Communications and Public Affairs Lead - Johannesburg, South Africa - Rory Mackie & Associates

Description

Overview:

Our client, a highly influential industry association is seeking a dynamic and competent Communications and Public Affairs Lead who wants to be part of a dynamic and fast-paced work environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end communications strategy and execution for the organisation as well as executive communications on behalf of the industry ensuring that appropriate processes, systems and structures are in place to manage the communication of complex compliance with the legal and regulatory landscape.

Reporting to the Executive: Legal, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement, this role will lead, develop, and execute traditional and digital communications strategies for all the organisation's programmes, and initiatives, including developing relationship with key stakeholders. The C&PA Lead will leverage and improve the organisation's publications, reports, events, and digital media content to elevate and maintain the organisation's position as the leading industry association in the industry. The C&PA Lead will serve the critical role of translating policy, legislation and research, into formats that help the organisation, members, policymakers and the public understand the complexities of the industry, as well as identify opportunities to influence the public dialogue & perceptions, share their expertise and policy analysis, and foster stronger, evidence-based conversations on critical industry issues.

The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for the executives and board members' thought leadership and external initiatives relating to the programmes of the organisation. This includes facilitating and managing messaging, speechwriting, media relations, social media, op-eds and blogs/website, and identifying public appearances at international and domestic conferences and other events. The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for managing and identifying flagship events and monetise such events.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and execute integrated strategic communications plans to promote the organisation's strategic and engagement objectives, including communication and content creation, message development, regulatory and external affairs, media relations, and event support
• Write and lead the development of public facing materials, including webpages, print materials, newsletters, op-eds, social media platforms and other communications and marketing collateral
• Plan and coordinate policy and research announcements on behalf of the organisation and work with outside organizations/entities, such as government officials, NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions and private sector partners, using multifaceted communications plans, including launch events, media outreach, social and digital media content, outreach to policymakers
• Incorporate strategic communications as a core function across all aspects of organisation, including associate brands ensuring consistency across all materials and communications
• Monitor and analyze the impact of the organisation's research and communications strategies
• Explore and develop new ways to strengthen the organisation's brand identity and engagement with key stakeholder audiences
• Demonstrate political savvy and judgment, and a sense of which opportunities are appropriate for organisation's brand
• Build relationships and work collaboratively with communications peers at member organisations and establish a formal platform for regular engagement with members
• Identify and facilitate engagements for growth and new member opportunities
• Perform other duties as assigned and assist in special projects

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, government, public policy, foreign policy or related fields
• Experience in political or policy communications with direct experience in engaging with various policy makers and Government departments
• Demonstrated success leading and developing policy communications in the government, public or private sector leveraging traditional, digital and social media strategies
• Experience in policy and research writing for an executive and managing executive and/or policy communications programme
• Experience serving as an on the record spokesperson with relationships to top-tier national and international media covering the consumer goods, manufacturing and services sectors
• Demonstrated principal management experience, exceptional research and writing skills, an excellent eye for detail, and strong management and organisational skills
• Proven ability to meet expectations for written style and content for a variety of audiences and platforms, to accept and apply edits and constructive criticism, tailor to the wording and tone of principal or product
• Extensive experience researching, writing, and editing communications content for executives or public policy thought leaders, or highly visible private sector executives under tight time constraints in a variety of styles
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties
• A deep commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
• Superior communication skills to facilitate requests with internal constituents and extensive experience working with scheduling teams
• Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, understanding how to create content that draws an audience
• Keen attention to detail with strong organisation and time management skills. Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities and deliver on a tight deadline
• Ability to foster an inclusive workplace where diversity and individual differences are valued and leveraged to achieve the vision and mission of the organisation
• Able and willing to work across global time zones, early morning or evening hours and some weekends
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Word, Excel)

Education and Professional Requirements:

• Master's degree in public policy, foreign policy, communications, journalism or related fields
• Experience translating complex policy issues into plain language
• In-depth understanding of the FMCG sector and related industries
• Experience speechwriting
• Experience handling crisis communications
• Demonstrated interest in the role that the private sector plays in influencing public policy
• Proficiency in digital communications tools, graphic design, recording and editing short videos for social media, podcast production and editing, and search engine optimisation (SEO)

Competencies:

• A positive attitude and willingness to work in a team
• Attention to detail and high degree of accuracy
• Responsible, reliable, work systematically and have a high degree of personal integrity
• Professional verbal and written communications skills
• Follow procedures with a structured approach to problem-solving
• Be neat, orderly, organised and self-motivated
• Ability to manage your own time effectively and respond positively to different situations
• Experience in the FMCG and/or pharmaceutical industries will be an advantage