The Office of the Senior Director: Marketing and Communication, wishes to appoint a suitably qualified and experienced Communication Officer. The incumbent is responsible for implementing the university’s communication strategy at the Mthatha Campus to enhance Walter Sisulu University’s (WSU) reputation, visibility, and stakeholder engagement. The incumbent will support internal and external communication initiatives, content development and management for all platforms to ensure consistent, professional, and timely dissemination of information aligned with the WSU brand and Vision 2030. From time to time, the incumbent will be required to support student recruitment efforts.
Minimum Requirements:
Qualifications:
- A relevant diploma/degree (NQF 6 or 7) in Communication, Journalism, or Public Relations
Experience:
- Minimum of five years of experience in journalism, communications or media, preferably within a higher education or public sector environment.
- Valid driver's license.
- Willingness to work after hours, weekends and public holidays when required.
Key Performance Areas:
Media and Public Relations
- Draft and distribute press releases in consultation with Senior Director MCD and/or Deputy Director: Communication, media advisories, and opinion pieces.
- Coordinate media coverage for WSU events, research achievements, and leadership announcements.
Internal Communication
- Manage internal communication channels (emails, newsletters, intranet, noticeboards, etc.) to ensure timely and accurate information flow.
- Support executive and academic units with messaging and internal campaigns.
- Promote a positive campus culture and enhance staff and student engagement through communication initiatives.
Content Development and Storytelling
- Produce high-quality written, visual, and digital content for WSU platforms, including the website, newsletters, and social media.
- Develop human-interest stories that reflect WSU’s achievements, innovations, and student success.
- Support content creation for institutional publications and reports.
Event Communication Support
- Provide communication and publicity support for institutional and campus events, including graduations, conferences, and public lectures.
- Develop pre- and post-event communication plans.
- Liaise with event coordinators to ensure brand consistency and message alignment.
- Managing event branding
Crisis and Issues Communication
- Support the implementation of WSU’s crisis communication protocols at campus level.
- Assist in preparing holding statements and coordinating accurate, timely responses.
Digital and Social Media Management
- Contribute to WSU’s social media strategy by producing content.
- Monitor engagement and respond to public queries within approved communication guidelines.
Brand and Reputation Management
- Ensure consistent application of WSU’s corporate identity across all materials.
- Serve as the campus brand custodian in collaboration with the central MCD team
Skills and Competencies Required:
- Strategic communication planning and implementation.
- Media and stakeholder relations.
- Strong writing, editing, and content development skills.
- Digital and social media management.
- Excellent interpersonal, analytical, and problem-solving abilities.
- Critical thinking
- Brand and reputation management
- Excellent written and verbal communication
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
- Photography
Interested applicants should send their applications together with detailed Curriculum Vitae, certified copies of academic qualifications, full academic record and ID Copy and the names and contact details of three referees, using the advert reference number to the Human Resources Department via email to
Telephonic enquiries: (043) 703 8538, Mrs S. Daniels
Date Issued: 10 March 2026 Closing Date: 16 March 2026
NB: Applicants who have previously applied, need not re-apply.
Applicants who have not been informed about the outcome of their application within two months from the closing date may regard their application as having been unsuccessful. Late applications will not be accepted.
“WSU is committed to Employment Equity and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply”.
