Manager:  Media Liaison/Relations (Grade 16)

Advancement and Communications Department

The Department of Advancement and Communications invites suitably qualified candidates to join their team. 

Main Objectives

The Media Relations Manager is responsible for shaping, safeguarding, and enhancing the University’s reputation and public profile across local, national, and international media platforms. The incumbent should be a highly strategic and proactive professional capable of operating with a significant degree of autonomy to cultivate, manage, and sustain strong relationships with a diverse range of media stakeholders, including print, digital, broadcast, and specialist outlets.

Working closely with Communications Officers and other units within the Division, the incumbent will coordinate the development and dissemination of high-quality institutional narratives that reflect the University’s values, achievements, and strategic priorities. This includes the effective placement of stories across appropriate media channels to maximise visibility and impact.

The role also encompasses effective management of media engagement, including news, editorial processes, and crisis communications, ensuring timely, accurate, and aligned messaging at all times and strategic responses to protect the University’s reputation during heightened scrutiny.

The Requirements

A relevant B Degree in either Journalism and Media Studies, Marketing, Communications, or a related field, plus approximately 7 years relevant experience, where such experience includes: -

• An excellent and proven network of relationships with regional, national and international media.
• Proven experience in the field at a newspaper, magazine or broadcaster.
• Experience in the deployment of a crisis communications campaign.
• Ability to commission and oversee video and audio production.
• At least 3 years’ management experience.
• Experience in higher education would be an added advantage.

Application Process

It is essential that prospective candidates read the Job profile for further information and ensure that all relevant documentation is submitted.

The following documents are required:

• A comprehensive CV and relevant qualifications which should include the following: -
  • Reasons for leaving your current and previous jobs.
  • Referees who are and/or were your direct line manager, their title, name, designation and contact information which should be at least their contact number and email address.
• A strong and succinct motivation outlining your interest in the post and suitability relative to the job requirements. 

Please note that no hand-written applications will be considered. Your application must be submitted via our website and online recruitment system.  Failure to submit all documentation and respond to all the questions asked appropriately will result in an application being disqualified.

Any questions or enquiries regarding the submission of an application please contact 046 603 7266.

Selection Process (provisional date, subject to change):

• Short-listing meeting scheduled for 18 June 2026.
• The selection process that will be followed for this post will include an assessment and/or presentation and an interview.
• Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the interview date.

Remuneration per annum (Grade 16):

Basic Pensionable Salary per annum:                          R849 546

Cost to Company per annum (Approximately):             R1 098 433

All applications will be treated in strict confidence. This post is advertised as a permanent post, but the University may opt to appoint on a fixed-term contract of not less than three years. The University reserves the right not to proceed with the filling of the post. An application does not entitle the applicant to an interview.  Employment checks will be conducted on recommended candidates. 

Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence. Rhodes University strongly encourages South African members of underrepresented designated groups as well as persons with disabilities to apply. Spouses and partners of existing staff members are also encouraged to apply. 

Please note all appointments are made in line with the requirements of the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998, as amended, the Immigration Act 13 of 2022 and Rhodes University's Recruitment and Selection policies. 

Our core values and principles are the foundation of our commitment to creating a positive, supportive, and enabling environment. These values guide our decisions, actions, and how we engage with each other as we work to achieve our vision and mission.

These values are: 
Diversity; Integrity; Respect; Excellence; Collegiality and Compassion

Underpinning these values is the moral duty of accountability and courage: we acknowledge that we are answerable to each other, our Council and ultimately, the South African society for the decisions we make and the actions we take. We are committed to openness and transparency in our governance, our decision-making and in the execution of our responsibilities and in demonstrating courage in confronting those who violate the values for which we stand.