JOB SPECIFICATION & RECRUITING PROFILE OF VACANCY 04 April 2016 The following vacancy exists at NSFAS.
Copywriter: Content
Position
Type & Grade
8-9
Development Vacancy No
03/2016
Department & Unit
Marketing & Communications
POSITION OVERVIEW Reporting to the Senior Manager: Marketing and Communications, the incumbent will be responsible for writing copy that is on time and brief, meets the NSFAS editorial style guide and standards, brand style guide, accurate (error-free), grammatically correct (grammar and spelling), simple, direct and effective across all written media. The incumbent will support Public Relations, Marketing, publications and content development and graphic designer in executing strong “educational and funding stories/ or editorial articles/ opinion” in the brochure by assisting in planning themes and copy ideas and providing exciting, appealing copy. And will be responsible for proof-reading/quality check of printed proofs as/when required.
This position has a variety of tasks required to be performed according to specific procedures in the following
main areas: •
Research and Writing Copy
•
Changes and Rewriting Copy
•
Planning and Brainstorming
•
Resource Management
•
Editorial Policies and Guidelines
RESPONSIBILITIES Research and Writing Copy: •
Accountable for researching and analysing the area of need for content production.
•
Conduct interviews for the purpose writing and producing copy.
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Writing of copy that is on time and to brief, meets the Brand Style Guide, is accurate (error-free), grammatically correct (grammar and spelling), simple, direct and effective across all written media.
•
Drafting of all content (fact sheets, Question & Answer documents, media statements and advisories) related to the NSFAS mandate including special projects.
•
Write opinion pieces/ articles on student leadership for the media.
•
Pro-actively prepare content for social media platforms and coordinate all related activities in support of projects and media liaison objectives.
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Develop and support the implementation of media plans for national days, targeted government campaigns and any ad-hoc special projects involving NSFAS.
•
Daily reviewing of content and posting content onto relevant electronic platforms.
•
Development of Social Media content, when required.
Changes and Rewriting Copy Accountable for making changes following the conceptual, marketing and management reviews.
• •
Proof-reading/Quality check of all marketing and communications material.
•
Responsible for proof-reading/doing a quality check on printed proofs as/when required.
Planning and Brain Storming •
Accountable for attending all planning and reviews and making valuable contributions during these meetings and taking notes.
•
Accountable for assisting in creating strong brochure stories and themes by initiating and attending brainstorming sessions.
•
Responsible for daily content collection and generation for various communication platforms.
•
Daily conceptualizing, original copy writing and management of content for the various communication mediums namely; a daily internal newsletter, two electronic information billboards/broadcasts platforms to internal and external audiences and on occasion for the intranet and website.
•
Advising clients on the best strategy and mediums to convey and support their messaging needs.
Resource Management •
Ensure effective utilisation of resources – human, physical and financial resources.
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•
Determine and collate information with regard to budget needs of programmes.
•
Ensure that records are kept of all activities, this include operational plans of the programme and projects. Submission of monthly and quarterly reports in line with the Unit’s Operational Plan.
•
Editorial Policies and Guidelines •
Develop house-style and editorial policies for NSFAS.
•
Develop NSFAS Editorial Style guide to English usage to maintain the essence of style.
•
Ensure that NSFAS Branding Guidelines are consistency with the Editorial style guide.
•
Ensure that all users of the editorial policies and guidelines are effectively assisted and trained in using the documents e.g. product and process training; and the co-facilitation with SMEs for content related training.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Minimum requirements: •
A three year BA Degree/National Diploma on NQF level 6 in Journalism/Media Studies/ Communication studies.
•
A minimum of five years’ experience working as a Copywriter/Journalist or working in a Media/Editorial environment/ Publications production, which includes two years supervisory and task monitoring responsibilities.
•
At least five (5) samples of published newspaper articles or editing work done with byline given.
•
Samples of any creatives that demonstrate use of house styles.
•
Previous working experience in print, radio, television, corporate or servicing various clients in these fields.
•
Keen interest in current affairs.
Beneficial skills and experience:
•
Fluency in any another South African language.
•
General higher education and training business knowledge.
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•
Excellent writing skills, with experience in both traditional media release writing; social media content writing/blogging; news articles writing for website/ newsletters.
•
Excellent English communication skills, with ability to research, write, and interpret information.
•
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the various media platforms.
•
Interfaces with direct team, design team, marketing colleagues, public relations, including campaign and categories, management and senior management.
Core Competencies: •
Self-motivated independent and results-driven individual with a high level of initiative.
•
Copy writing and editing.
•
Editing and proof reading
•
Solid understanding of the South African higher education landscape and operations.
•
A developed computer competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook).
•
Sound understanding of government policies
•
Excellent writing skills in English and other official languages
•
Excellent interpersonal skills
•
Strong problem solving skills
•
Ability to work independently, as well as within a team, and under pressure
•
Ability to adapt voice/style/tone of messages to different distribution channels to meet the in-house style and quality.
•
An in-depth knowledge and understanding of the various media platforms.
•
Issues that may be encountered include many copy change requests, outstanding info needed to write copy, deadline overlaps, pagination and leader lists issues etc.
•
Planning/brainstorming
•
Writing error-free, effective copy
•
Proof-reading/quality check
REMUNERATION & BENEFITS Remuneration Package:
R359 313– R503 138 Total Cost to Company per annum inclusive of all benefits and company contributions.
Benefits and Conditions:
Compulsory Medical Aid, Pension Fund & Annual Bonus Included in the above remuneration is the company contribution to our compulsory pension fund (15%), medical aid contributions and an annual bonus.
Closing date:
22 April 2016
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PLEASE NOTE Interested applicants who meet the requirements should send detailed Curriculum Vitae, Copies of Academic Qualifications and names of two contactable referees to Nokulunga Mtse via email, with the subject Copywriter: Content Development, to
[email protected] . NSFAS do not consider late applications Staff on Leave must ensure that they check the NSFAS portals for advertised vacancies and familiarize themselves with the respective closing dates NSFAS only corresponds with Shortlisted Candidates. If you do not hear from NSFAS within 2 months of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful EMP LO YMENT EQ UITY: “NSFAS is committed to employment equity. Preference will be given to candidates who improv e employment equity targets and ratios.” RECO GNITIO N O F P RIO R LEARNING: NSFAS may recognise experience in lieu of the Minimum Stipulated Formal Qualifications on condition that the Experience is Specific, Relevant and Appropriate for the vacant position as part of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) measures. The assessment of suitability is at the sole discretion of NSFAS, and no further correspondence would be entered into regarding the outcome. In this regard, candidates are required to include this aspect in their motivation letter for consideration, and may be required to undergo a competency evaluation prior to appointment.
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