Thought Leadership Specialist at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)

Purpose of Job

The Thought Leadership Specialist will oversee PwC thought leadership, contributing to concept design and the portfolio of thought leadership activity across engagements/events and within the context of an integrated communications plan. The Thought Leadership Specialist will contribute to the overall strategy and implement specific activities as needed, including project management, production (writing) of Thought Leadership and fact checking, writing of video scripts related to the thought leadership, proofreading (assisted by the Copyediting/Language Services Consultant role) and consulting on tone, quality, voice and content.

This role supports the PwC Africa territory of firms and CMD teams at those firms. As the largest firm in the PwC Africa territory, this role also directly supports PwC South Africa and the PwC South Africa CMD team.

Role description

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 which includes all the 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, Library/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 to publicise it in the media and with alumni, and to reference it appropriately in proposals.
• MaintaIn an ‘editorial calendar’ for thought leadership.
• Produce a detailed report of the upcoming thought leaderships, to be presented at the monthly editorial board meeting.
• 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: working closely with the Strategic Marketing team to design, conceptualise and execute thought leadership that supports marketing objectives including:
• Thought leadership used in customer journeys that support go-to-market priorities.
• 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
• Ability to present complex issues in an accessible and engaging way to different audiences.
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to work in different teams and quickly understand complex areas of work within the organisation.
• 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.
• Ability to 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, and good ability to work 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.