Manager Communications & Public Relations - Full Time

Qualifications and Experience:

1. Must have a Master’s degree in in communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Mass Communication, or another relevant field from a recognized institution (master’s preferred) from a recognized institution of higher learning.

2. A bachelor’s degree in communication, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, Mass Communication, or another relevant field from a recognized institution (master’s preferred).

3. At least seven (7) years of experience in communication, public relations, journalism, media, corporate communication or a related field.

4. Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing communication strategies, managing institutional communication programmes, coordinating media engagement and producing high-quality communication products.

5. Experience working in higher education, research, development, or other complex institutional environments is desirable.

6. Must be a committed and a practicing Christian.

Technical Skills:

1. Strong strategic communication planning, implementation and evaluation skills.

2. Excellent writing, editing and editorial judgement across multiple communication formats and audiences.

3. Strong media relations and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

4. Ability to translate complex academic, research and technical information into clear and engaging public communication.

5. Knowledge of digital communication, social media management, content management systems and digital analytics.

6. Understanding of reputation management, issues management and crisis communication.

7. Ability to interpret communication data and use evidence to improve communication strategies and performance.

8. Strong organizational, project management and coordination skills.

Core Competencies:

1. Ability to understand institutional priorities and translate them into effective communication strategies and programmes.

2. Superior written, verbal and editorial skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.

3. Sound professional judgement and ability to handle sensitive information, emerging issues and high-pressure communication situations appropriately.

4. Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build productive relationships with University leadership, faculty, staff, students, journalists, partners and other stakeholders.

5. Ability to identify compelling communication opportunities and adopt innovative approaches to institutional storytelling and audience engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Communication Planning and execution: Support development and implementation of communication strategies and plans aligned with the University's strategic priorities and stakeholder needs.

2. Institutional Content Management: Support the development and dissemination of compelling content showcasing the University's academic, research, innovation, student, and community impact.

3. Media and Public Relations: Manage media relations to strengthen positive and accurate coverage of the University, while monitoring emerging issues, opportunities and reputational risks.

4. Crisis and Issues Management: Develop and implement crises and issues management tools and protocols.

5. Internal and Executive Communication: Working closely with the Director, Communication & Public Relations, develop executive messaging directed towards strengthening internal communication to ensure consistent information flow among leadership, faculty, staff, and students.

6. Digital and Editorial Oversight: Support implementation of the University's events calendar while coordinating digital, social media, web, and multimedia content to ensure timely and consistent communication.

7. Institutional Image and Brand Management Consistency: Support the consistent application of the University's brand, messaging, and identity across communication platforms, in line with UCU's mission, Christian identity and values.

8. Events Planning and Execution: Support the planning and coordination of key University events, including launches, ceremonies, conferences, and public engagements, ensuring effective communication, branding, media visibility and stakeholder participation.

9. External Relations and Partnerships: Uphold maintenance of relationships with partners, government agencies, professional bodies, industry, alumni, and other external stakeholders to strengthen the University's visibility, engagement, and reputation.

10. Communication Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting: Monitor communication performance across media and digital platforms, use insights to improve strategy, and report on communication results.

11. Other Duties: Perform any other related duties assigned by the Director, Communication & Public Relations, in support of the University's strategic objectives.