Head: Marketing and Communications

Job Advert Summary

TIA is a talent driven, customer- centric and impact focused organisation. In our endeavour to support technology innovation with socio-economic outcomes, we seek to infuse the organisation with team players that find resonance as value creators, agile thinkers, progressive attitudes, customer-centricity, dynamic work ethic and an optimistic disposition. We aim to harness these attributes in a manner that they culminate into a culture of teamwork, impact and accountability.

The Technology Innovation Agency endeavours to promote the careers of previously disadvantaged persons by applying the principles of the Employment Equity Act, as amended.

The Agency reserves the right not to make an appointment.

Purpose of the position is to manage the Marketing and Communications business unit’s processes, resources and systems to support execution of the TIA Marketing and Communication strategy in collaboration with the internal and external stakeholders.

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• A postgraduate qualification in Marketing and Communications, Behavioural Sciences, Innovation Studies, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree in Marketing and Communications will be an added advantage.

Experience

• Five (5) years’ experience in marketing, communications, or stakeholder relations within a technology or technology innovation environment, with demonstrated knowledge of technology innovation, stakeholder engagement, innovation ecosystems and the commercialisation, diffusion, and adoption of innovative solutions of which at least 3–4 years must have been in a management role.
• 8 years’ experience within technology and technology innovation environment, with 5 years management experience will be an added advantage.
• Exposure to innovation management, entrepreneurship, digital transformation, or emerging technologies will be an added advantage

Duties and Responsibilities

Financial Perspective

• Develops Operational budget and forecasts for EXCO and Board approval
• Monitors and tracks performance against budget
• Compiles and oversees the development of a Marketing and Communications business unit’s budget that will cover all market related events, functions, promotions et cetera
• Maintains key stakeholder relationships that will enhance thought leadership, leverage third-party funding and position TIA as a brand to be reckoned with in the National Systems of Innovation.

Stakeholder Relationship

• Develop a key stakeholder relations and communications strategy in collaboration with all divisions that enables, coordinates and integrates the stakeholder relations activities of all TIA divisions
• Develop a marketing and promotion strategy (including website and social media coverage) in collaboration with all TIA divisions that enables a positive TIA brand
• Develop an internal communications strategy in collaboration with all TIA divisions. Ensure all TIA staff is fully informed, and open communication is encouraged in line with TIA values
• Ensure stakeholder relationship activities of all TIA divisions are effectively supported, managed and coordinated
• Create key stakeholder relationships that will influence key government policies
• Conduct an annual customer relations survey and ensure recommendations are implemented into strategy
• Arrange and facilitate events, meetings, workshops and conferences on brand awareness and stakeholder relations. Provide input, avail skill, competency and expertise. Participation that results in positive input, impact and giving direction in the Technology NSI

Internal Processes

• Develop and implement and monitor the marketing and communications strategy. Develop annual operational plans in line with the Annual Performance Plan of TIA to support implementation of the Marketing and Communications strategy
• Oversee that systems are in place to ensure access to information about TIA, its projects and its stakeholders
• Assess brand awareness through a market related survey and provide status reports and interventions to position the brand as a key player in the NSI field
• Compliance with all TIA systems (performance management, HR, finance, Stakeholder information, fund management, reporting etc.)
• Compile and manage a risk register for the unit and mitigate potential future risks to the organisation
• Ensure timeous and accurate reporting as per business and legislative requirements and submit status reports on key items

Learning and Growth

• People in the unit understand and achieve KPA’s
• Review performance against agreed performance standards
• People in the unit live the values and culture of TIA
• People in the unit are constantly developed to improve performance
• Effective leadership is provided to the unit (Mentoring and Coaching)
• Ensure that the unit has the necessary tools and mechanisms to execute core processes