Communications Manager

1. Communications Strategy and Planning – Higher Health SA & Higher Health UK

• Develop and implement integrated annual communications strategies and plans for Higher Health SA and Higher Health UK.
  
• Align communication activities with Higher Health’s organisational strategy, programmes, priorities and objectives.
  
• Develop targeted communication plans for key programmes, campaigns, launches and organisational initiatives.
  
• Identify new communication opportunities and platforms to strengthen Higher Health’s visibility and positioning.
  
• Monitor implementation of communication plans and provide regular reports on performance, reach and impact.
  

2. Events Management

• Lead the communications planning and project management of identified Higher Health events, launches, conferences and campaigns.
  
• Develop event communication plans, including branding, invitations, programmes, media, social media and promotional materials.
  
• Coordinate with internal teams, service providers and external stakeholders to ensure effective delivery of events.
  
• Ensure Higher Health branding, messaging and visibility are consistently maintained across all events.
  
• Manage pre-event, live-event and post-event communications to maximise visibility, stakeholder engagement and media exposure.
  

3. Writing, Editing and Content Development

• Draft and edit speeches, media statements, articles, opinion pieces, newsletters, reports and organisational communications.
  
• Develop compelling content that effectively communicates Higher Health’s programmes, achievements and impact.
  
• Prepare briefing notes, talking points, key messages and communication materials for the CEO and senior leadership.
  
• Ensure all written communication is accurate, professional, consistent and aligned with Higher Health’s messaging and brand.
  
• Coordinate and quality-assure content produced by the Communications team and relevant service providers.
  

4. Stakeholder Relations and Strategic Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the higher education, health and related sectors.
  
• Build and maintain a strategic database of media, government, sector, institutional and communications contacts.
  
• Identify opportunities for partnerships, networking, profiling and strategic stakeholder engagement.
  
• Support the CEO and leadership team with stakeholder communications and engagement activities.
  
• Position Higher Health as a leading organisation within its sector through strategic relationships, partnerships and profiling opportunities.
  

5. Internal and External Communications

• Manage Higher Health’s internal and external communication activities across relevant platforms and channels.
  
• Develop and coordinate regular internal communications to keep employees informed of organisational developments and priorities through Emails, Whatsapp groups and SharePoint.
  
• Ensure consistent organisational messaging across internal and external communication touchpoints.
  
• Coordinate external communications relating to programmes, partnerships, achievements, announcements and organisational developments.
  
• Strengthen information flow between the Communications team, programmes, leadership and other Higher Health departments.
  

6. Social Media Management

• Manage Higher Health’s social media platforms and ensure they are regularly updated with fresh, engaging and innovative content.
  
• Develop and manage an annual and monthly social media content calendar aligned with organisational activities and campaigns.
  
• Create and coordinate multimedia content that showcases Higher Health’s programmes, impact, events and achievements.
  
• Monitor social media engagement, reach, audience growth and performance, and provide regular analytics reports.
  
• Identify emerging digital trends and opportunities to strengthen Higher Health’s online presence and engagement.
  

7. Marketing and Branding of Higher Health Programmes

• Develop and implement marketing and branding plans for Higher Health programmes, services and campaigns.
  
• Ensure consistent application of Higher Health’s corporate identity and brand standards across all communication materials.
  
• Develop marketing collateral, promotional materials and campaigns that effectively profile Higher Health programmes.
  
• Work closely with programme teams to identify communication and marketing opportunities that demonstrate programme impact.
  
• Strengthen Higher Health’s brand positioning and ensure the organisation is recognised as a leader within its sector and areas of work.
  

8. Digital Media Marketing and Online Platforms

• Manage Higher Health’s websites and ensure content is reviewed and updated weekly.
  
• Manage digital communication platforms, including Mailchimp and other email marketing and digital engagement tools.
  
• Develop and distribute digital newsletters, campaigns and stakeholder communications.
  
• Monitor website traffic, email campaign performance and other digital analytics to improve engagement.
  
• Identify and implement new digital tools, platforms and approaches to strengthen Higher Health’s digital presence and reach.
  

Requirements

• Relevant diploma or degree in Journalism, PR, Media Studies, or a related field
  

• 5-10 years’ experience in middle management
  

• Valid South African Code 8 driver’s licence.
  
• Ability and willingness to travel nationally and internationally when required.
  
• Willingness to work after hours, over weekends and on public holidays when required for events, campaigns and organisational activities.
  
• Ability to attend and support events, launches, conferences and stakeholder engagements at various locations.
  
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment.
  
• Flexibility to respond to urgent communication and reputational matters outside normal working hours.
  

Closing date: 16 October 2026

Should you not receive a response within 6 weeks of the closing date, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Employment Equity

Higher Health is committed to the principles of Employment Equity. In line with our Employment Equity Plan, preference may be given to candidates from designated groups. All appointments will be made in accordance with the organisation’s Employment Equity objectives.

Benefits