SUMMARY:
Since its bold founding in 1916, the University of Fort Hare has stood for courage, resilience, and transformation. As a cradle of African leadership and intellectual liberation, and as an institution actively confronting contemporary challenges, Fort Hare’s spirit of renewal remains unmistakable. The University’s Decade of Renewal is advancing with a clear emphasis on accountability, innovation, and academic excellence—strengthening governance, rebuilding confidence, and restoring its rightful standing.
This Manager: Media and Communications position sit at the heart of that work. It calls for a strategic communications and media leader who can translate institutional priorities into credible narratives, strengthen internal stakeholder alignment, deepen public trust, and amplify the University’s achievements through disciplined storytelling, media relations, and digital strategy. In doing so, the post holder will help shape how UFH is understood—by its staff, students, partners, and the country—and will contribute directly to the momentum of renewal.
Based in the Eastern Cape, the University of Fort Hare offers more than a workplace; it offers purpose. This is an opportunity to serve one of South Africa’s most historic and culturally rich universities while benefiting from the province’s natural beauty, community, and space for professional growth.
Are you ready to help reposition this iconic institution to the place it so richly deserves? Applications are invited from visionary, committed professionals who are prepared to make a lasting impact.
Directorate: Marketing and Communications
Position: Manager - Media and Communications
Contract: Permanent
UFH Advert Reference No.: UFH_ MK11
POSITION INFO:
JOB DESCRIPTION:
This is a strategic leadership role responsible for managing the University’s media, communications, content, internal communication, and digital platforms—overseeing staff, budgets, suppliers, and compliance—to strengthen brand reputation, stakeholder alignment, and positive media visibility. The incumbent is expected to embody the University’s values by promoting equity and inclusivity, acting with integrity, prioritising internal and external stakeholder-centred service, demonstrating accountability, and advancing responsiveness through innovation and excellence.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
- Content Management & Storytelling: editorial strategy/content calendar and quality control; multi-format content across paid, earned, social and owned (PESO) channels; balanced faculty inclusion/distribution; undergraduate and postgraduate marketing content coordination; website content maintenance and performance benchmarking.
- Media Relations: build and maintain journalist/editor relationships; pitching and handling inquiries/interviews; current affairs monitoring and opportunity alignment; sentiment/coverage/AVE reporting; high-level placement strategy.
- Social & Digital Media: social media calendar and daily publishing; trend monitoring and best practices; website SOPs and content oversight; SEO and web traffic reporting; stakeholder collaboration for website updates.
- Media & Communications Management (University-wide): portfolio strategy implementation; media stakeholder engagement/coordination; special projects delivery; monitoring, reporting and performance tracking (incl. media coverage/AVE).
- Financial Planning & Budgeting: annual budget development; expenditure control and monthly/quarterly reporting; asset safeguarding; cost containment and prevention of unauthorised/wasteful expenditure.
- Organisational Unit Staff Management: team leadership and work planning; resource planning and recruitment support; training and development; performance management and conduct/discipline oversight; workplace satisfaction and wellness.
- Employee Communication: internal editorial/content strategy aligned to the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) strategy and channel management and improvement; stakeholder liaison to source internal news; project-specific internal comms planning plus evaluation/reporting; brand narrative and message consistency.
- Supplier Relations: establish/maintain preferred supplier panels; oversee contracts, compliance and performance with Supply Chain Management; support RFQs/tenders; address underperformance.
- Governance, Risk, Compliance, Reporting, Monitoring & Evaluation: policy compliance audits/scans; training and awareness for compliance; risk identification/mitigation/reporting; monthly/quarterly reporting and reviews.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
- Honours qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field.
- Five (5) years 'experience specifically in a media and communication management role
- Five (5) years’ experience in marketing and communications.
ADDITIONAL ADVANTAGES:
- Master’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field.
COMPETENCIES AND BEHAVIOURAL ATTRIBUTES:
- Values: promotes equity and inclusivity; acts with integrity; prioritises stakeholder-centred service; demonstrates accountability; advances social responsiveness through innovation and excellence.
- Business Acumen: proposes solutions to complex problems; synthesises issues; stays current; operates well under ambiguity; identifies trends and innovations; thinks strategically; is accountable; acts decisively.
- Change Leadership: communicates change clearly; mobilises key staff; aligns decisions to new direction; leads by example; manages transition pace and workload; resolves implementation issues; sets expectations; monitors progress; drives culture change.
- Critical Thinking: applies creative, evidence-based judgement; seeks input when needed; remains open to alternatives; anticipates risks/opportunities; listens actively; analyses complex data; draws sound conclusions; troubleshoots; limits bias.
- Partnering: defines shared goals upfront; uses measurable outcomes; builds trust; enables collaboration; communicates agreements; resolves conflict; creates mutual value; manages partnership risks.
- Brand Awareness & Reputation Enhancement: embeds brand standards in practice; ensures compliance; educates others; operationalises brand strategy; sets and tracks brand measures; monitors quality across channels; stays current on digital trends.
- Reputational Risk Management: monitors reputational and media risks against metrics; implements communication strategies with internal partners; stays current on cyber risks; builds capability through training; escalates risks timeously; reinforces institutional values in communications.
- Student Attraction: implements attraction strategies aligned to vision and values; projects positive image; tracks student-cycle metrics; identifies gaps and improves processes; supports and evaluates recruitment events; collaborates with Student Affairs.
- Accountability: sets realistic targets and secures resources; drives results-based performance; monitors and evaluates delivery; uses feedback and benchmarking; supports team problem-solving; meets standards and timelines; ensures compliance and quality.
- Excellence: works in full compliance; invests in development; builds others’ capability; shares knowledge and coaches; remains committed to institutional goals.
- Professionalism: protects institutional standing; communicates clearly, respectfully and consistently.
- Service Culture: sets service expectations; measures effectiveness; leads by example; corrects non-compliance; recognises consistent excellent service.
REMUNERATION
A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the position, experience and qualifications, will be offered.
ENQUIRIES:
Queries can be directed to Ms Fungai Matumba on
The University reserves the right to make an appointment or not to fill the post.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not hear from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
APPLICATIONS: Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to visit the website
