Communications & Engagement Manager

SUMMARY:
A well-established business is seeking to appoint a Communications & Engagement Manager.
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.

POSITION INFO:

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• BTech or Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 10 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement role; or
• Honours or Post Graduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 8 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement role; or
• Masters' Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or equivalent qualification coupled with 6 years' corporate communications or stakeholder engagement role.

• Minimum 6 years in a senior communications role, preferably in the science, technology, or space sector.
• Proven experience managing large-scale communication and outreach projects internationally.
• Strong leadership and team management experience, with a demonstrated ability to mentor and develop teams.
• Strategic Planning: Proficiency in developing and implementing effective communication strategies.
• Interpersonal Skills: Strong capability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Project Management: Skills in organizing, executing, and monitoring outreach projects and events.
• Crisis Communication: Ability to manage communication during sensitive situations and mitigate potential issues.
• Excellent Writing and Editing: Ability to craft clear, compelling content across various mediums.
• Digital Marketing: Knowledge of digital tools, social media, and online engagement techniques.
• Public Speaking: Comfort and effectiveness in presenting information to groups and at events.
• Analytical Skills: Capacity to evaluate communication efforts and use metrics to improve strategies.
• Leadership skills: Leading and managing a team on complex projects with a proven record of successful delivery.
• Adaptability: Demonstrates flexibility in thinking and adapts to and manages the increasing rate of organisational change by adjusting strategies, goals and priorities.
• Also includes adaptability to different work systems and willingness to learn different systems for effective workflows.
• Quality-driven: Set quality and professional standards and ensure quality assurance is maintained for all communication projects including and especially the brand.
• Autonomy: able to operate independently, demonstrating a pro-active and innovative attitude to deliver on projects in line with the set objectives

• Strategic Communication Skills: Ability to design and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to navigate complex environments with multiple stakeholders, engage key stakeholders (governments, research bodies, industry, local communities, etc.) and foster meaningful partnerships.
• Leadership and Team Management: Experience leading and managing a team, with the ability to foster an environment that encourages new ideas and provides support for the development of emerging skills, as well as the ability to influence, mentor people, build trust,shape conversations and change behaviours through effective relationship-building.
• Project and Budget Management: Expertise in managing communications projects and budgets efficiently, including planning, seeking,allocating and monitoring resources to achieve outcomes.
• Media and Public Relations Expertise: Strong relationships with international media outlets and experience as a spokesperson.
• Crisis Management: Proven track record of successfully managing media crises with minimal negative impact.
• Judgement and Problem Solving: Proven ability to seek out, examine and cross reference a range of information to identify patterns and trends to pre-empt issues or crisis, and develop innovative and effective reputation management campaigns.

• Scientific Communication Experience: Ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.
• Multilingual Skills: Proficiency in multiple languages for effective communication with international stakeholders.
• Experience working or interest in astronomy or related field.
• Experience working in an international environment.
• Event Management Experience: Experience organizing large-scale international events, conferences, or exhibitions.
• Knowledge of International Regulatory and Cultural Contexts: Understanding of international communication regulations and cultural considerations.
• Sustainability and Social Responsibility Awareness: Familiarity with global sustainability goals and their integration into communication strategies.
• Advanced Technical Skills in Digital Tools: Proficiency in advanced digital marketing, analytics, website management, social media platforms, and media production.
• Networking and Influencing: Strong global network in media, government, and scientific communities.

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