Senior Officer Marketing and Communications (post level 9) (Job ID 6321)

KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: - Applications submitted through any other platform will not be considered. The system allows a maximum of eight attachments. To avoid upload issues we recommend merging some or all documents into fewer files before submitting.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED!
To ensure your application is complete you must submit ALL documents listed under the inherent requirements as well as the following standard documentation:

A detailed Curriculum Vitae.
Copies of your qualifications or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you hold foreign qualifications please include SAQA accreditation).
A copy of your identity document (South African ID or passport for foreign nationals).
Confirmation of employment in the form of a letter appointment contract service certificate or recent payslip from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

Duties and responsibilities:

Develop design and coordinate marketing materials for the facultys academic programmes (such as brochures information guides faculty videos) and all faculty events and compile newsletters profiling the facultys achievements.
Ensure all content aligns with the UFS branding guidelines to promote the facultys identity consistently across all platforms.
Manage the facultys social media channel Facebook to create an engaging online presence profiling all faculty/newsworthy events.
Monitor social media analytics specifically Facebook to assess engagement and compile a quarterly report of this information for the Faculty Marketing and Communication Committee
Attend and actively contribute to the Faculty Marketing & Communication Committee providing quarterly reports on faculty developments and gathering information from internal and external stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate marketing and communication updates including quarterly faculty website updates via Sitefinity.
Maintain content that is current relevant and aligned with UFSs overall digital strategy.
Ensure timely updates regarding faculty staff changes and the content of marketing brochures.
Ensure all faculty event content is posted/shared in a timely manner to coincide with the events occurrence and maximise relevance and engagement.
Develop and execute content strategies for faculty events and recruitment activities gathering information from faculty staff.
Prepare draft media releases on newsworthy faculty events and staff and student achievements for approval by the Department of Communications and Marketing (DCM).
Collaborate with external vendors and designers when required to develop high-quality visuals and multimedia content.
Support and represent the faculty at annual institutional events specifically career expos and open days.
Plan and execute annual institutional events including career expos and open days on behalf of the faculty.
Plan and coordinate faculty events initiated by the Deanery coordinating event logistics from booking venues procurement and managing catering to overseeing promotional efforts and post-event follow-ups.
Support the planning and execution of departmental events within the faculty across campuses
Ensure all events are aligned with faculty goals enhancing both internal and external stakeholder engagement.
Identify and mitigate risks associated with faculty events and marketing initiatives ensuring compliance with institutional policies through the UFS events committee.
Maintain contingency plans for events and address any issues that may arise in real-time maintaining a smooth flow of operations.
Serve as a point of contact between the faculty and relevant stakeholders (internal & external)
Foster positive relationships with stakeholders ensuring faculty projects align with university-wide initiatives and policies.
Maintain regular communication with internal and external partners to ensure cohesive project delivery.
Support and oversee the planning and execution of events hosted by the Commercio Student Body.
Promote undergraduate postgraduate and Business School formal programmes through various channels including online platforms such as Facebook and career fairs.
Organise exhibitions career expos and student recruitment events such as UFS Open Day enhancing faculty visibility to prospective students.
Collaborate with faculty members to highlight unique aspects of current academic programmes addressing frequently asked questions and student concerns.
Attend scheduled school visits subject selection evenings and community events representing the faculty and informing prospective students about programme offerings in collaboration with Student Recruitment Services (SRS).
Provide guidance on admissions requirements available programmes and career opportunities related to the facultys programmes to prospective students and parents.
Establish relationships with high schools and other feeder institutions through various stakeholders.
Support the collection of detailed information through reminding faculty staff to submit information on international collaborations research partnerships and other activities for the faculty internationalisation report through the Internationalisation toolkit.
Support faculty student exchange programmes.
Represent the faculty on the Internationalisation Coordinators Forum (ICF)
Act as a point of contact for international students within the faculty alongside the International Office thereby assisting with integration into the academic community.
Draft and manage the annual budget for all relevant marketing activities that are related to faculty marketing.
Monitor marketing expenditures against marketing budgetary allocations to ensure efficient use of resources for all marketing events and marketing materials that will effectively enhance the visibility of the faculty with a student-centered approach.
Manage the allocated marketing budget effectively by prioritising in-house faculty and UFS resources before engaging external vendors and coordinate with external suppliers for marketing materials and event equipment only when internal options are unavailable

Inherent requirements:
Relevant Bachelors degree or an advanced diploma/BTech degree/postgraduate certificate on NQF Level 7 in Marketing Communications Public Relations or related field.
Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience relating to the duties and responsibilities.

Recommendations:
An Honours degree in Marketing Communications or a related field
Evidence of successful social media marketing experience.
Experience within the higher-education environment.
Knowledge of university systems policies procedures.
Member of or registration with a professional body (i.e MASA PRISA)(attach a copy)

Required competencies:
Results Orientated:
- The ability to set high standards establish tough goals and to work to achieve success.
- The ability to be reliable responsible dependable and to fulfil obligations.
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.
- Strong communication skills.
- Proficient in using digital marketing tools.
- Proficient in using graphic design software (e.g. Canva).
Leading:
- The ability to maintain high levels of personal motivation energy and enthusiasm.
- The ability to be cooperative with others display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
Building Coalitions:
- The ability to negotiate sell influence and to persuade others.
- The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.

Assumption of duties:
1 April 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Closing date:
22 January 2026

Salary:
The salary is available on request.

Fringe benefits:
(Subject to specific conditions): pension scheme medical aid scheme group life insurance housing allowance leave and sick leave service bonus and study benefits.

Enquiries:
For enquiries please feel free to contact or email or . Additionally kindly contact / 2979 / 7659 for assistance.

General:
The UFS is a designated employer and is committed to the pursuit of excellence diversity and redress in achieving its equity targets in accordance with the Employment Equity Plan of the University and its Employment Equity goals and targets. Preference will be given to candidates from the under-represented designated groups including candidates with disabilities. Our Employment Equity Plan is available at: EEA13ReportUNIVERSITY OF THE FREE STATE FINAL SEP

The University processes personal information in line with its obligations under the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and any personal information provided to the University will be treated as confidential and processed in accordance with the rights provided to data subjects under POPIA.

The University reserves the right not to fill the post. The UFS will only consider applications of candidates who meet all the inherent requirements of the position. Applications that are incomplete will not be considered. Communication will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not be contacted within six weeks of the closing date for applications you may assume that your application was unsuccessful.