Communications Officer post level 11)Contract appointment: 3 years)

Organizational Unit University of the Free State -> Vice- Chancellor and Principal -> Advancement -> Department of Communication and Marketing Contract Type Contract Occupational Level Semi-Skilled Location Bloemfontein Campus - Bloemfontein, FS ZA (Primary)

Closing Date 27/7/2026 Description KINDLY TAKE NOTE: Applications may only be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website: https://ufs.hua.hrsmart.com/hr/ats/JobSearch/viewAll - 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, write, edit, and curate high-quality communication content for institutional communication platforms, translating complex academic, research, and institutional information into engaging, audience-focused content that aligns with the University's editorial, brand, and communication standards.
• Identify, source, coordinate, and adapt institutional stories and content by collaborating with faculties, departments, centres, institutes, and support divisions to support Content Hub initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and publication across institutional communication channels.
• Develop and support integrated communication campaigns by creating campaign messaging and written communication materials, coordinating content production with internal and external stakeholders, and contributing to the amplification and evaluation of campaign content in support of institutional priorities.

Inherent requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent qualification on NQF Level 7 in Journalism, Media Studies, Communication, Corporate Communication, Public Relations, Strategic Communication, or a related field..
• Minimum of two (2) years’ relevant experience in corporate communications, media, journalism, public relations or content development.

Recommendations:

• Experience in higher education communication, journalism, media, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience developing content for institutional communication platforms.
• Experience supporting communication campaigns and stakeholder engagement initiatives.
• Understanding of Content Hub or editorial content models.
• Experience using content management systems and digital publishing platforms.
• Experience in photography, videography, or multimedia storytelling.
• Valid driver's licence (attach a copy).

Competencies Required competencies:

• Results Orientated:
• The ability to set high standards, establish tough goals, and to work to achieve success.
• The ability to cope with a frequently changing environment and to adapt to evolving situations.
• Strategic Thinking:
• The ability to focus on details, work towards perfection, and approach work in a neat and organised manner.
• 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.
• Leading:
• The ability to lead, take charge of situations, and offer opinions and directions to others.
• The ability to be cooperative with others, display a good-natured attitude and encourage people to work together.
• Building Coalitions:
• The ability to be self-assured and at ease with people in all types of social situations.
• The ability to make decisions through consultation, collaboration and working with close supervision.

Assumption of duties:

As soon as possible.

Closing date:

27 July 2026

Salary:

The annual remuneration package, including benefits is R464 881.91 – R585 070.51 per annum, depending on the budget available for the position, relevant work experience and qualifications.

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 051 401 2558 or email ManzanaL@ufs.ac.za or Recruit@ufs.az.za. Additionally, kindly contact 051 401 7659/9813 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.

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.