continuous basis (own initiatives and also products supplied by media monitoring service);
• Ensure distribution of daily media monitoring reports to relevant stakeholders; and
• Assist with media reports regarding positive and negative reporting and input into reasoning behind specific media exposure.

Minimum Requirements

• An Honours degree in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or Journalism related discipline;

Five years’ relevant experience in the following:

• Media/Public relations experience in a corporate or university environment;
• Experience as media practitioner or journalist, which includes deep knowledge of the media landscape;
• Operational planning and facilitation;
• Facilitation of media liaison;
• Building media relations and networks;
• PR Agency experience;
• Project management;
• Registered with Public Relations Institute of South Africa (PRISA); and
• Valid driver’s license.
• Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)
• Strategic marketing communication;
• Public relations;
• Media relations;
• Events management;
• Project management
• Excellent language and communication skills (verbal and written);
• Understanding digital media channels, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter;
• Intermediate level of MS Office: word, excel and powerpoint;
• Confident and presentable speaker;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Attention to detail;
• Ability to manage a team;
• Good negotiation / persuasive skills;
• Ability to build strong partnerships and influence stakeholders.

Added Advantages And Preferences

• Established media relationships in the business, educational and general news categories;
• Experience working in a PR agency;
• Experience in managing crisis communication strategies; and
• Broadcasting experience or seasoned television/radio media analyst or commentator.