Chief Officer: Integrated Student Recruitment Marketing (post level 8) at University of the Free State

Duties and responsibilities:

• Work with the office the Director, Student Recruitment Services (SRS).
• Develop and implement strategies to market and promote the UFS product offerings to current and potential target markets as part of the Student Recruitment Services’ (SRS) team.
• Develop institutional student recruitment strategies and measure the impact on the implementation thereof as part of the Student Recruitment Services’ team.
• Research innovation and technology integration and develop new value proposition tactics to attract prospective students.
• Market research on marketing trends, conduct competitor analysis and propose, execute and measure impact of intervention strategies, working with the SRS team.
• Analyse data gathered from internal sources together with the Recruitment team, to forecast application targets and utilise in decision making.
• Utilise, assess and adjust the different marketing and communication platforms and models to support and strengthen the relevant themes of the Integrated Transformation Plan and goals of the UFS Strategic Plan.
• Anticipate potential and future market trends and adapt strategies to gain competitive advantage within the student recruitment landscape.
• Play an active role in the annual and bi-annual strategic planning sessions.
• Measure and report quarterly on unit’s work and outcomes in relation to departmental strategic plan.
• Advise and liaise with faculties on marketing campaigns to ensure an integrated and coordinated approach.
• Manage the project to produce marketing material. The process includes the gathering, updating, and language editing, designing and printing of marketing material for undergraduate and postgraduate students for Bloemfontein and QwaQwa Campuses.
• Design, develop and execute innovative communication programmes across multiple platforms that promote and position the UFS.
• Oversee the conceptualisation, planning and activation of integrated marketing strategies, plans and/or campaigns online and offline across all traditional and digital platforms (publications, advertisements, radio, TV, print, promotions, social media, out of home) to market the UFS to attract quality prospective undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as to enforce the university’s brand in the higher education marketing ecosystem.
• Develop a media plan according to a drip strategy.
• Coordinate Institutional Student Recruitment Services meetings with Faculties, and Departments.
• Develop and oversee content development of advertisements for application on the different media platforms.
• Develop and oversee content for selling tools.
• Develop content and information on the prospective student webpage at https:/ufs.ac.za/prospective.
• Oversee the management of student recruitment campaigns, publications, marketing material and special projects:
• Ensure concepts, primary and secondary messages support and enhance the UFS brand and UFS Strategic Plan.
• Ensure that all creative elements are aligned with the Brand Guidelines to strengthen and support the look and feel of the UFS.
• Ensure that content adheres to the Tone and Voice Guidelines of the UFS and is 100% accurate.
• Measure and analyse the success of the campaigns via surveys, QR codes and provide close out report on campaigns.
• Conceptualise and develop campaign plans and monitor the implementation of campaigns emanating from the unit.
• Monitor the annual budget allocation for the unit’s entities in line with the institutional and departmental strategic priorities.
• Compile and monitor the annual narrative of the strategic budget allocation to the unit.
• Investigate, negotiate and optimise opportunities and methods to reduce and contain costs economically during the procurement of services and goods.
• Pro-actively create stakeholder engagement opportunities through appropriate structures, underpinned by a mutual reciprocal relationship.
• Contribute to the customer satisfaction surveys and research amongst SRS target audiences on the brand perception and experience.
• Assist with the management of the UFS Suite at the FS Toyota Rugby Stadium to facilitate networking with internal and external stakeholders.
• Promote and build trust, confidence, and loyalty between UFS Student Recruitment Services and internal and external stakeholders through effective stakeholder management and relationship marketing.
• Serve as a member of the Institutional Reputation Management Forum.
   

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or an Advanced Diploma/B.Tech degree/Postgraduate Certificate on NQF level 7 in Marketing / Strategic Marketing / Communication.
• Three (3) to four (4) years’ relevant working experience related to the duties and responsibilities.

Valid driver’s license.
 

Recommendations:

• Honours degree or equivalent on NQF level 8 with specialisation in strategic marketing / marketing / communication.
• Understanding of school/university systems.
• Creative Writing experience.
• Content Development experience.
• Experience within the higher education environment.
• Knowledge of university systems, policies, procedures.
• Member of a or registration at a professional body.

Competencies
Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
  • The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
  • The ability to stick with tasks, not give up, and overcome obstacles in completing one’s task.
• Strategic Thinking:
  • The ability to plan work and to follow plans.
  • The ability to be creative and open-minded when addressing work issues.
• Business Acumen:
  • The ability to adhere to rules and strictly follow work regulations.
  • Proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading:
  • The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude, and encourage people to work together.
  • The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation, energy and enthusiasm.
• Building Coalitions:
  • The ability to interact with others and establish personal connections with people.
  • The ability to be sensitive and understanding to the needs and feelings of others.