Manager: Communications

**Purpose of this Role**

To communicate with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that consistent and credible messaging is achieved. This includes maintenance of a positive brand profile for the CETA, both internally and externally, through focused communications activities, to foster good stakeholder relations and facilitate the advocacy role of the CETA.

**Responsibilities**:

- Designing and executing CETA communications strategies and campaigns.
- Manages CETA’s strategic and day-to-day communications in close alignment with CEO and Executive Management.
- Contributes to the development of Communications Strategy, including digital, and stakeholder strategies in alignment with CETA’s objectives.
- Manage information dissemination of Board, Board Committees, Executive Management’s and Ministerial decisions to CETA staff.
- Lead and collaborate in content design by reviewing and approving content, lay-out and design on various communication platforms.
- Lead communication strategies for key corporate initiatives such as product launches, events, or public announcements.
- Oversee internal and external communications to ensure messaging alignment with its values and goals.
- Facilitate the communication of all internal and external communication and ensure that all stakeholders have access to the relevant information, including community media.
- Develop communication materials branding concepts for approval by the SM: SRC.
- Advise and organize appropriate meetings, interventions, appointments, networking sessions and presentations for the CEO.
- Manage the maintenance of the communication contact database.
- Manage CETA’s response to media inquiries and crisis communication scenarios.
- Drive innovation in digital and traditional communication platforms; and manage social media communication channels, ensuring that content is relevant, timely, and engaging for consistent and credible messaging.
- Perform any other relevant duties as directed by the CEO and immediate supervisor.

**Specific Deliverables Expected**
- Credible, reliable and presentations, press release, media statements, speeches, etc.
- Communication Strategy and Plans.
- Business unit’s Service Standards and Scorecard aligned overall CETA BSC, APP, SLA, Strategic Plans, etc. and progress reported upon regularly.
- Monthly and quarterly progress against Communications Strategy and Plans.

**Desired Skills, Experience and Competencies**
- Post Graduate qualification in any of the following fields: Business Administration, Public Relations, Marketing, Communications, Political Science / Studies, Project Management, or any similar qualification at NQF 8 level.
- 5 years’ experience in communications and stakeholder relationship management, or marketing.
- Competency in the use of social media platforms, especially Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube, etc.
- Superior written and verbal communications skills in English and preferably in other official South African languages as well.
- A proven track record in a public entity and / or regulated environment and extensive knowledge of government policies is critical.
- Knowledge of higher education sector, the SDA, SDLA and the PFMA are essential.
- Computer literacy: Advanced Excel and Data Analytical skills are required.
- Valid code 08 driver’s license is essential.

**The following Attributes are necessary to succeed in this Management role**:

- Ethically conscious individuals place a high premium on integrity and confidentiality.
- A Self-discipline, self-starter, emotionally intelligent and communicates well across all levels.
- Innovative thought leader, and a results driven manager.
- Ability to draft, analyze and interpret reports in a professional and quality manner.
- Strategic thinker and problem-solver; and value-adding advisors to the processes of the entity.
- Excellent negotiation skills.

**Remuneration and Benefits**

**PLEASE NOTE**

Preference will be given to applicants who are still far from normal retirement age from this advert’s closing date; in line with preferred CETA succession planning principles.