Director, South Africa Communications Hub

About the South Africa Communications Hub This role is responsible for setting-up and running the South Africa Communications Hub, a new national initiative designed to reshape public discourse on economic issues. About the Hub The Hub will train spokespeople from across policy, campaigns and activism, provide messaging guidance and then book those spokespeople into local and national media. It will also run a digital program helping members to build their footprint and operate across the digital media space. The aim is to engage decision-makers and the public with progressive economic positions on topics like inequality, inflation and climate change. It is part of a global network of similar hubs, fostering international collaboration in narrative strategy, messaging, and media coordination. About the Role The Director, South Africa Communications Hub, will lead the establishment and execution of the Hub's strategy, ensuring its effective positioning in the national media landscape. This role will oversee a small team responsible for media booking, narrative development, and spokesperson training. The Director will also manage key relationships with journalists, civil society, policymakers, and funders while ensuring operational excellence. This role requires a strategic leader with deep expertise in media relations, narrative development, and public engagement, with a focus on economic issues and policy discourse. The candidate will need a strong drive to get up each morning and achieve communications impact which otherwise wouldn't have happened. The role will receive support and best practice guidance from like-minded organisations internationally. This position is a one year contract dependent on funding. Key Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Develop and implement the Communications Hub's overall strategy, ensuring alignment with national media dynamics and opportunities for impact. Conduct, manage and utilize narrative research to refine messaging priorities and communication approaches. Establish and maintain strategic relationships with media, policymakers, and key stakeholders to advance the Hub's influence. Spokesperson Network Development Design and launch the Hub's anchor program, developing a network of trained spokespeople. Identify and engage relevant experts, policymakers, and advocates to participate in media outreach efforts. Lead the team in securing media placements across broadcast, print, and digital platforms. Narrative and Messaging Development Oversee the creation and dissemination of strategic messaging on economic and policy issues. Align internal and external stakeholders around a shared narrative to drive effective public engagement. Develop training programs to equip spokespeople with compelling storytelling techniques and media skills. Program and Team Management Recruit, manage, and mentor a high‑performing team, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment beginning with the Established and Digital Media Coordinators. Ensure coordination between the Established Media Coordinator and Digital Media Coordinator to optimize media placements. Design and pilot new programs and communication approaches, continuously assessing their impact. Manage the Communications Hub's budget and financial planning. External Representation and Stakeholder Engagement Represent the Communications Hub in high-profile forums, media interviews, and public events. Build and maintain partnerships with funders and allied organizations to expand the Hub's reach and sustainability. Engage with the global network of Communications Hubs, contributing insights and learning from international best practices. Person Specification The ideal candidate will have : Significant experience in media. Demonstrable experience in media communications, or public affairs, with a track record of shaping public discourse on economic or policy issues. Proven experience in developing and implementing media strategies that influence key decision-makers and public opinion. Strong understanding of public opinion research, including polling and focus groups. Extensive network and relationships within media, politics, and advocacy spaces. Demonstrated ability to manage and lead high‑performing teams across different backgrounds and skill sets. Strong strategic thinking with the ability to execute in a fast-paced, high-impact environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences effectively. Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles in messaging and organizational culture. Fluency in English and at least one other South African language is required to effectively engage with national stakeholders. Compensation and Terms Location : Johannesburg or Cape Town preferred, though candidates in other metropolitan areas will be considered. Employment Type : This is a one year contract. The appointment includes a probationary period of six months, during which performance will be assessed against agreed targets and objectives. Successful completion of the probation period will confirm the continuation of the contract for the remainder of its term, subject to ongoing organisational needs and satisfactory performance. Compensation for this role will be competitive relative to the market in which candidates are based, considering experience and qualifications. How to Apply Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter to with the subject line "Director, South Africa Communications Hub." Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged. A note : the volume of applications means that the agency will not be in a position to notify all unsuccessful applicants. #J-18808-Ljbffr