JOB DESCRIPTION:

Writes, edits and plans high-volume, evidence-based UFH news and research stories across print/digital platforms while managing media relationships to secure positive coverage.  The incumbent is expected to embody the University’s values by promoting equity and inclusivity, acting with integrity, prioritising internal and external stakeholder-centred engagement, demonstrating accountability, and advancing responsiveness through innovation and excellence.

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS

• Content Management Planning 
• Relationship Management: Builds and sustains internal stakeholder relationships (Registrar, DVCs, Deans, HoDs Units) to generate a steady flow of credible story leads and access to information.
• News Writing and Content Development: Produces high-quality hard news, features, research stories and institutional profiles—translating academic outputs (journal articles, theses/dissertations) into accessible stories and commissioning op-eds/thought leadership where needed.
• Media Relations: Disseminates approved stories, responds to media enquiries, pitches interviews, maintains media databases, and aligns UFH expertise with current affairs to secure positive coverage and AVE targets.
• Proofreading and Editing: Ensures accuracy, clarity and editorial quality through rigorous editing, fact-checking and adherence to UFH content standards and policies.
• News Writing Management: Plans and coordinates research and information gathering for publications, stays abreast of journalism trends, supports sensitive story development with appropriate approvals, and improves the accessibility and reach of research content

DEPARTMENT/ FACULTY
Directorate: Marketing and Communication
POSITION: Senior Specialist: News Writer
CONTRACT: Permanent
UFH Advert Reference No.: UFH_MK12

Since its founding in 1916, the University of Fort Hare has been synonymous with intellectual courage, African leadership, and transformation. As an institution rooted in historic purpose and contemporary renewal, Fort Hare continues to advance its Decade of Renewal with a clear focus on accountability, academic excellence, and restoring public confidence through measurable progress.

Within this context, the University invites applications for a skilled and disciplined Senior Specialist: News Writer who can translate complex institutional activity into accurate, accessible, and compelling news. This role is central to strengthening the University’s narrative by developing high-quality stories, features, and articles grounded in evidence, interviews, and credible records—showcasing the work of faculties, research entities, and support directorates.

The position requires a strong command of journalistic writing and editorial judgement, with the ability to identify story leads, plan and manage an editorial pipeline, and produce a consistent volume of original content across print, digital and broadcast platforms. A core emphasis is placed on profiling research and innovation—converting published journal outputs, dissertations, and theses into mainstream and trade stories—while ensuring balance across faculties and maintaining rigorous standards of accuracy and compliance.

Equally important, the incumbent will contribute to reputational strengthening through proactive media engagement and relationship management—aligning UFH expertise with current affairs, disseminating approved stories to targeted outlets, and supporting timely responses to media enquiries. If you are ready to apply your writing craft, analytical discipline, and stakeholder engagement skills to elevate one of South Africa’s most significant universities, we welcome your application.