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SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION (SABC)
RE – ADVERTISIEMENT
CLOSING DATE: 19 NOVEMBER 2026
BRAND MANAGER: SABC NEWS
Reporting Line: Head of Marketing, Platforms & Channels
Division: Corporate Affairs and Marketing
Scale Code: 300
Position ID: 60017574
PURPOSE OF THE POSITION
Reporting to the Head of Marketing: Platforms and Channels, the SABC News Brand Manager will be responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating integrated brand, marketing, communications and public relations strategies for SABC News. The incumbent will drive audience growth, strengthen brand equity, enhance stakeholder engagement, and support the achievement of SABC News strategic objectives across television, radio, digital platforms, social media and SABC+. The role requires a highly strategic, innovative and results-driven marketing professional who can effectively position SABC News as the leading and most trusted news brand in South Africa.
KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS
1. Strategy Development and Business Planning
- Develop, implement and evaluate the SABC News Brand and Communications Strategy in alignment with the Platforms and Channels Marketing Strategy and SABC corporate objectives.
- Develop annual and campaign-specific marketing, communications and audience growth plans.
- Conduct market research and audience analysis to identify growth opportunities and emerging trends.
- Monitor competitor activities and industry developments to inform strategic decision-making.
- Contribute to the development and execution of the SABC News business plan and strategic initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to strengthen audience engagement, platform relevance and brand affinity across all SABC News touchpoints.
2. Brand, Marketing and Communications Management
- Lead the development, execution and evaluation of integrated marketing campaigns across television, radio, digital platforms, social media and SABC+.
- Develop and implement strategic communications plans for key SABC News projects, special broadcasts, national events and major news coverage.
- Drive audience acquisition, retention and engagement through innovative, audience-led and data-driven marketing initiatives.
- Develop and implement influencer, ambassador and stakeholder engagement programmes that enhance the visibility, credibility and reputation of SABC News.
- Manage the production and distribution of marketing, public relations and communications collateral across all platforms.
- Ensure the consistent application of the SABC News brand across all touchpoints, partnerships and stakeholder engagements.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with media, industry stakeholders, influencers, content creators and strategic partners.
- Develop media releases, thought leadership articles, newsletters, promotional content and executive communication materials.
- Measure, analyse and report on campaign performance, audience engagement and return on investment using relevant analytics tools.
- Provide strategic marketing and communications advice and recommendations to SABC News leadership.
3. Governance, Risk and Compliance
- Monitor operational risks and compliance requirements within the marketing and communications environment.
- Implement and maintain internal controls and governance processes.
- Ensure compliance with SABC policies, regulatory requirements and applicable legislation.
- Address audit findings and implement corrective actions where required.
- Support and implement Occupational Health and Safety requirements within the department.
- Ensure all marketing and communications activities uphold editorial integrity, credibility and the reputation of SABC News.
4. Stakeholder and Customer Management
- Build, maintain and strengthen relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
- Champion audience-led marketing and communications initiatives that enhance audience experience and engagement.
- Manage stakeholder expectations and resolve issues in accordance with service standards and organisational policies.
- Represent SABC News at industry events, media engagements and stakeholder forums.
- Foster productive relationships with journalists, influencers, community leaders, strategic partners and industry bodies.
- Promote collaboration across News, Radio, Television, Digital and Corporate functions to support integrated campaign delivery.
5. Financial Management
- Develop, manage and monitor the marketing operational budget.
- Ensure effective cost management and optimal utilisation of financial resources.
- Monitor expenditure against approved budgets and implement corrective measures where necessary.
- Ensure compliance with financial policies and governance requirements.
- Evaluate campaign effectiveness, audience impact and return on investment to support informed budget allocation decisions.
- Eliminate wasteful expenditure and promote financial accountability within the function.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Qualifications
- Bachelor's Degree or National Diploma in Marketing, Communications, Public Relations, Journalism or a related field (NQF Level 6 or 7).
Experience
- Minimum of five (5) years' relevant experience in Brand Management, Marketing, Communications or Public Relations.
- Proven experience in developing and managing integrated marketing and audience growth campaigns.
- Experience within the media, broadcasting, digital media or communications industry will be advantageous.
- Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management, campaign management, brand development and communications strategy.
- Experience in digital marketing, audience analytics and integrated media campaigns will be advantageous.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Knowledge
- Brand Management and Strategy
- Integrated Marketing Communications
- Public Relations and Media Relations
- Digital Marketing and Social Media Marketing
- Audience Development and Engagement
- Broadcasting and Media Industry Landscape
- Financial Management and Budget Control
- PFMA and relevant governance frameworks
- Corporate Communications
- Project Management
- Research, Analytics and Reporting
- Applicable legislative and regulatory frameworks governing the broadcasting industry
Skills and Competencies
- Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen
- Stakeholder Management and Relationship Building
- Communication and Presentation Skills
- Creative Problem Solving and Innovation
- Campaign Planning and Execution
- Financial Management and Budgeting
- Leadership and Influencing Skills
- Project Management
- Report Writing and Analytical Skills
- Strong Planning and Organisational Skills
- Ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic and fast-paced news environment
- Excellent attention to detail and commitment to quality, accuracy and editorial credibility
- Ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities simultaneously
