Thought Leadership Specialist - JHB at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Responsibilities

• Project manage and coordinate the production of PwC thought leadership for external publication, including:
• Reports on industry sectors, thematic market trends and other topical subjects.
• Survey analysis reports, providing insight on survey research.
• Executive summaries and short white paper analyses.
• Develop a project plan that includes all relevant stakeholders across PwC.
• Develop detailed knowledge of the target audience for each project and ensure an appropriate tone of voice.
• Work closely with Africa CMD strategic marketers, research team, Digital Presence team and Integrated Content team to:
• Help guide the thought leadership content development process and clarify expectations, timelines and delivery objectives within the CMD team and with CMD’s clients.
• Help amplify thought leadership through digital marketing channels, events, and publicise it in the media and with alumni, and reference it appropriately in proposals.
• Maintain an ‘editorial calendar’ for thought leadership. This includes updating and maintaining a status document to track progress on ongoing projects, initiatives, and deliverables, providing clear and timely reports to management.
• Produce a detailed report of the upcoming thought leaderships, for the monthly editorial board meeting.
• Actively participate in scheduled meetings, including team check-ins, project discussions, and strategy sessions, contributing to collaborative efforts and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Promote and coordinate connectivity across the PwC Africa network with other thought leadership practitioners via newsletters, Webexes, publication notices, and other communications.

Key competencies and attributes

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to produce high quality:
• Thought leadership publications and flagship studies: conceptualise and execute thought leadership that supports objectives including:
• Thought leadership used to support go-to-market strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with industry leaders and influencers.
• Ability to convene communications resources—SMEs, writers, editors—to develop thought leadership.

• Advise teams on the survey development process and other research methodologies for thought leadership

• Analysis of competitor messages and positioning, to understand their approach to market through thought leadership

• Present complex issues in an accessible and engaging way to different audiences.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in different teams while quickly understanding complex areas of work within the organisation.
• Exercise sound judgement and discretion in handling issues, especially those that might be sensitive, including the ability to identify and manage potential communications risks.
• Attention to detail.
• Manage diverse activities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing situations and priorities.
• A good understanding of how Brand & Creative and Digital Presence functions can help to amplify thought leadership communications, and the importance of the client experience in crafting thought leadership, as well as working effectively in a team to achieve these objectives.

Qualification and experience

Requirements

• 4-6+ years experience of communications experience required.
• Bachelor’s degree in communications or an equivalent field required.