Digital Content Specialist (post level 11)

Are you a talented digital content creator with a passion for web management and SEO? The University of the Free State (UFS) is looking for a dedicated and skilled Digital Content Specialist to join its Communication and Marketing team. This permanent, full-time position is based at the Bloemfontein Campus and offers an exciting opportunity to shape the university’s digital presence.

Important Application Instructions

Please note: All applications MUST be submitted online through the official UFS vacancy website only. Applications sent through any other platform will NOT be considered. If you have more than eight documents to upload, we recommend merging them into fewer files to avoid upload issues.

INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED! To ensure your application is complete, you must submit ALL documents listed under ‘Inherent Requirements’, in addition to the following standard documentation:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Copies of your qualifications, or official proof of qualifications obtained (If you have foreign qualifications, include SAQA accreditation).
• A copy of your South African Identity Document or passport (for foreign nationals).
• Confirmation of employment (e.g., letter, contract, service certificate, or recent payslip) from your current or most recent employer (applicable to external applicants only).

About the Role: Your Key Responsibilities

As a Digital Content Specialist, you will be responsible for a variety of tasks crucial to our online presence:

• Manage and publish content across UFS websites using our Communication and Marketing System.
• Write, edit, and adapt web content, ensuring it is clear, accurate, optimised for Search Engines (SEO), and accessible (WCAG 2.1 compliant).
• Contribute news and articles to the university’s Content Hub (Newsdesk).
• Conduct regular content audits to ensure compliance with UFS Digital Content Guidelines and brand standards.
• Support User Interface/User Experience (UX/UI) enhancements and assist with basic web development adjustments (HTML, CSS, JavaScript).
• Curate and manage multimedia content (text, images, video) for our web platforms.
• Monitor web analytics (using tools like GA4, Search Console, SEMrush, Ahrefs) and provide reports with actionable insights to improve performance.
• Collaborate with various university departments, ICT Services, and external service providers on web projects.
• Research national and international best practices in digital content and recommend improvements for UFS.

What You Need: Inherent Requirements

To qualify for this position, you must meet these essential criteria:

• A Bachelor’s degree or Advanced Diploma (NQF Level 7) in Communication, Multimedia, Web Development, Digital Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• A minimum of two (2) years of relevant experience in digital content management, demonstrating proven technical, Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), and digital writing expertise.

What Would Be a Plus: Recommendations

The following skills and experience would be a significant advantage:

• An Honours degree (NQF Level 8) in Communication, Digital Marketing, or a related field.
• Proficiency in Content Management System (CMS) platforms, basic web development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript), and accessibility compliance standards.
• Previous experience in a higher education or a complex organisational web environment.
• Basic knowledge of Application Programming Interface (API) integration, Google Tag Manager, and schema markup.
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Cloud software (e.g., Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro).
• Multilingual ability, especially English and other South African Languages.

Required Competencies

We are looking for candidates who demonstrate the following key competencies:

• Results Orientated: You set high standards, strive for tough goals, and adapt well to changing environments.
• Strategic Thinking: You can manage multiple tasks, pay attention to detail, strive for perfection, and approach work in an organised way.
• Business Acumen: You adhere to rules, follow regulations strictly, and are proficient in using MS Office.
• Leading: You maintain high personal motivation, energy, and enthusiasm, and are cooperative, good-natured, and encourage teamwork.
• Building Coalitions: You possess strong negotiation, influencing, and persuasion skills, and can interact effectively to build connections.

Salary and Benefits

The annual remuneration package, including benefits, ranges from R447,323.31 to R562,750.48 per annum. Your exact salary will depend on the budget available for the position, your relevant work experience, and qualifications.

Fringe benefits include: A pension scheme, medical aid scheme, group life insurance, housing allowance, leave and sick leave, a service bonus, and study benefits (all subject to specific conditions).

Application Closing Date

Make sure to submit your application by 31 October 2025.

Enquiries

For any questions, please contact 051 401 2558 or email [email protected] or [email protected]. For general assistance, you can also contact 051 401 2979 / 9813 / 9848.

General Information

The University of the Free State is an Employment Equity designated employer. We are committed to achieving diversity and redress in line with our Employment Equity Plan. Preference will be given to candidates from under-represented designated groups, including individuals with disabilities.

Your personal information will be processed in line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA) and treated as confidential. The University reserves the right not to fill this post. Only applications from candidates who meet all the inherent requirements will be considered. Incomplete applications will be disregarded. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within six weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.