Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations and Communications

**Purpose of this Senior Management Role**

The role Senior Manager: Stakeholder Relations Communications aims to manage the relationship with key private and public sector stakeholders. The role includes providing intelligence, knowledge of stakeholders, flag risks of negative reputation and identifying opportunities for the CETA and fostering positive relationships in support of its objectives. To play a key relationship manager role in the definition and delivery of projects by assessing the needs and expectations of stakeholders and ensure that they are effectively addressed. To leverage stakeholder resources effectively and efficiently. The position is the main CETA brand custodian of relationships with stakeholders for the sustainability of all collaborations.

**Responsibilities**:

- Identify and map the needs and expectations of the external stakeholders to deliver suitable engagement approaches that unlock shared value for CETA and its stakeholders.
- Develop an approach to stakeholder relations that will drive the CETA’s stated goals of inclusion, supporting the national agenda and the building of a stronger skilled society in South Africa.
- Source and develop relationships with key partners that ensures CETA initiatives are supported to succeed and make impact.
- Manage media and other stakeholder relations to grow and maintain CETA stakeholder networks.
- Manage the day-to-day relationship with levy payers of the CETA to ensure that they are aware of important developments.
- Monitor and manage stakeholder satisfaction surveys to better understand the perceptions about CETA offerings.
- Manage CETA relationship with government bodies, regulators, industry bodies and stakeholders in supporting the CEO and the Accounting Authority and responsible Minister.
- Facilitate processing and tracking of key decisions from stakeholder engagements.
- Accompany the CEO in strategic engagement and ensure that all identified actions are recorded and implemented.
- Advise and organize appropriate meetings, interventions, appointments, networking sessions and presentations for the CEO.
- Guide and manage lobbying activities with external stakeholders for the benefit of the CETA and the industry.
- Understand and support the building of a prominent and highly valued corporate reputation in collaboration with the Marketing team.
- Gather information, analyse it from a stakeholder perspective, and provide proactive solutions.
- Evaluate impact of engagement strategies and provide regular feedback to Executive Management, CEO, and the responsible Board Committee.
- Facilitate stakeholder relations audits; report on the findings and compile action plans on the mitigation of shortcomings.
- Oversee efforts to ensure balanced representation of all chamber industries in CETA engagements.
- Approve and submit comprehensive sub-sector reports and data to inform the Chambers Reports that contribute to the development of credible SSP.
- Lead industry engagement to identify specific skills development needs in each sub-sector.
- Represent the organisation to stakeholders, associates and partners and maintain professional, effective and amicable relationships to ensure that CETA’s interests are upheld.
- Ensure all Stakeholder Relations and Chambers’ activities adhere to relevant legal, regulatory, and industry standards.
- Manage stakeholder mapping and prepare communications to stakeholders and respond to stakeholder enquiries.
- Distribute intelligence gathered via stakeholder engagements to relevant internal stakeholders.
- Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of Partnership Agreements with potential industry partners. ** Communications**
- Oversee the planning and execution of communication campaigns and events; including ensuring consistent and engaging content across digital platforms.
- Manage CETA’s response to media inquiries and crisis communication scenarios.
- Drive innovation in digital and traditional communication platforms.
- Oversee social media channels, ensuring that content is relevant, timely, and engaging for consistent and credible messaging for effective communication.
- Ensure that CETA communication and messaging content is aligned with marketing objectives and engaging the target audience.
- Oversee internal and external communications to ensure messaging alignment with its values and goals.
- Collaborating with Management for implementation of the CETA-wide communication plan, associated policies and messages for identified stakeholders.
- Manage the CETA’s public relations strategy, including media relations, press releases, crisis communication, and reputation management.
- Lead communication strategies for key corporate initiatives such as product launches, events, or public announcements.
- Perform any other relevant duties as directed by the CEO.

**Specific Deliverables Expected**
- Credible, reliable and useful Management reports.
- CETA Communications and Stakeholder Relations