Chief Officer Specialist Writer; Post Level 8

Applications may only be submitted online via the official UFS vacancy website. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments; to avoid upload issues, you may merge documents into fewer files.

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  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)

• Support the Vice‑Chancellor and Principals stakeholder engagement programme and content calendar by producing high‑level speeches, articles and digital content for use by the DCM’s Content Hub.
• Produce high‑level content such as speeches, articles and social media content in line with the university’s Executive Communication Strategy.
• Write a broad range of high‑quality written materials including feature stories, opinion pieces, research breakthroughs and digital content for the DCM’s Content Hub.
• Craft compelling narratives that reflect the university’s tone and brand voice, engaging audiences from prospective students and alumni to media outlets and public stakeholders.
• Participate in and contribute to the DCM’s Content Hub by curating and optimising content across platforms for cohesive communication.
• Assist the news editor with Content Hub duties (chairing news list publications and platform productions).
• Assist the Assistant Director:
  Internal Communication with the production of institutional magazines such as Bult and Dumela
  .
• Conduct regular reviews of institutional content, updating and refining language to reflect the university’s evolving priorities and vision.
• Provide guidance on writing and editing best practices to the DCM’s Content Hub to ensure quality and consistency across all communication channels.
• Serve as a writer for the Vice‑Chancellor and Principal and members of the university’s executive management, translating leadership vision and ideas into impactful communication.
• Work closely with departmental heads, academic leaders and external partners to develop and refine content that supports the UFS’s goals.
• Oversee and execute end‑to‑end management of high‑priority campaigns, ensuring timely delivery and alignment with strategic priorities.
• Draft and execute communication plans for key institutional integrated communication campaigns and projects.
• Coordinate the production of visually compelling materials for departmental integrated communication campaigns and projects in cooperation with the Unit for Reputation, Brand and Marketing Management.
• Develop timelines and content calendars for major communication initiatives ensuring alignment with university milestones.
• Develop and execute a strategic content plan for the Department of Communication and Marketing in alignment with the DCM’s Communication and Marketing Strategy.
• Stay informed on industry best practices, higher education trends and emerging communication platforms to enhance content effectiveness.
• Conduct research on peer institutions, communications and adapt innovative strategies that align with UFS’s objectives.
• Track and analyse content performance metrics, adjusting strategies based on data insights and audience feedback.

• Bachelor’s degree/BTech/Advanced Diploma (NQF Level
  7)
• Minimum of three (3) years relevant working experience relating to the duties and responsibilities
• Demonstrated and extensive experience in content research and speech writing on an executive level for the higher education or corporate sectors (this experience must be clearly detailed in the CV or supported by attached evidence)

• Experience in content research and writing high‑quality impactful content for the higher education sector,…