Communications Manager

Education NGO|Not for Profit Education

About Our Client

Our client is a national network of NGOs & partners realising quality, affordable early learning for all 3-5 year olds based in Gauteng.

Job Description

The successful Communications Manager will be responsible for the following:

Monitor early learning and wider ECD news, policy developments, and research to identify opportunities and/or issues for consideration and potential communication or other responses
Develop, realise, and innovate effective, contextual communication approaches
Develop communication plans for Information, engagement and influence across contexts and modes in service of SmartStart's success - mindful of all key stakeholders, constituencies and audiences incl. children, franchisees, practitioners, parents, staff, partners, and the public
Amplify the voices of the SmartStart network incl. by guiding and supporting the SmartStart network to communicate more effectively
Craft compelling communications
Write clear, concise, informative, engaging, and influential communications and other content for distinct stakeholders, constituencies, and audiences across channels and platforms while maintaining consistent brand voice and tone. This includes inter alia press releases, articles, speeches, newsletters, organisational reports, and website copy
Manage internal and external communications as Communications Manager.
Guide and oversee all internal communication channels incl. FundaApp, newsletters, and email updates, to keep staff, partners and practitioners informed and engaged.
Manage external communications to maintain a valuable brand image - incl. media relations, crisis communication, and public relations activities.
Build productive media relations
Cultivate relationships with journalists, media entities, and influencers to promote positive, valuable (informative, engaging, influential) coverage of the early learning sector in general and the SmartStart network in particular (incl. franchisors and other partners)
Pitch stories and coordinate interviews
Prepare spokespersons for media engagements as Communications Manager.
Monitor relevant media coverage and respond to media inquiries promptly

The Successful Applicant

The successful Comms Manager will have the following profile:

Degree in communications, public Relations, journalism, or other relevant degree
Advantageous: relevant master's degree
Min. 5 years' experience as a Communications Manager or similar realising effective communications in a development / social / non-profit context developing
Abilities, Skills, and Attributes
Excellent, evidenced written and verbal communication skills across constituencies and platforms
Experience in media relations incl. cultivating relationships with journalists, managing press releases, and organising media events
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders at all levels
Proficiency across multiple communication tools and platforms incl. social media management, content management systems, and relevant analytics tools
Ability to see the big picture and attend to details rigorously
Strong management skills including prioritising between and managing across multiple demands
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
Strong problem-solving capability
Familiarity with crisis communication practices and reputation management techniques
Advantageous: creativity re visual design and branding
Advantageous: familiarity with industry-specific terminology and regulations