Communications Associate

We are seeking a well-organised, dynamic, and versatile communications contributor who is passionate about crafting meaningful content and delivering high-quality engagement across multiple platforms.

The ideal candidate will bring strong writing, coordination, and digital skills, combining creativity and sound judgement in a role that requires both precision and agility. This individual will translate complex ideas into clear, engaging messages, support the delivery of campaigns, events, and digital initiatives, and help maintain E Squared's trusted visibility among its stakeholders, partners, and internal community.

They will contribute to enhancing E Squared's visibility and stakeholder connection by delivering communications that demonstrate the organisation's purpose, performance, and people. This includes developing and implementing content and campaigns that raise awareness of E Squared's investment approach, strengthen engagement across various pipeline-building platforms and ecosystem partners, and reinforce internal alignment through consistent, purposeful communication.

Brand Narrative and Content Development

• Support the development of content and materials that bring E Squared's investment philosophy and impact stories to life through clear, credible, and engaging narratives.
• Produce high-quality written and visual content for internal and external platforms, including reports, the website, social media, newsletters, speeches, and event collateral.
• Coordinate with designers, photographers, and videographers to ensure visuals effectively support written content and reflect E Squared's brand standards.
• Stay familiar with teams across the organisation (including Post-Investment Value Creation, Social Enterprises, Human Capital, and Investments) to identify and develop stories that reflect E Squared's work as a catalytic capital partner and ecosystem contributor.

Media, Public Relations, and Thought Leadership

• Draft and edit copy for media releases, opinion pieces, and feature articles.
• Assist in identifying and gathering stories from investees, Fellows, and partners that highlight collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment, preparing updates and insights that help inform communications decisions and strengthen the organisation's reputation.
• Support the preparation of spokesperson briefs, event communications, and leadership materials for media engagements and public appearances.

Digital Media and Online Presence

• Support the implementation of E Squared's digital and social media activities, ensuring timely posting, consistent scheduling, and quality control across platforms.
• Coordinate digital content and campaigns for key organisational initiatives, including reports, events, and investment announcements, ensuring alignment with brand messaging and strategic priorities.
• Curate, edit, and repurpose content from E Squared's programmes and partners for online use, presenting insights and impact stories in engaging, accessible formats.
• Work with design and digital partners to produce visuals, videos, and other multimedia content that enhance storytelling and engagement.

Internal Communications

• Support the delivery of internal communications initiatives that promote alignment, collaboration, and a strong organisational culture across teams.
• Draft and edit internal announcements, newsletters, and updates, ensuring clarity, consistency, and alignment with E Squared's tone and values.
• Coordinate internal campaigns and activations, including internal events, culture initiatives and internal engagement drives.
• Assist in managing internal communication channels, maintaining up-to-date content on platforms such as newsletters, intranet, and noticeboards.

Events and Community Engagement

• Support the planning and delivery of events and engagement activities that strengthen E Squared's relationships with Fellows, investees, partners, and ecosystem collaborators.
• Coordinate logistics, communications, and collateral for key organisational events, including the Impact Report Launch, Responsible Entrepreneurship Awards, Portfolio Summit, Social Enterprises COLAB, and investment or ecosystem gatherings.
• Assist in developing event content and materials, including invitations, programmes, presentations, and post-event summaries, ensuring brand alignment and quality.
• Collaborate with internal teams, service providers, and partners within the Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropies ecosystem, including the Allan Gray Orbis Foundation and the Association of Allan Gray Fellows to ensure strategic alignment, shared messaging, and a consistent experience across joint initiatives.

Reporting and Insights

• Support the collection and organisation of data related to communications, digital engagement, media coverage, and event participation.
• Prepare summary reports and dashboards that track communication outputs and performance against defined indicators and scorecard measures.
• Assist in analysing engagement patterns and feedback, helping to identify opportunities to improve content effectiveness and audience connection.
• Maintain accurate records and content libraries, ensuring information and metrics are accessible for monthly and quarterly reporting.

Qualification

• Bachelor's degree/Diploma in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related discipline.

Experience

• 3–6 years of experience in communications, public relations, marketing, or brand content roles, with proven ability to produce content across digital, print, and event platforms.
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with strong attention to tone, clarity, and brand consistency.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with design and digital communication tools, such as Canva, Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop), WordPress or other content management systems, Mailchimp or similar email marketing platforms, and social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or Meta Business Suite).
• Experience coordinating with creative partners, service providers, and vendors, ensuring timely delivery and quality of outputs.
• Working knowledge of analytics and collaboration platforms, including Google Analytics, Power BI, and Microsoft Teams Planner, with a resourceful approach to using AI-assisted tools for research, idea development, and workflow efficiency.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritise multiple projects and maintain accuracy under pressure.
• Comfortable working collaboratively in a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment and engaging across different teams and levels of the organisation.
• Exposure to investment, entrepreneurship, or social-impact environments is advantageous.
• Membership with or eligibility for a recognised professional communications body (such as PRISA, MASA, or a similar association) is advantageous.

• Genuine interest in and alignment with E Squared Investments' vision, mission, and values, and a passion for contributing to South Africa's entrepreneurial and social-impact landscape.
• Professional maturity and emotional intelligence, with the ability to build and maintain positive relationships across internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Initiative and reliability, demonstrating ownership of tasks, sound judgement, and consistency in delivery.
• Organised and adaptable, able to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities effectively.
• Discretion and professionalism in handling confidential information and representing the organisation's brand and reputation.

Please refer to the attachment for the detailed key responsibilities.