Job Description

The Western Cape Economic Development Partnership, known as the EDP, is an independent, not-for-profit, public benefit company that works with a range of partners to improve the performance of the Cape Town and Western Cape socio-economic development system. Helping leaders and institutions from different sectors xe2x80x93 public, private, civil society, education and academia xe2x80x93 to work together, to grow the local, metropolitan and regional economy, and to address complex system challenges. Based in Cape Town (hybrid working model), the EDP seeks to fill the following vacancy: COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER The Communications Manager reports to the Operations Executive and works closely with the entire EDP team. The starting date for this position is January 2024. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all marketing and communications for the EDP; developing and managing PR materials and publications, developing EDP branding, knowledge products and strategic marketing campaigns; leading effective external communications whilst promoting the services of our organisation; advising Programme Leads with project communication strategies and providing editorial services when necessary. The Communications Manager will be responsible for the following tasks and duties, among others:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy aligned with the EDPxe2x80x99s mission and goals.
• Oversee the EDPxe2x80x99s branding and strategic positioning activities, developing clear messaging and a range of products to shape and manage the EDPxe2x80x99s reputation and perception among key audiences.
• Provide communications support to the EDPxe2x80x99s projects, from designing communications strategies to delivering communications products and services.
• Plan and deliver a steady pipeline of content for various platforms that demonstrates the EDPxe2x80x99s impact and service offering.
• Work closely with the Knowledge, Monitoring and Evaluation Manager to contribute to the development and dissemination of knowledge products.
• Work closely with the Business Development Manager to develop marketing materials and deliver strategic marketing campaigns.
• Oversee the management and redevelopment as needed of the EDPxe2x80x99s website and provide strategic guidance on related digital platform to meet institutional and project needs.
• Manage the EDPxe2x80x99s social media and digital platforms, ensuring they are regularly updated to enhance the EDPxe2x80x99s engagement with key audiences.
• Support the integrity and quality of the EDPxe2x80x99s products and services through the implementation of the editorial, style and photo guidelines, and develop related tools and templates as needed.
• Provide writing, editing and reviewing, and design and layout support as needed.
• Manage relationships with external partners to maximise coverage and visibility, including media and key communications staff.
• Oversee media monitoring and social media scanning to keep EDP teams updated on relevant news and analysis.
• Monitor and analyse communication metrics to assess the effectiveness of strategies and make data-driven adjustments.
• Stay updated on industry trends and best practices to continuously enhance our communications efforts.

The Communications Manager needs to be able to demonstrate skills and relevant experience in the following areas:

• Bachelorxe2x80x99s degree in Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful branding and communications strategies.
• Proven experience of providing operational communications support to development-focused projects, with a strong understanding of project cycles and reporting mechanisms.
• The ability to package complex projects into relatable stories, reports and other knowledge products.
• Experience in media relations, using traditional and social media, multi-media and other online platforms.
• Knowledge of digital communication and collaboration platforms, relevant desktop publishing and design packages, administration of stakeholder surveys, presentation design, systems and stakeholder mapping, data packaging, information management, and social media tools and tactics.
• Exceptional skills in writing, as well as editing, layout and design.
• Strong analytical and presentation skills, and a strong abilty to communicate and distil complex messaging clearly.
• Strong project management abilities, able to handle multiple tasks with tight deadlines.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with development issues and a passion for creating posititve socio-economic development impact.
• The ability to work in a fast-paced environment across sectors, projects and teams.
• The ability to adapt quickly to changing circumstances and deliverables.

Please note that this is a 1-year contract with a possibility of renewal. Candidates need to reside in Cape Town, no relocation assistance will be provided. Candidates from all provinces are welcome to apply. Please view the full job description and application instructions on the vacancies page at www.actionappointments.co.za and email your application by Friday 01st December 2023 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za Job Type: Full-time