JOB TITLE
Communications Manager

Cluster/Region: Africa

JOB SUMMARY
This role is responsible for building the corporate profile of Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa - one of the biggest media companies in Africa. This is a pivotal position that will manage all corporate communications, public relations (PR) and internal communication in VIMN Africa’s business. A key part of this role will be communicating with journalists, opinion formers and other thought leaders in Africa. This role will be instrumental in delivering messages that are impactful with commentators and drive value to VIMN’s business. We are looking for a great communicator who has experience in building corporate brands and flourishes in a dynamic organization that is growing rapidly. This role will report into the Senior Vice President and Managing Director (SVP and MD) in Africa and also work closely with the South Communications team. Being part of the Africa Senior Management team, this role will act in an advisory capacity to the SVP and MD and his Management team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Corporate positioning, reputation and trade communication in Africa
• Plan and deliver corporate and trade communication within Africa
• Develop strategies to position the company’s executive products and services within the media, affiliates, opinion leaders and employees
• Provide strategic advice to the SVP and MD and his team on all key communication issues
• Develop relationships with all key media and external stakeholders in Africa
• Supporting the communication of each of VIMN Africa’s brands and business areas (Ad Sales/Digital/IPS etc.)
• Manage the communications budget
• Develop and execute a PR strategy to advance the organisation’s goals, with a key objective of achieving 3:1 ratio between paid for and unpaid communication
• Frame and evaluate relationships with agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the creation and design of mutually beneficial communication solutions
• Identify methods of maximising PR efforts for areas of new business and brand extensions
• To position the business as a thought leader on youth entertainment and youth culture thus creating opportunities/events to entrench this reputation
• To develop and execute strategic responses to client briefs/needs as part of integrated brand solutions
• To develop and sustain positive media and stakeholder relations locally and internationally
• To design and execute the popularisation of our brand in the relevant target segments in a manner that is both innovative, brief-responsive and value-adding
• To ensure that PR is at the core of the business delivery chain
• To work with the VIMN International Communications structure where possible to realise increased efficiencies and visibility for the business and associated projects
• To drive a positive reputation for the brand and clients through pro-active and innovative PR campaigns to support and complement above the line communication elements across relevant territories

2. Coordination of all consumer communication
• Plan all the consumer communication activities
• Manage the communications team

3. Internal communications Africa
• Work closely with the Managing Director to create and execute an impactful internal communications programme that builds engagement and creates a winning culture across the team

4. Leadership
• Ensure the region’s compliance with the company’s corporate communications guidelines, company positioning, messaging and quality goals

5. Other
• Take on additional responsibilities of overseeing and supporting other operational functions as required by the business / SVP and MD
• Any other duties as determined by the SVP and MD

ROLE-SPECIFIC EXPERIENCE, KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ATTRIBUTES
Knowledge and Experience:
• Seasoned professional with minimum 10 years of experience in working within the African media industry
• Relevant tertiary qualification
• Able to think strategically, own, plan and execute multiple projects in an organized manner
• Experience and understanding of corporate positioning requirements within the African marketplace
• Excellent network of journalists and accreditation in the industry within traditional and new media
• Proven expertise in creating and delivering successful plans which achieve national and trade coverage
• Exceptional written and verbal communication, with high impact presentation skills
• Gravitas and influencing skills to manage local internal stakeholder requirements
• Strong commercial acumen and budget management skills
• Excellent IT & Technical skills (MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Business Objects)
• International work experience within the media industry preferable

Personal and interpersonal skills:
• Hands-on approach to the role
• Ability to consolidate information to a succinct level
• Strong individual with a genuine passion for the industry
• Ability to develop good working relationships both internally and externally
• Ability to work under pressure and adhere to tight deadlines in a rapidly changing environment
• Ambitious, dedicated and willing to work the extended hours required to get the job done
• A self-starter with strong cross-group collaboration skills
• Passionate about communication and comfortable working in a matrix organization
• Willingness to travel extensively throughout Africa