Readvertisement: Director: Communications, Brand and Partnerships

Rhodes University

Makhanda, Eastern Cape

Permanent

Posted **29 September 2025** - Closing Date **07 October 2025**

**Division**

**2501 - Communications and Advancement**

**Business Unit**

**2501_01 - Communications and Advancement Directorate**

**Minimum experience**

**Not Applicable**

**Company primary industry**

**Higher Education**

**Job functional area**

**Other**

**Re:advertising Director: Communications, Brand and Partnerships (Grade 19)**

**Communications, Brand and Partnerships**

We are looking for a forward-thinking and innovative leader capable of fostering strong stakeholder engagement, enhancing institutional visibility, and building enduring relationships that support the University’s long-term sustainability and impact.

This position provides strategic leadership in elevating and safeguarding the reputation and public image of the University through the development, coordination, and effective execution of integrated communication, brand/marketing, alumni relations, and partnership strategies.

The incumbent will contribute meaningfully to advancing the University’s vision, mission, and overarching institutional goals.**

**The Requirements**
A relevant B. Degree (NQF level 7, a postgraduate qualification would be an advantage) plus approximately 7 years’ relevant experience, which includes:
- Previous experience in leading high-performance communications, brand and fundraising teams at a senior level, ideally in an agency.
- Demonstrable success in the development of communication, brand, storytelling and fundraising strategies for both internal and external communities.
- Demonstrable success in fundraising or in any position where the achievement of revenue targets and the sustainable development of commercial relationships is seen as core to the success of the position.
- Demonstrable success in running projects aimed at achieving support for philanthropic programmes.
- Experience in sophisticated communications environments where exposure to global best practice across all forms of media has been achieved.
- Evidence of the ability to influence and confidently advise diverse stakeholder groups.

**Application Process**

**The following documents are required**:

- A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following:
- Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
- A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements.

**Remuneration per annum (Grade 19)**:
Cost to Company per annum (Approximately): R1, 557, 697.00

**Closing Date: 07 October 2025**

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply.

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies.

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are:
**Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion**

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.