Senior Specialist: News Writer

Writes, edits and plans high-volume, evidence-based UFH news and research stories across print and digital platforms, while managing media relationships to secure positive coverage. The incumbent is expected to embody the University’s values by promoting equity and inclusivity, acting with integrity, prioritising internal and external stakeholder-centred engagement, demonstrating accountability, and advancing responsiveness through innovation and excellence.
Key performance areas
Content Management Planning and Relationship Management:
Builds and sustains internal stakeholder relationships (Registrar, DVCs, Deans, HoDs, Units) to generate a steady flow of credible story leads and access to information.

News Writing and Content Development:
Produces high-quality hard news, features, research stories and institutional profiles — translating academic outputs (journal articles, theses/dissertations) into accessible stories, and commissioning op-eds and thought leadership where needed.

Media Relations:
Disseminates approved stories, responds to media enquiries, pitches interviews, maintains media databases, and aligns UFH expertise with current affairs to secure positive coverage and AVE targets.

Proofreading and Editing:
Ensures accuracy, clarity and editorial quality through rigorous editing, fact-checking, and adherence to UFH content standards and policies.

News Writing Management:
Plans and coordinates research and information gathering for publications, stays abreast of journalism trends, supports sensitive story development with appropriate approvals, and improves the accessibility and reach of research content.
Minimum requirements

• Honours qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
  

• Five (5) years’ experience in a related field
  

• Five (5) years’ experience working as a copywriter or journalist
  

Additional advantages

• Master’s qualification in communications, public relations, journalism, English, or a related field
  

Competencies and behavioural attributes

• Values-driven leadership: Promotes equity and inclusivity; acts with integrity; prioritises stakeholder-centred service; demonstrates accountability; advances social responsiveness through innovation and excellence
  

• Strategic acumen: Analyses complex issues, stays current on trends, thinks strategically, and makes accountable decisions under uncertainty
  

• Change leadership: Communicates direction clearly, engages stakeholders, aligns decisions, resolves implementation issues, and drives adoption
  

• Critical thinking: Uses evidence and creativity to assess options, anticipate risks, interpret data, solve problems, and minimise bias
  

• Partnering: Builds alliances with clear goals and metrics, sustains trust, resolves conflict, creates mutual value, and manages risks
  

• Brand awareness and reputation enhancement: Enforces brand standards, operationalises brand strategy, tracks reputation measures, assures quality, and keeps pace with digital trends
  

• Reputational risk management: Monitors risk and media metrics, coordinates mitigation with internal partners, stays alert to cyber risks, escalates issues, and reinforces institutional values
  

• Excellence: Delivers high performance through compliance, continuous development, knowledge sharing, coaching, and commitment to institutional goals
  

• Service culture: Sets service expectations, measures effectiveness, leads by example, corrects non-compliance, and recognises excellence
  

Remuneration

A competitive remuneration package, commensurate with the seniority of the position, experience and qualifications, will be offered.
Enquiries

Queries can be directed to Ms Fungai Matumba at fmatumba@ufh.ac.za

The University reserves the right to make an appointment or not to fill the post.
Correspondence will be limited to shortlisted candidates only. Should you not hear from us within eight weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.

Applications

Interested candidates who meet the criteria are invited to visit the website  www.ufh.ac.za/careers  for more comprehensive job details and to apply.

Applications must be made online before the closing date, and the following documents must be attached:

1. A completed University of Fort Hare Application Form
   

2. Detailed Curriculum Vitae
   

3. A cover letter stating how you satisfy the requirements of the advertised position
   

4. Names and full contact details (including telephone numbers and email addresses) of at least three traceable and credible referees
   

5. Copies of all academic qualifications and proof of registration with professional bodies
   

6. If applying for an academic position, a list of accredited research output and/or a portfolio of creative output
   

7. Incomplete or applications received after the closing date will not be considered
   

Closing date

6 April 2026

University of Fort Hare is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Pursuant to complying with the Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998, preference will be given to applicants from designated groups whose appointments will contribute towards achieving equitable demographic representation of the workforce profile.

Posted on 23 Mar 10:10, Closing date 16 Apr