Contract type: Permanent
Job Level: Management
Work Location: Cape Town, Western Cape
Closing Date: 19 January 2025
The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities.
Purpose: Located at the SKA-Mid Science Operations Centre (SOC) in Cape Town, the SKA-Mid Communications and Engagement Manager is in charge of the Communications and local stakeholder engagement portfolios, and a key member of the SKA-Mid Leadership team.
Under the leadership of the SKAO Director of Communications, Outreach and Education based at the SKAO global headquarters in the UK, the SKA-Mid Communications and Engagement Manager is the most senior SKAO Communications professional in the country.
They are a key part of the SKA Observatory's Communications team, distributed across the SKAO facilities (UK, Australia, South Africa), and will also be in charge of recruiting and managing a small team of Communications experts in South Africa to reinforce the Communications function.
The SKA-Mid Communications and Engagement Manager owns the communications and engagement strategy for the SKAO in South Africa and oversees and ensures its successful implementation, playing a pivotal role in shaping the public and stakeholder perception of radio astronomy and the Observatory in the country and its role in delivering world-class science in a sustainable way.
This includes stewardship of the SKAO brand and reputation, content production, media interaction and media visits to the telescope site, local outreach and education activities, local stakeholder engagement, organisation of/participation in special events, implementation of a visitor programme, internal communication, and any other interventions and communications campaigns as appropriate.
Key Responsibilities: Strategic planning and stakeholder engagementSKAO Brand custodianMedia relations and crisis managementOutreach, public education and event coordinationContent creationTeam leadership and resource managementFinance/ Budget ManagementDeveloping and executing a successful national communications and stakeholder engagement strategyBuilding and maintaining respectful, collaborative and inclusive relationships with all relevant stakeholders in the countryDeveloping a national outreach and education strategy for the SKAO in collaboration with local partners, and developing or conducting outreach activitiesEnsuring continuous monitoring, regular reporting and sound budgeting of all communications and engagement activities in countrySupporting the SKA-Mid Telescope Director's official engagement activities as requiredRepresenting the interests and commitment of the SKA Observatory to all relevant stakeholders in the countryKey Requirements: Qualification: BTech or Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 10 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement roleHonours or Post Graduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 8 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement roleMasters' Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 6 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement roleExperience: Minimum 6 years in a senior communications role, preferably in the science, technology, or space sectorProven experience managing large-scale communication and outreach projects internationallyStrong leadership and team management experience, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop teamsProficiency in developing and implementing effective communication strategiesStrong capability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholdersSkills in organizing, executing, and monitoring outreach projects and eventsAbility to manage communication during sensitive situations and mitigate potential issuesAbility to craft clear, compelling content across various mediumsKnowledge of digital tools, social media, and online engagement techniquesComfort and effectiveness in presenting information to groups and at eventsCapacity to evaluate communication efforts and use metrics to improve strategiesLeading and managing a team on complex projects with a proven record of successful deliveryDemonstrates flexibility in thinking and adapts to and manages the increasing rate of organisational changeSet quality and professional standards and ensure quality assurance is maintained for all communication projectsAble to operate independently, demonstrating a pro-active and innovative attitude to deliver on projects in line with the set objectivesAdditional Notes:
The SKA-Mid Communications and Engagement Manager will be expected to demonstrate the SARAO and SKAO's values, and to work actively to instill those behaviours in all SKA-Mid staff in South Africa.
Applications:
Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by logging to https://ess.nrf.ac.za/Account/Recruitment and apply online.
Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant's suitability for the position.
The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.
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