Website Coordinator - Department of Communication and Marketing at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

Website Content Management

• Update and monitor quality of content on the website.
• Update photos published on the website.
• Update and maintain website content, including text, images, videos, and other multimedia elements, using content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla.
• Collaborate with various content creators, subject matter experts, and stakeholders to ensure that website content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with UFS and DCM brand guidelines and messaging.
• Continuously monitor content quality, consistency, and compliance with SEO best practices and accessibility standards.
• Archive multimedia (photos, designs, videos) on the content management systems and photo archive.
• Upload/update content on the KovsieLife student website (including the front page).
• Upload departmental publications on the website.
• Upload photo galleries on the website
• Update website pages of support service divisions.
• Write and upload new content for the main pages of the website.
• Establish various website-related projects and establish content requirements/needs where required.
• Conduct focus groups to obtain input from stakeholders on webpages, website designs and content when needed.
• Compiling and implementing an annual digital content calendar, including all the websites not managed by the Department of Communication and Marketing (DCM).
• Develop content plans and production schedules for each of the websites that require content updates and liaise with the specific faculty or department.
• Ensure the upload of content on the front page of the website.
• Provide support with updates and maintenance of the internal DCM SharePoint and intranet sites.
• Update the UFS Podcast webpage as needed.
• Assist with supplying photos to faculties and departments on request.
• Implement the Division of Digital Communications' strategies to drive online visibility and engagement.
• Execute strategic plans to captivate the audience and foster online community growth.
• Update and manage content on the website, ensuring information is accurate, current, and engaging.
• Coordinate with content contributors from various departments to publish relevant news, events, and academic information.
• Regularly review and audit website pages to ensure consistency, quality, and alignment with brand guidelines.

Website Administration

• Administer website and related errors on the content management system.
• Attend meetings between DCM and ICT Services to discuss progress of all IT-related projects.
• Act as liaison between ICT Services and DCM regarding website projects, redesign, and realignment of content projects.
• Ensure that website design elements, such as colour schemes, typography, and imagery, are consistent with brand identity and enhance the overall user experience.
• Developing, implementing, and updating the Content Management Plan.
• Report technical bugs and errors in a timely manner to the relevant ICT department.
• Inspect top-level domain websites and website pages.
• Assist in the monitoring the website performance metrics, such as page load speed, bounce rate, and organic traffic, using tools like Google Analytics and Search Console.
• Advise on content updates, webpage layouts, and multimedia implementation for departmental and faculty websites as needed.
• Monitor website traffic and usage patterns using tools like Google Analytics.
• Provide reports on website performance, user behaviour, and engagement to the Digital Marketing Manager.
• Make recommendations based on data analysis to improve website effectiveness.

Client Engagement and Relationship Management

• Act as liaison between internal (DCM), other departments, and ICT Services.
• Provide expert advice on website projects, processes, and website best practices.
• Liaise with, advise, and assist faculty communication and marketing officers on website projects.
• Check in with faculty and support services website managers on progress with website projects.
• Provide telephonic or electronic support to internal and external stakeholders.
• Assist the crisis communication team in uploading content to the website when and where needed. 
• Act as the point of contact for web-related queries from staff and stakeholders.
• Participate in strategic discussions regarding the institution’s digital presence and contribute to digital marketing plans.
• Assimilate and analyse the national and international environment within the area of responsibility and implement new interventions.

Content Curation for Communication Platforms

• Participate in DCM’s Content Hub and curate content for the communication platforms according to the assigned portfolio.
• Ensure that content is presented timeously and in a multimedia format to optimize its use on the various communication platforms.
• Act as backup on other communication platforms in the Unit for Digital Communication, should the need arise.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for website-related inquiries, feedback, and support requests from internal stakeholders and external users.
• Provide support to content contributors and website administrators on CMS usage, best practices, and guidelines.
• Communicate website updates, enhancements, and maintenance schedules to stakeholders through newsletters, email updates, or other communication channels.
• Liaise with ICT and web development teams to address technical issues, troubleshoot errors, and implement necessary updates.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 in Communication Science/Media studies/Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:

• Work experience in the higher education environment.
• Proven proficiency in business writing and experience in writing relevant content for digital and print channels/publications.
• Proven knowledge of HTML and CSS coding languages.
• Proven experience of working on a website content management system (CMS), such as WordPress, Drupal, and/or Progress Sitefinity.
• Proven Knowledge of photography, Adobe Photoshop, and Lightroom.
• Proven experience in Adobe Creative Cloud.
• Expert knowledge of website editing.
• Demonstrable website project administration capabilities (liaising with internal clients, advising and supporting website projects).
• Demonstrable project management skills with website best practice and implementation.
• Knowledge of journalism, corporate communication, or writing articles for a variety of platforms.
• Proven knowledge of souring relevant digital content (e.g. sourcing images using a photo archive, stock libraries etc).
• Knowledge of Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and OneDrive.
• Basic knowledge of analytical programmes such as Google Analytics and Hotjar.
• Demonstrate knowledge of reporting using analytical data.
• Client liaison, providing technical support to internal stakeholders regarding website best practices and techniques.