Strategic Communications Manager

Job description

Summary

U-turn is a leading organisation in developing pathways out of homelessness. We are looking for a Strategic Communications Manager to join our Communications team. This is a full-time position and will initially be offered as a one-year contract.

This position

There is an opportunity for a person with strong leadership and strategic communications skills. Reporting directly to the Acting CCO and Marketing Manager. The ideal candidate is happy to work in an organization with strong Christian motivations, is highly organized, adaptable, and passionate about creating exceptional customer experiences while driving business growth.


Social Enterprises 
Actual work-experience largely takes place within our social enterprises. U-turn’s social enterprises comprise an extensive retail network connected to our Charity Stores as well as other companies owned by, or in partnership with, U-turn.

Key areas of responsibility

1. Integrated Communications Strategy

Work with the Acting CCO / Fundraising Manager and Marketing Manager to develop and implement an integrated communications strategy for U-turn.

1. Direct Management / Oversight of:

Narrative development strategy

• Clear guidelines on U-turn’s narrative and approach to homeless recovery.
• Strategy and targets to change the current narratives in the public arena and influence local, provincial and national practice and policy.

Content Creation

• Oversee creation of video, photo, graphic design, artwork and narrative content focusing on particular messaging and overall story-telling to create assets that can be used in outgoing communications for social media, events & campaigns

Brand Integrity and custodianship

• Ensure outgoing communications align with brand visuals and values by understanding, developing, maintaining and communicating brand guidelines.

Event & Campaigns planning & execution

• Oversee the planning and execution of events and campaigns to increase public awareness, funding and build the donor database. On the ground support and execution will be done by the marketing manager and team.

Mainstream Media

• Be the first contact for incoming media requests and arrange suitable staff members to deliver on the opportunity. Additionally, oversee and implement a media plan for outgoing press releases and newsletters.

1. Oversight of Volunteer Programme and Coordinator, including the following areas:

• Volunteer strategy in partnership with the various U-turn departments.
• Volunteer recruitment and relationships (incl. local and international volunteers).
• Rosters to enable programmes to run smoothly and effectively.
• Training and liaising with staff to ensure smooth and effective integration of volunteers.

1. Oversight and Mentoring of the Marketing Manager / Department in the following areas:

• Digital marketing including social media, SEO/SEM, email marketing, content marketing, and website management

• Social Enterprise and third-party marketing
• Events and marketing campaigns
• Tracking & optimisation of conversion rates from campaigns
• Print Media and Signage

Experience and Skills

• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant professional experience.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing integrated communications strategies.
• Experience overseeing content creation across multiple formats (video, graphic, social, written).
• Demonstrated ability to shape public narrative and influence policy or public opinion.
• Strong experience with brand management and maintaining brand consistency.
• Experience in media relations – both proactive and reactive.
• Experience planning and delivering campaigns or public-facing events.
• Prior experience managing or mentoring a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills (with strong copywriting/editing ability).
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Proficiency in digital marketing platforms (social media, email marketing, web content tools).
• Ability to develop and interpret key communications metrics.
• Comfort liaising with both internal stakeholders and external partners/media.
• Experience working in or with non-profit, social impact, or faith-based organisation an advantage.
• Knowledge of volunteer programme management an advantage.
• Experience working cross-functionally with fundraising, advocacy, or operations teams an advantage.

Personal attributes and Organisational Fit 

• Commitment to U-turn’s Christian ethos and mission to end homelessness.
• Strategic thinker with a heart for social impact.
• Able to navigate complexity and ambiguity with calm and clarity.
• Ability to self-motivate, and work with minimal supervision
• Collaborative team player – concerned with the team's success as well as individual performance
• Emotionally mature individual
• Problem solver who is open to change and able to take initiative
• Willingness to learn and grow personally

Next Steps
Candidates interested in this position should apply online at https://homeless.org.za/career-form The letter of motivation should be approximately 1 page in length and include information on why you would like to work at U-turn and how you fulfil the required knowledge skills set outlined above. Please note that applications without a letter of motivation will not be considered. IF YOU HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US WITHIN 4 WEEKS, PLEASE CONSIDER YOUR APPLICATION UNSUCCESSFU

Company Description

Background
U-turn is a thriving non-profit that exists to equip homeless people with the skills to overcome homelessness. Founded in 1997, we believe that every homeless individual is intrinsically valuable and should have access to an effective pathway to address their physical, spiritual and emotional needs so they can leave the streets and become a long-term productive member of society.

To help people overcome homelessness we operate a phased approach that includes addiction rehabilitation, counselling, life-skills training and sheltered work placement in one of our social enterprises. Through this process, the programme inculcates a healthy work ethic, furnishes modern job skills and gives 18-24 months of real work experience so that individuals can be gainfully employed in the modern South African economy.

Our graduates enter the open market employment and show an above 85% long term success rate! We are actively working to expand to more locations in Cape Town and across South Africa.

Service Centres
U-turn’s Service Centres provide services to people living on the streets in order to prepare them for and to support them on a journey of change. This includes providing food and clothing (and in some cases access to a shower and a bed for the night), therapeutic and development based interventions, and recovery support for those struggling with addiction. The ultimate aim of the Service Centre is to prepare individuals to participate in our work-based rehabilitation programme. 

Work-readiness programme
The work-readiness programme provides work-based rehabilitation and skills development training to prepare clients for integration into employment and the community. One day per week, each client attends a training day where they access group therapy delivered by an interdisciplinary team, individual counselling and input using a specially designed curriculum. This cycle of learning and application continues for as long as needed (average 18 months). Case-managers coordinate the intervention programme for the clients and work in close-collaboration with the worksite managers. 


Transitional Accommodation 
We run transitional accommodation enabling clients on Work-readiness to move into group homes when leaving homeless shelters. These homes are managed by a house-manager who, along with therapeutic staff and works-site managers assist clients along the full Life Change journey.

Posted on 14 Oct 11:41, Closing date 13 Dec