Assistant Director: Media Liaison Vacancy 2026 in Pretoria

Communication, journalism and public relations professionals with government or newsroom experience can consider the Assistant Director: Media Liaison position based at Pretoria Head Office. The role focuses on strengthening media relations, coordinating departmental media activities and ensuring that the department communicates its work effectively through traditional and digital media channels.

The position falls under Corporate Support Services, within Communication Services and the Media Liaison Directorate. The successful candidate will implement media plans, prepare communication products, organise press conferences and manage departmental social media platforms and campaigns.

The advertised salary is R487 197 per annum at Salary Level 09. Applicants need a relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field recognised by SAQA. The position also requires five years of relevant experience in government, editorial content production or a digital media environment or newsroom.

Assistant Director: Media Liaison Vacancy Details

Minimum Requirements

Applicants must meet the academic and professional experience requirements. This position requires a strong understanding of communication practices and the ability to manage relationships with journalists, media organisations and other stakeholders.

• A relevant NQF Level 6 qualification in Communication, Journalism, Public Relations or a related field recognised by SAQA.
• Five years of relevant experience in government, editorial content production or a digital media environment or newsroom.
• A valid, unexpired driver’s licence.
• Knowledge of communication and media studies.
• Understanding of media principles, techniques and tools.
• Knowledge of writing, copywriting and proofreading processes.
• Knowledge of human capital management.
• Understanding of water sector legislation, policies and procedures.
• Understanding of government objectives, policies and programmes.
• Knowledge of financial management and the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA).
• Understanding of operational planning and execution.
• Knowledge of programme and project management.
• Understanding of relationship management.

The successful candidate should also demonstrate problem-solving and analytical skills, people and diversity management abilities, customer focus and strong written and verbal communication. Accountability and ethical conduct are important. Applicants must also be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Assistant Director will help manage the department’s media relations and communication activities. The role involves planning media engagement, preparing content, coordinating events and maintaining communication with media organisations.

Implementing Media Plans

The successful candidate will implement media plans in line with the department’s media strategies, communication strategy and policies. This requires an understanding of communication objectives and the ability to coordinate activities that support the department’s public communication priorities.

Effective media planning helps ensure that information reaches the right audiences through appropriate channels. The candidate will need to work within departmental policies and government communication objectives when carrying out these responsibilities.

Developing Media Products

The position includes developing media products that profile the department’s work. These products may communicate programmes, activities, projects and other departmental information to the public and media organisations.

Strong writing and editorial skills will help the successful candidate prepare clear, accurate and relevant communication material. The role also requires knowledge of copywriting, proofreading and media production techniques.

Organising Press Conferences and Media Events

The Assistant Director will plan and organise press conferences, media briefings, tours and other media events. These activities provide opportunities for journalists to receive information and obtain coverage of departmental work.

Successful coordination requires careful planning, communication and stakeholder management. The candidate must ensure that media activities support the department’s communication strategy.

Managing Relationships with Media Organisations

The role includes coordinating visits by media houses to the department. These visits can help journalists understand departmental activities and strengthen professional relationships between the department and media organisations.

Maintaining good media relations requires responsiveness, clear communication and a sound understanding of media needs. The successful candidate should be able to engage professionally with different stakeholders.

Managing Social Media Platforms and Campaigns

The successful candidate will manage departmental social media platforms and campaigns. This responsibility involves supporting digital communication and helping the department share information through online channels.

Social media management requires an understanding of digital audiences, communication standards and content planning. The candidate should be able to coordinate campaigns that align with departmental strategies and government communication priorities.

Human Resource Supervision

The position also includes supervising human resources. The successful candidate will need to apply appropriate people-management practices and support the effective performance of the team.

This responsibility connects with the advertised requirements for human capital management, people management and diversity management.

Skills and Competencies

The role requires a combination of communication expertise, editorial ability and management skills. Applicants should be comfortable working with media professionals and handling communication responsibilities under time pressure.

Important skills include:

• Media relations and communication planning.
• Journalism, editorial content production and copywriting.
• Writing, editing and proofreading.
• Press conference and media event coordination.
• Digital media and social media campaign management.
• Stakeholder and relationship management.
• Knowledge of government communication policies.
• Understanding of water sector legislation and programmes.
• Programme and project management.
• Financial management and PFMA knowledge.
• People supervision and diversity management.
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking.
• Strong verbal and written communication.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Professional accountability and ethical conduct.

Understanding the Salary and Location

The Assistant Director: Media Liaison position offers an annual salary of R487 197 at Level 09. The successful candidate will be based at Pretoria Head Office.

Applicants should consider the full range of responsibilities before applying. This is a management position that combines media strategy implementation, editorial work, event coordination, digital communication and staff supervision.

Who Should Consider Applying?

This opportunity may suit professionals with qualifications in communication, journalism or public relations and at least five years of relevant experience. Candidates who have worked in government communication, editorial production, digital media or a newsroom may find the role relevant to their background.

Experience in preparing media content, coordinating press events, managing social media campaigns and maintaining relationships with journalists may also help applicants understand the responsibilities of the position.

However, applicants should ensure that they meet the stated qualification and experience requirements. They should also review the complete official advertisement for any additional conditions before submitting an application.

Enquiries

For further information about the vacancy, applicants can contact:

Contact Person: Ms W Mavasa
Telephone: (012) 336 8264

How to Apply

The vacancy information supplied for this article does not include an application email address, online application link, postal address or submission procedure. It also does not provide a closing date.

Interested candidates should consult the complete official vacancy advertisement to confirm the correct application method and required supporting documents. Check the submission instructions carefully before sending an application. The enquiry telephone number is provided for vacancy-related questions and should not be treated as an application address.

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Important Information for Applicants

This article summarises the vacancy information supplied for reference number 131126/14. Applicants should use the complete official advertisement as the final source for eligibility requirements, application instructions and recruitment information.