Communications Director Post

Communications Director
Salary Range: R360 000 per annum
Deadline to apply: 27 th January 2023
The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is looking to employ a communications
director.
Your Role: 
We are seeking a Communications Director who will help us develop and execute a robust communications strategy for the AKF. Over the past 14 years the AKF has grown into a reputable civil society organisation in South Africa. It has managed to build a solid media identity and a range of products. You will help us increase our impact in 2023, focusing particularly on developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy, expanding our reach, maintaining, and building new relationships with journalists and press outlets.
Your Responsibilities: 
 Develop a comprehensive organizational communications plan, encompassing key areas of social media and earned media outreach, to support the organization’s broader strategic objectives.
 Design and implement short-term communications plans for AKF’s campaigns and initiatives as they arise.  
 Oversee other staff, including a media liaison / social media officer and Communications Interns, who will support with social media management and implementation of communications plans.
 Coordinate with AKF partners to strategize and implement a plan to expand the reach of our existing content.
 Develop, maintain and update AKF internal style guide.
 Maintain and update AKF’s press contacts list, building relationships with journalists.
 Pitch reported stories about AKF’s issues, priorities, and initiatives to television, radio, digital, print, and other media outlets.
 Draft, ghost-write, edit, and pitch opinion and analysis pieces by AKF’s staff and Board members.
 Respond to media inquiries and prepare AKF staff and board members for speaking engagements, interviews, and media appearances.

 Maintain and update AKF communications platforms.
 Support fundraising and grant writing as needed. Skills and Requirements: 
You are creative, professional, initiative-taking, personable, innovative, open to critique, and a team player, with the ability to work with a broad range of stakeholders. A thriving passion for social justice and our mission are vital.
Qualifications:
 1-2 years’ experience working or volunteering for a political or issue-based campaign and leading strategic advocacy efforts. 
 2-4 years of media, marketing, or communications experience—ideally within the progressive advocacy/civil society sector.
 Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
 Strong graphic design skills using Canva or other similar tools.
 Video editing experience
 Working knowledge of Google Docs, Dropbox suite, Mailchimp, and Squarespace. 
 Strong organizational and time management skills with exceptional
diligence. 
 Strong understanding of South African policy issues, history, and current events
 Bachelor’s degree.
Bonus, but not required:
 Master’s or advanced degree focusing on communications.
 Experience with Google Ads,
 Working proficiency in one or more South African languages Work/Office/Travel Requirements:
This is a full-time, fully remote role, with a five-day workweek running from Monday- Fridays. There will often be meetings and engagements in evenings and/or weekends.
How to Apply:
Please send the following materials to: cvsakf@gmail.com
The subject line of your email should be “[Name] – Communications Director
Application.”

1. Cover letter (one page, single-spaced, no more than 500 words, PDF
   format) explaining how well-qualified you are for the position.
2. Resume
3. Academic, journalistic, or policy writing sample (3 pages maximum)
4. Email and phone numbers of three references; at least two should be
   professional references.