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, prioritizing internal and external stakeholder-centered 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.

DEPARTMENT/ FACULTY
Directorate: Marketing and Communications
POSITION: Manager: Media and Communications
CONTRACT: Permanent
UFH Advert Reference No.: UFH_ MK11

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 sits 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.