Writer: Media & Communications

Title of Position

Writer: Media & Communications

Post Number

8020187 (ITS: 6003)

Faculty/Department

University of the Western Cape -> Rectorate -> Institutional Advancement

Type of Position

Permanent - Full Time

Length of Contract Period

Location

Main Campus - Bellville, WC ZA (Primary)

Closing Date

9/3/2025

Role Clarification & Key Performance Areas

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) enjoys national and international acclaim for its continuing contribution to democratic change in South Africa, for making quality education accessible to all South Africans and for developing centres of excellence of national importance. UWC seeks to appoint a writer to communicate a set of meta-messages to internal and external stakeholders that are underpinned by its strategic objectives as set out in the Institutional Operating Plan (IOP).

The individual will report directly to the Editor or Manager: Media, Marketing & Communications who reports to the Director: Institutional Advancement. The successful candidate will join a dynamic team. The post is located in the Media, Marketing and Communications Unit.

The appointee’s duties will include, but not be limited to, the administration and execution of the following tasks:

1. Researching, writing and editing articles for various UWC.
2. Proactively seeking story leads.
3. Writing press releases for mainstream media.
4. Writing features for internal and external stakeholders.
5. Producing content for UWC electronic communication platforms, including the website and social media.
6. Liaising with academics and other faculty and unit support staff to identify newsworthy articles.
7. Collating the latest UWC and higher education news for the university’s electronic newsletter.
8. Other ad-hoc duties, such as photography and videography, to support university projects and events.

Minimum Requirements

Qualification and Experience

1. A Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 or an equivalent qualification in Media and Communications.
2. At least five years’ experience directly related to the specified duties and responsibilities in the media industry or a similar higher education media office.
3. A portfolio of evidence showcasing relevant work.

Required Competencies (skills, Knowledge And Behavioural Attributes)

1. Knowledge of current and emerging media trends.
2. Excellent journalistic skills – particularly in writing and editorial functions.
3. An outstanding command of the English language and a good command of either Afrikaans or isiXhosa.
4. Operational planning and project management skills.
5. Ability to evaluate public opinion and conduct online research.
6. Good organisational skills and time management.
7. Ability to accurately popularise academic research.
8. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with various constituencies.
9. Previous experience in the higher education environment will be an advantage.

In your application, you are encouraged to highlight your strengths and include anything else you deem exceptional and outstanding to be considered by the selection panel. In addition, please attach a cover letter motivating your suitability, a detailed curriculum vitae including contact details of three referees, and your highest qualification to your online profile.

DISCLAIMER: By applying for the position, you consent to the University sharing your application, including curriculum vitae, with University stakeholders to process the application. In line with the University’s commitment to diversifying its workforce, preference will be given to suitably qualified applicants in line with our Employment Equity Targets. The official retirement age at UWC is 65 years. The University reserves the right to not make an appointment, make an appointment at a different level, seek additional candidates and may conduct competency assessments.