Brand and Stakeholder Relations Specialist

Are you an experienced professional with a knack for business development, marketing, and building strong relationships? The Communications & Marketing Department (CMD) at the University of Cape Town (UCT) is looking for a Brand and Stakeholder Relations Specialist to join their innovative team.

This full-time position is based within the Brand and Stakeholder Relations (BSR) unit, a dynamic team focused on creating new opportunities and generating income streams. If you thrive in a complex environment and can deliver innovative, systems-led projects, this role is for you!

This role is based on-site in Cape Town and may require occasional travel.

What You’ll Do (Key Responsibilities):

• Lead business development from start to finish, identifying opportunities, presenting solutions, managing risks, and implementing plans that save costs or create new revenue for UCT.
• Design, develop, and oversee BSR projects, ensuring smooth planning, integration, and effective sharing of insights within the unit, CMD, and across UCT.
• Ensure all projects meet UCT’s quality standards, relevant industry benchmarks, and unit requirements, including UCT brand guidelines, vendor protocols, and health and safety.
• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships for BSR, CMD, and UCT, specifically:
  • Developing and maintaining external business-to-business (B2B) stakeholder relationships.
  • Monitoring project progress within the unit and for institutional projects.
  • Ensuring consistent standards and best practices.
  • Finding opportunities for integration and business development.
• Support unit Heads with financial tasks, ensuring adherence to budget management and reporting.
• Assist unit Heads with benchmarking processes by seeking, overseeing, and project managing the implementation of new project opportunities or enhancing existing ones, and conducting market research.

What You’ll Need (Requirements):

• An NQF6 qualification in Marketing, Brand Management, Project Management, Business Administration/Development, or Communications.
• At least five years of recent and relevant experience in:
  • Successfully leading end-to-end business development initiatives that generated new revenue streams.
  • A marketing, brand management, business development, trade marketing, or project management environment.
  • Leading holistic and integrated marketing campaigns across business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) audiences.
  • Operating within a global e-commerce environment.
• Strong skills in:
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal relations.
  • High decision-making or judgement.
  • Structured, data-driven, and systematic thinking.
  • Problem-solving, accuracy, and attention to detail.
  • Prioritisation, anticipating challenges, rapid learning, and adjusting to change.
• A solid understanding of current landscapes, trends, and best practices in event management, marketing campaigns, and project delivery.
• Advanced proficiency with computer platforms including MS Office Suite (mid to expert level in Excel) and project management tools (e.g., Planner, Asana, Click Up).
• An understanding of data analysis and how to generate insights through relevant systems (e.g., Google Analytics, Data Studio, Excel).
• Excellent knowledge of integrated marketing communications, stakeholder analysis, project planning, and implementation.
• A valid driver’s license and consistent access to reliable transport.
• The ability to travel when required.

Bonus Points If You Have (Advantageous):

• A Postgraduate qualification in Business Development, Project Management, or a related field.
• A good understanding of the Higher Education environment, particularly relating to Brand Management, Project Management, and Stakeholder Communications.
• Digital Marketing certification.
• Membership with the Council of Events Professionals Africa (CEPA), Public Relations Institute of Southern Africa (PRISA), or Marketing Association of South Africa (MASA).

Salary:

The annual cost of employment, including benefits, is between R 639,581 and R 752,447.

How to Apply:

Visit the UCT Jobs Site at www.jobs.uct.ac.za to create a candidate profile and submit your application.

Please ensure your application includes:

• Your Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• A Motivation/Cover letter addressing how you meet the specific requirements of this position.
• Copies of your ID, Driver’s License, and highest qualifications.
• Details of three referees, including their title, name, position, your relationship to them, their email address, and telephone number.

Please note: Applications that do not meet these requirements will be considered incomplete and may not be reviewed.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide a work portfolio, undergo competency assessments, and pre-placement medicals. UCT may also request references at any stage of the selection process.

Enquiries:

For any questions about the position, please contact Ms Natasha Khan at Natasha.Khan@uct.ac.za or 021 650 3469.

Application Closing Date:

26 September 2025

Company Website:

About CMD | Staff

UCT is committed to employment equity and diversity, aiming to achieve its targets in line with its Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented Designated Groups. UCT reserves the right not to appoint.