Senior Content & Communications Specialist at Publicis Groupe

Overview

• We’re looking for an experienced and passionate Senior Content & Communications Specialist to work across some of our biggest clients. This is a full-time position that requires a senior person with a strong editorial and communications background, and a wealth of experience in corporate and internal communications and storytelling, strategy and client-facing engagement and relationship management. Additional experience in B2B would be advantageous.
• Machine_ operates a hybrid working environment, whereby staff are expected to be in-office 3-4 days a week. You will be required to attend client meetings in-person throughout the week. Please note that Publicis may change in-office working requirements as this policy evolves.
• Machine_ operates a hybrid working environment, whereby staff are expected to be in-office 3-4 days a week. You will be required to attend client meetings in-person throughout the week. Please note that Publicis may change in-office working requirements as this policy evolves.
• This is a BBEEE-preference position, reporting into the Head of Specialist Content & Communication. The position is based in our Cape Town office and is full-time.

Responsibilities

• Craft content strategies and communication plans for clients, understanding our client’s business  needs deeply while pushing them to innovate and be creative in line with their KPIs and target  audiences
• Understand content channels, user journeys, formats and key success metrics and craft engaging  content with these in mind
• Lead content planning, commissioning, editing and writing for key B2B, B2C, CRM and internal  communications clients
• Research and create content for clients across all channels and across genres, from long-form  researched print articles to short, compelling social media captions and advertising copy writing. 
• Proofread and copy edit content, ensuring content is punchy, thoroughly researched, in line with brand  style guides and 100% error-free 
• Take briefs and create briefs for content and the studio (design team) 
• Self-manage time and deadlines, find solutions /delegate accordingly 
• Ensure all content is original, accurate, suited to client tone and style, and of the highest possible  quality 
• Ensure content is created optimally for its intended objectives, channels and audience  
• Review work from start to finish, including testing of digital assets as needed 
• Lead reporting on content performance, with a good understanding of insight-led, results-driven  content – including optimising client strategies regularly to ensure content is insights-led and  performance-focused. 
• Brief work into the design studio, manage delivery, and guide the creative look and feel. 
• Manage content budgets and timelines, with support from the client service team. 
• Support pitches with strategic content input for a range of clients, plus proactively bring forward  small/big content and strategy/new business opportunities for existing and potential clients. 
• Advise clients and internal teams on content marketing and digital content best practice. 
• Build trust-based client relationships that deliver on business needs. 
• Own day-to-day client management and keep the client at the centre of the work. 
• Spot new business opportunities and build relationships with key stakeholders to support growth. 
• Build strong working relationships across the agency and within your team. 
• Be invested in the growth of your peers, line reports and the business, to doing good work, improving  processes, and increasing revenue opportunities with both existing and new clients.

Qualifications

• Strong editorial and communications background across multiple platforms – minimum 3 years as a lead communications strategist or editor-in-chief, or similar, ideally with internal communications experience
• Experience in creating omni-channel communication and content marketing strategies for clients that are primarily digital
• Ability to multitask and plan across a range of projects.
• Solid time management skills are essential.
• Ability to work independently and make things happen.
• Ability to bring creative thinking to a range of different marketing and content opportunities. Need to think out of the box!
• Very strong English language writing and editing skills.
• Ability to be firm in one’s beliefs on what makes great content.
• People person, with good problem-solving skills and the ability to represent the agency in front of clients.
• Be a strong leadership figure.
• Confident reporting and presenting to key clients.
• Comfortable tackling a range of content pillars, including content for clients in: financial services, telecoms, healthcare, FMCG, alcohol and more.
• Skilled across B2C, B2B and internal communications disciplines.
• Strategic, diplomatic and astute in front of C-suite level clients and forums; ability to represent the agency and the work well in these spaces regularly.
• Well-versed in digital content best-practice and strategy, from social media channels and websites to digital magazines, WhatsApp and more. Excellent understanding of LinkedIn best-practice, community management and reporting, as well as internal communications platforms like email CRM, Viva Engage and SharePoint.
• Strong journalistic network of content writers, creators and producers for commissioning work.
• Be fundamentally passionate about the power of content and content marketing, be excited by delivering great work to clients, and be willing to go above and beyond, outside of the 9-to-5.
• Strong understanding of the corporate communication environment, including company reports and results sessions.
• Comfortable working on B2B/expert content (examples: tech, mining, healthcare, FSP institutional/intermediated brands). Network of specialist writers and content creators qualified to support in expert healthcare content aimed at doctors and pharmacists.
• Creatively-minded and able to assist with creative direction and partner closely with creative directors and creative studio.
• Experienced at giving feedback and reviewing work across other team members; skilled at crafting feedback to be clear, honest and constructive. Equally receptive to feedback on your own work by clients and colleagues alike.