Manager: Public Relations
Position summary
Introduction
Job description
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) is committed to academic excellence and innovation. The Corporate Relations Division invites applications from suitably qualified and experienced individuals for the position of Public Relations Manager, to serve the College of Humanities, one of the largest Colleges at UKZN.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead and implement strategic communication and marketing initiatives that enhance the profile of the College and its contribution to scholarship, teaching and learning, and community engagement.
Reporting to the Director: Corporate Affairs, the Public Relations Manager will be responsible for initiating and managing the College’s marketing and communications strategy in alignment with the University’s Integrated Marketing Strategy. The incumbent will lead a team of public relations professionals and work collaboratively across internal and external stakeholder groups to enhance the brand reputation of the College and the University.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement the College’s annual marketing and publicity strategy.
- Manage internal and external communications, media relations, and crisis communication.
- Lead and coordinate events and campaigns to raise the College’s profile.
- Foster relationships with stakeholders including media, feeder schools, alumni, funders, and partners.
- Oversee the development and production of publications and marketing materials.
- Manage the PR unit’s budget and lead a team of three permanent staff.
Minimum requirements
- Honours degree or Postgraduate Diploma (NQF8), preferably in Marketing, Communication, or a related field.
- Minimum of eight (8) years’ experience in marketing and communications, with at least two (2) years at management level.
- Demonstrable experience in event management, media liaison, content development, and publications.
- A valid driver’s licence is essential.
- Preferably, to have at least three (3) years’ experience in a university marketing and communications environment.
Skills and Competencies:
- Strong leadership and staff management capabilities.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to develop strategic marketing plans.
- Creative thinking and conceptual agility.
- High level of initiative and achievement orientation.
Personal Attributes:
- Strong relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Adaptability and ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Process facilitation and problem-solving ability.
The closing date for receipt of applications is 07 July 2025
Kindly note that the University of KwaZulu-Natal (“the University”) is required to process any Personal Information (as defined by the Protection of Personal Act, 2013 “POPIA”) submitted by candidates when applying for positions at the University. The provision of the Personal Information is a requirement in terms of the University’s recruitment and selection process. The retention of any personal information is as a consequence of the University being bound by legislative requirements and / or good governance practices as well as record keeping for statistical purposes. The University will endeavour to ensure that the appropriate security measures are in place and implemented for both electronic and paperbased formats that are used for processing of the personal information recorded through this recruitment and selection process.
