Job Description

Job Title
Digital Content Specialist (post level 11) (Job ID: 6262)
Organizational Unit
University of the Free State -> Vice- Chancellor and Principal -> Communication and Marketing
Contract Type
Permanent
Occupational Level
Semi-Skilled
Location
Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date
31/10/2025
Description

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered.

The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues, we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!

To ensure your application is complete, you must submit

ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements

, as well as the following

standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae. Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications, please include SAQA accreditation). A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals). Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter, appointment contract, service certificate, or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Manage Communication and Marketing System workflows and publish content across UFS websites. Write, edit, and adapt content for clarity, accuracy, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and accessibility compliance (Web Content Accessibility Guidelines WCAG 2.1). Contribute to the Content Hub (Newsdesk). Conduct content audits and ensure compliance with UFS Digital Content Guidelines and brand standards. Support User Interface/User Experience (UX/UI) enhancements and assist with web development adjustments (HTML, CSS, JavaScript). Curate multimedia content for web platforms (text, image, video). Monitor analytics (GA4, Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs, etc.) and provide reports with actionable insights. Collaborate with faculties, divisions, ICT Services, and external service providers on web projects. Benchmark national and international best practices and recommend improvements.

Inherent requirements:

Bachelor's degree or Advanced Diploma on NQF Level 7 in Communication, Multimedia, Web Development, Digital Marketing, Journalism, or related field. Minimum two (2) years' relevant experience in digital content management, with proven technical, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and digital writing expertise.

Recommendations:

Honours degree on NQF Level 8 in Communication, Digital Marketing, or related field. Proficiency in CMS platforms, web development basics (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and accessibility compliance. Experience in higher education or complex organisational web environments. Knowledge of Application Programming Interface (API) integration basics, Google Tag Manager, and schema markup. Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro). Multilingual ability (English and South African Languages).

Competencies

Required competencies:

Results Orientated:

The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success. The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.

o Strategic Thinking:

The ability to deal with several activities at a time. The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.

Business Acumen:

The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations. Proficient in using MS Office.

Leading:

The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm. The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.

Building Coalitions:

The ability to negotiate, sell, influence and to persuade others. The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.

Assumption of duties:

01 December 2025 or as soon as possible.

Closing date:

31 October 2025

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R447 323.31 - R562 750.48 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

Fringe benefits:

(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:

For enquiries, please feel free to contact me at

051 401 2558

or email at

ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za

or

Recruit@ufs.ac.za

. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 / 9848 for assistance.

General:

The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence, diversity, and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at:

EEA13-UFS EE Plan 1 March 2025_28 Feb 2026.pdf

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications, you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.