Head Communications (12504) at The South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF STRATEGY

• Participate in the development and implementation of the Corporate Affairs & Marketing strategy.
• Develop long-term and annual Communication and Stakeholder management strategies for the SABC
• As part of the communications strategy, develop and lead the implementation of a strong PR plan for the SABC
• Lead the effective execution of key elements of the communications and stakeholder management strategy while simultaneously providing guidelines, tools, templates, and role delegation for elements to be executed in the plans.
• Provide strategic direction to communications and stakeholder relations team in terms of defining objectives, strategy and development of business models to be implemented within the unit
• Cascade Corporate Affairs and Marketing strategy to Departments within the communication and stakeholder management unit.
• Review and Report on the achievement of business unit’s objectives 

BUSINESS OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

• Lead and manage the development of press releases, speeches, reports, ensuring content quality of the highest level is produced.
• Ensure information credibility and manage frequent media queries accurately and timeously.
• Drive innovation in the implementation of internal communications to improve staff engagement across a channel mix within the organisation
• Manage PR and reputation management agencies for the SABC
• Proactively produce frequent thought leadership pieces to publish on various platforms.
• Explore new ways of disseminating information timeously and accurately
• Support all organizational spokesperson communications both externally and internally.
• Manage all information sources and create good relationships with key decision makers.
• Develop and manage an Influencer and/or ambassador programme for the SABC
• In conjunction with organisational leaders at various levels, a coordinated stakeholder management must be implemented that will ensure SABC develops good relations with its key stakeholders.
• Play a coordination role for communicators across the organization through formal communications forum.
• Perform root cause analysis as well as synthesize all information thereby producing a positive outcome.
• Conduct benchmarks on best practice and management of information sources from all stakeholders
• Ensure that the operational budget is managed in such a way as to assure no wasteful expenditure.
• Set guidelines on optimal fund distribution/ allocation in accordance with the organisational budget constraints and strategic/ operational requirements

GOVERNANCE RISK AND COMPLIANCE

• Develop and review internal control measures to ensure good governance.
• Oversee the management of specific communication risks to protect organisational integrity, create value, prevent financial loss and ensure compliance with applicable policies and legislations. 
• Develop, review and implement policies and good governance to address gaps and promote accountability.
• Monitor compliance in line with OHS Act
• Review and implement Risk Management Plan in line with organizational Risk Framework (COSO Model):
• Monitor execution of internal risk audits results per checklist to identify and address gaps.
• Facilitate and convene synergies with the Security Cluster, Social Cluster as well as Presidential Contingencies in the management of special communication responses, events and activities.
• Engage in complex and brilliant networking strategies with a diverse population of customers and stakeholders.

STAKEHOLDER MANAGEMENT

• Build strong relationships with local and continental media houses including bloggers and influencers across all key sectors of the SABC business
• Create and maintain communication channels between media and the SABC, in particular the leadership
• Build a positive communication culture among all SABC staff
• In collaboration with GE and stakeholder and partnerships functions, foster relationships with Internal and External Stakeholders to achieve business priorities.

LEADERSHIP AND PEOPLE MANAGEMENT

• Ensure adequate staffing for workload, succession planning and effective leadership.
• Effective briefing and communication with department staff.
• Contract and Manage Performance Management System in accordance with organizational policy and procedures within the unit.
• Manage all information sources and create good relationships with key business decision makers.
• Career Development Plans (CDP) for all staff members.
• Contract and Manage Performance Management System in accordance with organizational policy and procedures within the unit.

 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

• Oversee departmental operational expenditure against approved budget and introduce corrective measures to ensure financial discipline and accountability.
• Ensure that the operational budget is managed in such a way as to assure no wasteful expenditure.
• Set guidelines on optimal fund distribution/ allocation in accordance with the organisational budget constraints and strategic/ operational requirements.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Honours Degree in Communications/PR/Internal Comms or equivalent qualification
• Broadcasting/Media experience an advantage
• Additional languages – South African and/or other African languages 
• 10 years’ experience in communication of which 5 years should be Managing a communications and or stakeholder relations team. 

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​KNOWLEDGE:

• Proven Exceptional writing skills across multiple mediums and languages
• Content creation for effective communication to target audience
• Research skills
• Budget management
• PPPFA and PFMA
• Strategic management
• Digital Media management
• Stakeholder management
• Understanding of the different role players within the broadcasting and media landscape
• Understanding of applicable legislative frameworks and regulations