Job Description
Please note that this job description sets out to define the major areas of responsibility present in the job at the time that the document was drawn up. The content of the actual job could include ad hoc tasks not present in this document and the job description will grow and change according to the organizational needs as the organization develops. This document will be reviewed regularly, particularly during performance reviews with the job holder.
Job Title: Communications and Partnerships Manager
Unit: Communications and Partnerships Unit
Grade: E1
Reporting To: Head of Operations
Number of Subordinates: 2-4
Travel Required: Yes
Overall Purpose Of Job:
To develop and implement the internal and external communications strategy for the Southern Africa Trust
Dimensions:
Takes full responsibility for managing a functional department within the organization. Tasks require strategic decision-making, analytical understanding co-ordination and management. Ensures that strategic planning of unit is implemented. Includes responsibility for supervising and training others. Recognisable experience and expertise required. Example: Grants Manager, Communications and Partnerships Manager (5 years experience in similar position)
Purpose:
Responsible to initiate, develop, and manage all aspects of the communications functions of the Trust while at the same time building the Trust as an organization, including overall communications co-ordination within the Trust and managing the work of the communications unit specifically, implementation of the strategic plan ensuring that targets and deadlines are being met in regard to communications, performance management of communications unit personnel, guidance and support to coordinators and staff as and when appropriate, communications budget management with the following key functions:
Develop and implement the Trust's communications strategy;
Design and develop a database of contacts for Southern Africa Trust;
Establish and convene a networking, partnerships and communication reference group;
Establish formal partnership agreements with partner organizations once decided by the Trust;
Develop and maintain relationships with the media, including the production and distribution of media releases and hosting of media conferences on behalf of the Trust;
Develop and provide input for regular publication in the mass print and broadcast media;
Protect, develop, and manage the Trust's brands;
Networking with key contacts from civil society, business, and government to maintain contacts and open channels for formal and informal communication in key sectors in which the Trust works;
Develop and manage the Trust's Drivers of Change Awards to profile outstanding examples of innovation, partnership, and effectiveness in overcoming poverty in southern Africa;
Assist with developing calls for proposals and soliciting innovative grant applications from the media sector;
Ensure publication and distribution of calls for grant applications;
Develop all advertising and marketing material for the Trust;
Develop and ensure publication of the Trust's annual report;
Develop and quality control the Southern Africa Trust website;
Ensure distribution of information produced by Southern Africa Trust or partners to relevant stakeholders;
Human resource management including performance management of communications personnel;
Manage the resources and budget of the Communication and Partnerships Unit in alignment with the strategic outcomes that are set; and
Report on performance of Communications and Partnerships Unit against strategic objectives.
Key Performance Areas:
External and Internal Communication
Oversee all communication efforts of the Trust especially the production of media releases, media advisories/alerts, media fact sheets, organization of media briefings; blogs; podcasts, etc;
Profile the content of the work of the Trust and clearly demonstrate the impact it is making;
Develop editorial policy and content management strategy to ensure conformity on all communication outputs;
Develop key message templates to communicate the agenda of the Trust;
Promote the Trust as a source of reference on regional integration and poverty development issues; and
Improve the flow of information internally and establish mechanisms such as discussion forum, chat rooms, etc.
Corporate Promotions
Oversee the production of high quality corporate gifts such as diaries, calendars, t-shirts, banners, stickers, flash disks, lanyards, etc; and
Ensure the production of online and print adverts to market the Trust.
Management of Corporate Events
Manage the organization of high quality corporate events;
Grow the Drivers of Change award to attract nominations of civil society organizations, government agencies, businesses, and individuals;
Increase the regional presence of the Trust through national consultative dialogues;
Organize public debates, lectures, dialogue series to promote the agenda of the Trust; and
Identify opportunities to co-host key events with media, government and business.
Partnership Development
Develop and maintain relationships with key regional media organizations especially the Southern African Editors Forum (SAEF), Media Institute of Southern Africa (MISA), Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA), Southern African News Agency Pool (SANAPOOL), Gender and Media Southern Africa, (GEMSA), Inter Press Service (IPS), the Mail & Guardian, etc;
Collaborate with the Trust's Regional Poverty Observatory unit and its Grants Facility in formalising strategic partnerships through Declarations of Intent or similar agreements with partner organizations;
Manage existing partnerships with the Mail & Guardian, Inter Press Service, etc; and
Broaden online and offline media partnerships.
Production of Publications
Ensure that the production and printing of publications conform to the Trust's brand manual and visual identity manual;
Advise on style and content of annual report, policy briefs, portfolio briefs, research reports, newsletters etc; and
Oversee the timely distribution of publications to key stakeholders.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Risk Management
Monitor and analyse the impact of communication and marketing activities;
Monitor the trend of website statistics and media coverage reports and recommend appropriate measures to increase visibility;
Maintain an up to date assessment of the communications risks of the Trust and manage mitigation strategies; and
Put in place a communication crisis plan.
Database Management
Manage and further develop the Trust's database of contacts and circulation of information using latest technologies.
Human Resource Management
Manage communications unit personnel and consultants; and
Mediate staff matters before involving the Head of Operations.
Behavioral Competencies:
Strong communication skills (verbal and written)
Well developed networking skills
Innovative and flexible
Analytical and strategic thinker
Technical Competencies:
Understanding of networking as a strategy
Ability to develop organizational partnerships
Competency in French and/or Portuguese would be an added advantage
Advanced IT skills
Academic requirements:
Relevant postgraduate degree and/or a minimum of 5 years relevant experience
Please note that this job description sets out to define the major areas of responsibility present in the job at the time that the document was drawn up. The content of the actual job could include ad hoc tasks not present in this document and the job description will grow and change according to the organizational needs as the organization develops. This document will be reviewed regularly, particularly during performance reviews with the job holder.
