Communications & Stakeholder Relations Manager at Coega

RESPONSIBILITIES AND OBLIGATIONS

• Develop a Stakeholder Relationship Strategy and Implementation Plan based on best practice and international management models;
• Develop a Public Relations Strategy and Implementation Plan based on best practice and international management models;
• Develop a Communications Strategy and Implementation Plan based on best practices and international management models;
• Develop and implement a Media Management Strategy to improve reach, prominence and share of voice for brand and products and services;
• Develop and implement relevant policies, processes, and systems to ensure effective management of Stakeholder Relations, Public Relations and Media, Social Media and Communications;
• Coordinate the preparation of stakeholder presentations of high standard to ensure clarity of Coega positioning, purpose, cross-functional and consistency of messaging, utilizing advanced presentation tools and style;
• Develop and disseminate well-researched articles for print, online, digital, and broadcast media including but not limited to press statements, advertorials, thought leadership, case studies, and generic content for Coega’s main brand and its sub-brands in consultation with the subject-matter experts (SMEs);
• Conduct media research, analysis, intelligence, and trends for media targeting and channel optimization;
• Update and manage media database (regional, national, continental, global), and regularly host media tours of the Coega SEZ and Projects throughout South Africa and in areas where Coega implements projects;
• Develop content for stakeholder briefing and/or milestone celebrations and events, speeches, and business reviews;
• Develop relevant positioning message content, on a daily basis, for social media such as X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Slack, targeted mobile applications, and other digital media networks that may be developed from time to time;
• Coordinate content management of the Coega website, intranet, and other online channels, in consultation with the in-house Digital Graphic Design Studio (GDS) Manager;
• Collaborate with the Business Units in the production of written content for the periodic updating of the internal and external newsletters;
• Coordinate the production of other internal and external publications and collateral materials;
• Coordinate the development, implementation, and publishing of the Coega Integrated Annual Report (IAR);
• Assist in the development and maintenance of a “house style” in all Coega’s written communications, in consultation with the in-house Graphic Design Studio Manager;
• Attend internal and external meetings with stakeholders when required by the Unit Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications;
• Host small to large stakeholder forums and webinars for positioning and networking in provinces or markets where Coega has operations, and propel the organization towards a digital stakeholder engagement approach in an increasingly integrated environment to ensure lower costs, greater reach, and increased productivity;
• Generate a positive reputation and brand image with stakeholders, and sustain a mature and trusting relationship that will get Coega messages and surveys read quickly and feedback returned for decision-making;
• Ensure effective use of cross-channel and multi-channel systems for tracking the stakeholder journey in the digital world and use predictive analysis;
• Monitor and report on the performance of stakeholder activities utilizing international best practice metrices and more cost-effective software solutions;
• Manage the budget and provide administrative support to the Unit Head of Marketing, Brand and Communications;
• Prepare and submit quarterly reports to various governance structures of the organization and external stakeholders; and
• Undertake other duties as required commensurate with the level of this position.

Furthermore, you are to ensure that:

• You are aware of and have access to the CDC’s SHEMS;
• You are aware of your responsibilities and duties as laid out in the CDC’s SHEMS;
• You are aware that you work in a safe and environmentally friendly manner;
• You ensure that the company’s housekeeping standards are maintained throughout your area of responsibility;
• You report any unsafe conditions or acts which you cannot rectify yourself to your SHE representative or to the Senior SHE Project Manager as soon as possible;
• You report all SHE incidents which occur within your area of responsibility promptly and in the correct format;
• You are totally familiar with your responsibilities in terms of the CDC’s emergency plan;
• You communicate to the Senior SHE Project Manager any required changes to the SHEMS prior to implementing these changes;
• You timeously complete and correctly record any corrective action which needs to be taken in order to rectify a SHE matter;
• You give full co-operation to, and participate in (as required), the CDC’s internal and external SHEMS audits.

You have the authority to:

• Immediately stop any person(s) on CDC property from committing an unsafe or destructive act or omission;
• Take whatever immediate steps you deem necessary to prevent injury or environmental damage when confronted with an unsafe or destructive condition.

Additionally, ensure that:

• During your period of employment and subsequent thereto, you shall keep confidential and shall not make use of, directly or indirectly, and shall not disclose any of the CDC’s trade secrets or confidential information or those of its subsidiary or associate companies or those of other persons who have made disclosures to the CDC under conditions of confidentiality, other than to persons authorised by the CDC or those employed by the CDC who are required to know such secrets or to have such information for the purpose of their employment with the CDC.
• You shall not, without the written permission of the CEO, be directly or indirectly employed for gain in any business or pursuit other than that of the CDC. Such permission will be granted only if the CEO is satisfied that the activity is not in conflict with the CDC’s interests, and that the Employee’s ability to fulfil his/her duties to the CEO's satisfaction will not be impaired.
• It is conditional that you and/or no immediate relative or member of my household be employed by an organisation in direct competition with the CDC, without the CDC’s written approval. The CDC reserves the right to enquire as to the place of employment of my spouse or any member of my household.
• You will abide by the CDC Code of Conduct and Ethics Policy which seeks to codify the expected ethical behavior from me, to meet the ideal of good corporate governance.

COMPETENCIES AND REQUIREMENTS

• A Post-graduate Degree or Diploma in Stakeholder Relations Management, Public Relations, and Media Studies;
• A relevant Master’s or PhD qualification would be a definite advantage;
• A minimum of 15 years of relevant work experience in a similar role, specializing in Stakeholder Management, Communications, and Public Relations;
• Ability to multitask and work to strict deadlines;
• Ability to work independently, pro-actively and make an impact on the business;
• Good interpersonal skills, maturity, and the ability to communicate clearly and effectively at all levels of the organization, including Executive Management and Board;
• Excellent writing skills and the command use of oral and written English Language;
• Exercise self-control and confidence and pay meticulous attention to detail;
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and manage the implementation of small, medium and large events (both virtual, physical, and hybrid);
• Good networks of Journalists or media houses in South Africa;
• High emotional intelligence and ability to read the room when presenting information to different audiences, including local communities and businesses;
• Analytical and conceptual skills to think and plan strategically;
• Proven ability to effectively manage relationships with media, community groups and other key stakeholders; and
• Excellent knowledge of digital applications for online and social media including the use and interpretation of relevant analytics for decision-making.