Communications Officer

**Main purpose of the job**:

- The Communication Officer will implement and deliver communications content across several Wits RHI’s projects, support the Head of Communications to drive impact across all the Institute’s channels, write impactful communications, and be responsible for the day-to-day management of social media channels

**Location**:

- **22 Esselen, Hillbrow, Johannesburg**

**Key performance areas**:

- Gather information, research, copywrite or review, edit, and proofread external and internal communication material including website content, advertisements, posters, brochures, newsletters, internal communiqués, video scripts, etc, and obtain approval for the dissemination of communication material
- This will entail liaising with internal clients, team members, and other appropriate departments and with external service providers
- Assist with developing, implementing, and coordinating communications activities in support of the Institute's initiatives, programs, and events
- Compile daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual communications reports
- Develop and implement a proactive media outreach strategy
- Assist with copywriting media releases, holding statements, media responses, and media articles
- Assist with arranging filming at the organization's facilities by the media, as well as by external entities other than the media, including compiling all required documentation
- Build relationships with the media by responding timeously to media queries
- Obtain input from internal stakeholders to ensure information is relevant, accurate, and up to date
- Maintain existing social media platforms and research, develop and implement other appropriate social media platforms that would benefit the organization from a communication perspective
- Assist with developing a social media policy, standard operating procedures, toolkit, and practical guidelines as and when required
- Proactively plan, implement and monitor social media campaigns, and liaise with internal stakeholders to compile and upload material for such campaigns
- Capitalize on ad hoc, externally driven social media opportunities that could benefit the organization
- Rewrite scientific information into accessible and scientifically accurate content for internal and external communications
- Build relationships with various researchers within the Institute and liaise with them to ensure accuracy in all content
- Participate in writing training sessions for the Institute on science and health communication matters
- Compile training material as required
- Collaborate with team members, IT, and external service providers to further develop and enhance Wits RHI’s websites, explore creative ideas for increasing traffic to these websites, and facilitating search engine optimization
- Work on content development and updating of information on all Wits RHI websites including liaison with stakeholders, copywriting, photo selection, proofreading, obtaining approval, and liaison with IT to upload material
- Research website trends and changes in browser behavior as and when required
- Take ownership and accountability for tasks and demonstrates effective self-management
- Follow through to ensure that quality and productivity standards of own work are consistently and accurately maintained
- Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback
- Take ownership of driving your own career development by participating in and attending ongoing training and development activities such as workshops, forums, conferences, etc.

**Required minimum education and training**:

- **Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field**

**Required minimum work experience**:

- **5 years experience of in communications in academic, science, and/or NGO environment**:

- **Minimum 4 years’ writing (academic or journalistic)**:

- **Digital media experience**

**Desirable additional education, work experience, and personal abilities**:

- Advanced writing skills
- Experience within the NGO or Academic Institute
- A creative, dynamic and diligent, and focused individual, with exceptional writing skills and excellent attention to detail
- Demonstrable experience in journalism and/or communications and a passion for science, health, and digital communications

**TO APPLY**:

- Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV.
- _AJ Personnel is fully POPIA Compliant._
- Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
- Note WHC, in accordance with their Employment Equity goals and plan, will give preference to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.
- PLEASE NOTE: Our Client, WHC - RHI, maintains mandatory Covid-19 requirements, and as such only Covid-19 vaccinated incumbents will be considered fo