Role Overview

• The Communications Manager will work closely with the Executive office to develop and oversee the implementation of the OSISA communications strategy.
• S/he will manage the communications unit and ensure that it works in line with the overall strategy of OSISA and promotes the institution’s vision, goals and objectives.
• S/he will play a key role in enhancing the OSISA brand and protect the institution’s reputation and credibility.

Key Performance Areas

Internal Communications

• The Communications Manager will manage and oversee internal communications in relation to OSISA’s programmes, projects and activities.
• S/he will ensure OSISA staff both in Johannesburg and the country offices are constantly updated with relevant information about OSISA’s activities and events.
• S/he will also ensure that staff of the other OSF Africa Foundations, AfRO and the OSF network are also kept informed about OSISA’s work.
• S/he will also work closely and effectively with Communications colleagues from other Africa Foundations and OSF Communications in New York.

Media Relations

• Under the guidance of the Executive office, the Communications Manager will manage and oversee OSISA’s media relations work.
• S/he will enhance the reach and impact of OSISA’s work and awareness of key open society issues through proactive engagement with the media.
• S/he will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with local, regional and key international media houses and journalists; drafting and issuing press releases; organising press conferences, briefings and missions; and promoting OSISA staff as regional experts in their fields.
• S/he will ensure the procedures for media events and press releases are circulated and followed.

Spokesperson

• The Executive Director is the official spokesperson of OSISA.
• In the absence of the ED or in consultation with the ED, the Communications Manager will act as chief spokesperson and will give briefings and interviews to the media on OSISA issues, programmes and projects.
• The Communications Manager will work with the ED to produce key talking points about OSISA’s strategy, vision and projects for use by staff in interviews, speeches and presentations.

Website and Social Media

• The Communications Manager will be responsible for the public face of OSISA and will oversee and manage the website and social media activities.
• S/he will work with the Web Manager to ensure that the website is regularly updated with a wide range of compelling content and that the website becomes the pre-eminent website on open society issues in southern Africa.
• S/he will work with the rest of the Communications unit to ensure that OSISA maximises its social media presence and impact, through its Twitter, Facebook, Vimeo and Pinterest accounts.

Publications

• Under the guidance of the Executive office and in consultation with OSISA Programme Managers, the Communications Manager will be responsible for overseeing the commissioning, final editing, translating if necessary, design and printing of OSISA publications, including working with outside companies and consultants.
• S/he will also oversee the circulation and launch of publications.

Promote OSISA’s Brand

• Under the guidance of the Executive office, the Communications Manager will be responsible for managing OSISA’s brand to ensure that it is unique, representative and boosts the credibility of OSISA.
• S/he will develop a branding strategy and relevant policies, including use of logos, templates, signage at events etc.
• S/he will ensure that OSISA staff follow the branding strategy and policies.

Advocacy

• In consultation with the Executive Office and Programme Managers, the Communications Manager will provide advocacy support for OSISA campaigns, including providing advocacy advice, editing briefing papers, finalising presentations, and participating in advocacy events and missions both regionally and internationally.
• S/he will also collaborate with OSF Africa Advocates based in Nairobi, London, Brussels and Washington.

Training

• The Communications Manager will oversee – and in some cases conduct – media, social media and advocacy training for OSISA staff to ensure that they are able to provide material for the website, work well with the media and exploit social media to advance open society ideals.
• S/he will also work to enhance the media, social media and advocacy work of OSISA partners and grantees.

Managing Communications Budget

• The Communications Manager will oversee and manage the unit’s budget and use the funds to support creative and innovative projects that are clearly linked to the overall strategy of OSISA and to the specific goals and objectives of the Communications unit.

Work Environment and Staff Development

• The Communications Manager will ensure the Communication office has an environment that promotes growth, wellbeing, productivity, cohesive teamwork and effective communication.
• S/he will be responsible for ensuring the integration of the unit within OSISA.
• The Communications Manager will instil OSISA’s values within his/her team and ensure staff are developed to their best potential.

Profile

Minimum Qualifications Required

• A degree in Communications or equivalent qualification. Or a degree in a relevant subject with media and communications experience
• 5 -7 years years of experience required

How to Apply

Since OSISA has requested KM Global Consulting to assist them with recruitment support for this position, all applications should be sent directly to osisa@kmglobalconsult.com with the reference OSISA-CM-RSA as the subject head.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

OSISA is an Equal Opportunity Employer.