Job Overview
Location: Wits Medical School
Closing Date: 03 July 2025
Job Title: Communications Officer (12 Months Contract)
Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of the Witwatersrand, invites applications for the position of Communications Officer within the Wits Advanced Delivery Drug Platform (WADDP).
The successful candidate will be responsible for enhancing the visibility and public profile of WADDP and its partners through innovative multimedia content.
Note: The Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications unsuccessful.
Key Performance Areas
- Oversee the multimedia needs of WADDP and its collaborators, including scientists, post-docs, postgraduate students, and scientific support staff.
- Advise on multimedia strategy development, track emerging trends, and explore innovative ways to utilize multimedia content.
- Write and edit content for various media platforms.
- Produce and package materials such as articles and media releases for publicity and media campaigns.
- Develop, refine, and implement the WADDP content strategy, including proofreading, editing, and publishing.
- Adapt content for mainstream media, new media, mobile, and social media platforms.
- Create compelling content to amplify the profile of WADDP.
- Plan and execute publicity campaigns from inception to completion.
- Research, generate leads, and write effective media releases and features for internal and external audiences.
- Build and maintain relationships with journalists across all media sectors.
- Proactively identify opportunities for media coverage of WADDP.
- Contribute to the production of electronic newsletters and related publications.
- Collaborate with senior scientists to generate multimedia content for the WADDP website and social media platforms.
- Prepare timely reports on communication campaigns.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant science field or qualifications in marketing, public relations, digital media, journalism, or related communications disciplines.
- At least 5 years of experience working with Academic Research Departments or NGOs.
Desirable Additional Skills and Experience
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong knowledge of English grammar.
- Good understanding of science, research, and higher education environments.
- Proficiency in computer literacy and a service-oriented approach.
- Graphic design skills are an added advantage.
Application Process
Interested candidates should email a detailed CV to: vacancies41@witshealth.co.za
Subject line: Communication Officer WADDP
Please include the following documentation:
- A cover letter (maximum one page) clearly stating the vacancy you are applying for.
- Your detailed CV.
Additional Information
- This is a temporary contract for 12 months.
- In line with our Employment Equity policy, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined by the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments.
Wits Health Consortium (Pty) Ltd looks forward to your application. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
If no response is received within two weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.
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