Brief Role Description

Position is responsible for planning and implementing external communication activities that positively position, promote, strengthen, and protect the reputation of Volkswagen Group Africa, its brands as well as Sub Saharan Africa subsidiaries. The incumbent will also be responsible for developing plans and executing projects and initiatives that support the broader VWGA corporate communications and marketing strategies. Additionally, this role will be responsible for media and public relations in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa

Possible Tasks within this Role

• Develop & manage corporate communication and media relations strategies.
• Identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the automotive sector, work with the leadership team to recognize internal and external communications opportunities and solutions and develop appropriate strategies to mitigate any future reputational risks.
• Manage corporate social media strategy leveraging media relations content and insights generated from social listening.
• Identify and implement partnerships & sponsorships opportunities with key entities, media and influencers to reach Volkswagen Group Africa’s business goals and corporate positioning in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Managing incidents and issues as they arise in the interest of protecting and building VWGA’s reputation.
• Manage crisis communication plans by developing and implementing response to issues to protect the reputation of VWGA.
• Developing executive-level content and thought leadership from concept to writing.
• Developing and managing appropriate media strategies, tactical plans and content in relation to corporate announcements and events.
• Researching and writing effective corporate media releases.
• Arranging / supporting / facilitating media training for senior management & board of management.
• Provide strategic key media relations services to the organisation in support of building a cohesive and bold Pan-African reputation, narrative and story.

Qualification requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or related field

Experience needed

• 8-10 years of work experience in communication with extensive experience in corporate communications and media relations

Essentials

• Proven Leadership experience
• Proven record of developing and executing effective corporate communication and media relations strategies
• Knowledge of the Communication and Media Channels with strong networking abilities
• Experience in interacting with stakeholders in government, the private sector, and media
• Experience in interacting with Executives at a strategic level
• Excellent writing, verbal and interpersonal skills
• Strong media relations and crisis communication experience
• Strategic thinking and planning skills
• Project Management
• Negotiation skills and budget management

Note:

Please ensure that you upload a certified copy of your ID and Qualifications on Success Factors when making an application