Specialist Writer (Post Level 8) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

Content Strategy Development

• Develop and execute a strategic content plan for the Department of Communication and Marketing (DCM) in alignment with the DCM’s Communication and Marketing Strategy and the university’s communication goals, vision, and values.

High-Impact Writing and Editing:

• Support the Vice-Chancellor and Principal’s stakeholder engagement programme and content calendar by producing high-level speeches, articles, and digital content for use by the DCM’s Content Hub. This includes research on topics and engaging with relevant role-players to source information. 
• Support the university’s Executive Communication Strategy by producing high-level content such as speeches, articles, and social media content. This includes research on topics, analysis of content relevant content, and engaging with members of the executive committee. 
• Write a broad range of high-quality written materials including feature stories, opinion pieces, research breakthroughs, and digital content for the DCM’s Content Hub. This includes collaboration with faculties and other stakeholders to source content.  
• Craft compelling narratives that reflect the university’s tone and brand voice that will engage a wide range of audiences, from prospective students and alumni to media outlets and public stakeholders. 
• Actively participate in and contribute to the DCM’s Content Hub, curating and optimising content across platforms for cohesive communication. This includes ensuring timely presentation of all content in multimedia formats, enhancing usability across digital, print, and social media platforms.
• Assist the news editor with Content Hub duties (chairing, news list, publications and platform productions).
• Assist the Assistant Director: Internal Communication with the production of institutional magazines such as the Bult and Dumela. 
• Conduct regular reviews of institutional content, updating and refining language to reflect the university’s evolving priorities and vision.
• Provide guidance on writing and editing best practices to the DCM’s Content Hub to ensure quality and consistency across all communication channels.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Serve as a writer for the Vice-Chancellor and Principal and members of the university’s executive management, translating leadership’s vision and ideas into impactful communication according to the university’s Executive Communication Strategy.
• Work closely with departmental heads, academic leaders, and external partners to develop and refine content that supports the UFS’s goals.
• Establish strong working relationships with other departments to ensure alignment and to promote cross-functional initiatives.
• Project Management and Conceptualising Integrated Communication Campaigns and Projects
• Oversee and execute the end-to-end management of high-priority campaigns, projects, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Draft and execute communication plans for key institutional intergrade communication campaigns and projects. 
• Coordinate the production of visually compelling materials for departmental integrated communication campaigns and projects in cooperation with the Unit for Reputation, Brand, and Marketing Management. 
• Develop timelines and content calendars for major communication initiatives, ensuring alignment with university milestones.

Market Research and Benchmarking:

• Stay informed on industry best practices, higher education trends, and emerging communication platforms to enhance content effectiveness.
• Conduct research on peer institutions’ communications and adapt innovative strategies that align with UFS’s objectives.
• Track and analyse content performance metrics, adjusting strategies based on data insights and audience feedback.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor's degree/BTech/Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7).
• Minimum of three (3) years' relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.
• Extensive experience in content research and speech writing on an executive level for the higher education or corporate sectors. 

Recommendations:

• Experience in content research and writing high-quality, impactful content for the higher education sector, including the writing of speeches and opinion articles.  
• Familiarity with multimedia production, including digital content creation.
• Basic project management skills.
• Prior experience in public relations, with a focus on institutional communication.
• Advanced computer skills, especially in MS Word and PowerPoint.
• Basic photography skills.