Senior Manager: Marketing & Brand & Public Relations (P6) (University Relations Division: Marketing & Brand )

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) is looking for a dynamic and experienced Senior Manager to lead its Marketing, Brand, and Public Relations efforts. This key management role is within the University Relations Division, which is crucial for shaping UJ’s public image, reputation, and engagement with all stakeholders.

About the University of Johannesburg (UJ)

UJ is a vibrant, modern institution committed to making a real impact on society. Our vision is to be an international university of choice, rooted in Africa and the global south, actively shaping a sustainable future. We strive to transform and serve humanity through innovation and the collaborative pursuit of knowledge.

About the Role

As the Senior Manager for Marketing, Brand, and Public Relations, you will play a vital strategic and operational role. The University Relations Division acts as the central hub for all university communications, external engagement, brand positioning, and public interaction. Your main goal will be to manage and enhance UJ’s reputation and brand visibility through smart marketing, public relations, and communication initiatives.

This is a permanent, management-level position based at our Doornfontein Campus.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Brand & Marketing Leadership

• Develop and manage integrated marketing, brand, and public relations strategies that align with UJ’s overall goals.
• Create and share key brand messages that reflect UJ’s vision and values.
• Turn university goals into effective marketing campaigns, highlighting UJ’s academic excellence, student experience, innovation, and societal impact.
• Act as the brand custodian, ensuring consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across all faculties and departments.
• Oversee UJ’s corporate identity and ensure all stakeholders adhere to brand standards.
• Ensure all university activities include linked public relations efforts.

Integrated Campaign & Marketing Management

• Manage all marketing activities, from planning to execution, covering both traditional and digital platforms.
• Lead the preparation and rollout of annual marketing plans for various stakeholder groups.
• Guide targeted student marketing strategies, reaching out to schools, teachers, parents, and prospective students.
• Oversee the planning, design, execution, and performance analysis of campaigns for key groups like prospective students, alumni, and corporate partners.
• Develop and deploy multi-channel campaigns using traditional media, digital platforms, public relations, events, and experiential activations.
• Evaluate campaign success (ROI) and optimize strategies based on data.

Digital & Social Media Strategy

• Develop and implement a forward-thinking social media strategy to boost engagement and digital presence.
• Oversee digital content creation and campaign management across all major social media platforms.
• Manage digital content calendars, platform-specific strategies, and ensure effective use of social listening tools and analytics.
• Lead online reputation management by monitoring public sentiment and responding to digital interactions in real-time.
• Drive digital innovation by exploring new platforms and technologies (e.g., video, influencer partnerships, paid media).

Events Management

• Direct UJ’s corporate events calendar, including open days, graduations, community engagements, and institutional milestones.
• Ensure all events align with the brand and enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Develop event guidelines and best practices for use across all university departments.

Creative Direction & Design Oversight

• Supervise graphic design and content production teams to ensure all materials are on-brand, visually appealing, and impactful.
• Collaborate closely with advertising agencies, designers, printers, and media partners.
• Lead the university’s visual and creative expression across all marketing materials.
• Manage in-house design teams to produce compelling, brand-aligned visuals.
• Guide the development of design briefs, review creative output, and ensure timely delivery of high-quality marketing materials.

Resource & Financial Management

• Manage marketing resources and budgets, ensuring efficient allocation and value-for-money.
• Supervise marketing and Public Relations personnel, including Coordinators, Managers, and project staff.
• Ensure adherence to marketing procedures, financial planning, and optimal resource allocation.
• Oversee relationships with service providers such as advertising agencies, print houses, media platforms, and event companies.

Student Marketing and Recruitment Campaigns

• Drive student-focused marketing initiatives to attract top talent both locally and internationally.
• Coordinate outreach strategies to schools, teachers, parents, and education partners, showcasing academic offerings, facilities, and campus life.
• Ensure student marketing campaigns align with the university’s enrollment targets.

Public Relations

• Design and implement effective Public Relations strategies to increase brand visibility and improve UJ’s reputation.
• Ensure all campaigns include a strong Public Relations element.
• Design and implement stand-alone Public Relations campaigns.
• Build partnerships with reputable industry partners to enhance the university’s reputation.

What You’ll Need (Minimum Requirements)

To be considered for this role, you must meet the following criteria:

• An Honours’ degree (NQF Level 8) in Marketing, Brand Management, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Five (5) to seven (7) years of senior-level experience in marketing, public relations, and brand roles, preferably within a corporate or tertiary education environment.
• Proven leadership experience in developing and implementing large-scale marketing and public relations strategies.
• A strong track record in brand development, public relations, digital media management, and stakeholder communication.

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinking and strong brand visioning abilities.
• Excellent leadership, team development, and collaboration skills.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• High proficiency in MS Office and design collaboration tools.
• Creativity, innovation, and keen attention to detail.
• Strong planning, budgeting, and organizational skills.
• Excellent relationship-building and stakeholder management abilities.
• Understanding of marketing law and new media trends.
• High competency in Public Relations strategies and tactics.

Preferred Qualifications

• A Master’s degree in Marketing, Brand Management, Communications, Public Relations, or a related field.

Application Process

To apply, please upload a detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV) and the names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and e-mail addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees. Also, attach a copy of your highest academic qualification and any proof of professional body registration.

Candidates may be invited for appropriate psychometric testing and other selection instruments.

Apply by: 31 October 2025

Important Note on National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO)

Please be aware that the University of Johannesburg is legally obligated to assess all prospective employees against the National Register for Sex Offenders (NRSO), in terms of the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2021 (Act 13 of 2021). The outcome of this assessment may affect your potential employment with the University. For more information, please visit Justice/Criminal/NRSO.

Enquiries

• For job content related questions: Dr. Phumelela Dhlomo (Senior Director) on Tel: (011) 559 6623
• For remuneration and benefits related questions: Mrs. Chandni Hira-Fakir (HCM Business Partner) on Tel: (011) 559 3385
• For technical support with the UJ e-recruitment website: Contact PNET on 0861 227337/010 140 3099 or email [email protected].

The University of Johannesburg is committed to providing equal employment opportunities, especially for persons with disabilities and individuals from historically disadvantaged groups, in conjunction with merit based on qualifications, experience, and proven achievements. The University reserves the right not to make an appointment to advertised positions if operational requirements necessitate.