Director of Marketing and Public Relations (1 Post)
Sales & Marketing Jobs
- Lupane State University
- Expires 14 Mar 2025
- Lupane
- Full Time
Job Description
Applications Applications are invited from suitably qualified and experienced candidates for the following posts:
1.3 Director of Marketing and Public Relations (1 Post)
(Re-advertisement, previous applicants need not apply)
The Director of Marketing and Public Relations is a four (4) year fixed-term and performance-based contract position that reports to the Vice-Chancellor. This position provides day-to-day management of the University’s marketing and public relations activities. The Director acts as the University’s spokesperson for print, television, and radio news media while serving as the University’s Public Information Officer. This position leads the marketing effort for all areas of the University and in support of the University’s goals and needs. The Director coordinates and collaborates with volunteer teams and outsourced support and provides a unified and consistent message throughout the University.
Duties and Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities
• Maintains professionalism in appearance and communications and presents a favourable image of the University at all times.
• Is pro-active in maintaining positive, effective, cooperative, and professional relationships with team members internally and externally.
• Develops, implements, and evaluates the University’s strategic marketing plan and targeted enrolment initiatives, using data and input from the University, community, partner stakeholders, peer institutions and higher education research.
• Works closely with Deans and other education programming coordinators to find high-impact promotion solutions to achieve enrolment goals.
• Co-ordinates and supervises all media relations for the University to ensure accurate and timely coverage of University events and news, utilising newspaper, radio, television, and social media.
• Serves as lead media spokesperson for the University.
• Represents and acts on the Vice-Chancellor’s behalf to the media when appropriate.
• Writes press releases, articles, announcements, presentations, profiles and stories highlighting students and programs that support University and campus communications and meet the University’s outreach efforts.
• Co-ordinates and directs all University marketing and community activities to best represent the University to a variety of audiences in an effort to increase student enrolment.
• Monitors, maintains, and continually improves the University website and social media communications in support of Lupane State University’s marketing goals.
• Works with the Bursar’s department to develop and administer the annual marketing budget; analyses and reviews budgetary and financial data; controls
and authorises expenditures in accordance with established resources and limitations.
• Negotiates advertising contracts.
• Co-ordinates and collaborates with outsourced resources to manage marketing and communications goals and objectives to include graphic design, banner advertising, digital signage, billboard advertising and all other internal and external communications.
• Co-ordinates the photography and video needs and other relevant activities for special University events.
• Responds to media requests for information and develops positive and productive relationships with media contacts.
• Provides direct supervision and evaluation of assigned staff.
• Leads and directs teams of volunteers to include (but not limited to) a design committee, social media committee, web content management team, University internal newsletter committee, and a photography team.
• Protects the University’s graphic standards, including the use of the University logo.
• Takes advantage of professional development opportunities to stay current with web and social media trends and best practices.
• Performs other job-related duties and projects as assigned in support of the University’s mission, core values and goals.
• Any other duties as assigned by the Vice-Chancellor.
Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications and Experience
• Applicants must have at least a Master’s Degree in Marketing/English or Communication Studies or related area, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing/English or Communication Studies from a recognised Institution.
• Minimum of five years of marketing/communications experience, three of which should be at supervisory level.
• Experience in developing a marketing plan (including themes, identification of target audiences, and media selection) that help advance the goals of the University.
• Web content management experience.
• Proven ability to deal effectively, cooperatively, confidentially, and tactfully with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to perform responsibilities in a timely and efficient manner as well as be reliable, resourceful, tactful, self-starting, flexible, and cooperative.
• Good comfort level with public speaking and serving as the university’s representative at public and private events.
• Demonstrated experience with marketing photography.
• Public relations experience.
• Experience with brand development.
• Proficiency with WordPress.
• Graphic Design – Strong knowledge and use of the Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign).
• Marketing experience in a higher education setting.
• Social media marketing and advertising experience.
• Membership of a recognised professional board such as the Marketers Association of Zimbabwe or the Zimbabwe Institute of Public Relations, and experience in a university environment is an added advantage.
How to Apply
CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
An attractive package which includes Medical Aid, Leave and Pension Benefits is offered, details of which will be disclosed to shortlisted candidates only.
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
All applications will be treated in strictest confidence. Applications, which should include a Curriculum Vitae (giving full personal particulars of applicant including full name, place and date of birth, qualifications, employment and experience, present salary, telephone numbers and names, addresses (including email) and telephone numbers of three contactable referees and copies of certificates must be emailed to the registrar@lsu.ac.zw in a single continuous PDF file clearly indicating the position being applied for in the subject line.
The Application letter should be addressed to:
The Registrar
Lupane State University
P O Box 170
Lupane
The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 14 March 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
