Vacancy: Communications Manager

Salary: R 423 720 per annum

Deadline to apply: 1 July 2024

The Ahmed Kathrada Foundation is looking to employ a communications manager.

Your Role: 

We are seeking a Communications Manager who will help us develop and execute a robust communications strategy for the AKF.

Over the past 15 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 2024 and beyond, 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 and implement 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, self-motivated, 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. Keeping abreast of local, national and international news that are relevant to the work of the AKF is a critical requirement for this post.

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 attention to detail. 
• 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
• Working proficiency in one or more South African languages

Work/Office/Travel Requirements:

This is a full-time post 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 Manager 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 samples (3 pages maximum)
4. Email and phone numbers of three references; at least two should be professional references and must include one from your current/last place of employment.