DEPUTY DIRECTOR: COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING

This senior role sits within the Corporate Services component of g-Fleet, the government fleet management entity, and is based in Bedfordview. The Deputy Director: Communications and Marketing is responsible for leading the strategic communication, marketing, branding, stakeholder engagement and public relations functions that support g-Fleet’s operational objectives, including fleet optimisation, cost reduction and improved customer satisfaction. The position operates at a senior management level and provides strategic communication support to the Senior Management Team and the Office of the MEC, ensuring that all messaging and campaigns align with g-Fleet’s Annual Performance Plan and broader government communication protocols.

To be considered, applicants need an NQF Level 7 qualification in Communications or Marketing, together with three to five years of experience at Assistant Director level in communications or marketing. A valid driver’s licence is required. The ideal candidate should demonstrate sound knowledge of government communication systems, marketing and branding, media and public relations, digital communication and social media, stakeholder and public engagement, legislative and regulatory frameworks, strategic management, financial and resource management, and research and communication analysis.

The duties are wide-ranging. The successful candidate will develop and implement the annual marketing and communication strategy, coordinate integrated campaigns that promote g-Fleet services and innovations, and regularly review and update strategic approaches based on performance data and stakeholder feedback. Brand management is a key focus, including developing and enforcing brand guidelines, approving marketing materials, strengthening the g-Fleet brand as a reliable and innovative fleet management entity, and conducting periodic brand audits. In terms of stakeholder engagement and public relations, the role involves creating engagement plans for client departments, municipalities and entities, managing media liaison, press releases and stakeholder communications, facilitating media inquiries in line with government protocols, running stakeholder awareness sessions, and monitoring public perception with reputational risk mitigation strategies.

Digital marketing and content management are also central. The Deputy Director will manage content for the g-Fleet website and digital platforms, implement social media strategies, develop email marketing and internal communication campaigns, and ensure all platforms carry accurate, current information that promotes customer-centric services. The role also drives service utilisation through targeted marketing campaigns, the creation of brochures, presentations and other collateral, and supports the rollout of new systems and services through effective communication. Internal campaigns are needed to improve staff awareness and alignment. Event management forms another part of the job, from planning and executing corporate events, launches, stakeholder forums and roadshows, to coordinating participation in government and industry exhibitions, drafting speeches and briefing notes, and evaluating event outcomes.

The position has a strong research, monitoring and reporting element. It requires conducting market and stakeholder research, tracking communication performance indicators such as customer satisfaction and engagement levels, compiling monthly, quarterly and annual reports, analysing campaign performance and benchmarking against best practice. Resource management responsibilities include managing employee performance through the PMDS process, preparing and managing the unit’s budget in line with organisational priorities and the Public Finance Management Act, monitoring expenditure to ensure economical and efficient use of resources, and managing communication and marketing assets and information resources.

Applicants should note that this is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, with preference possibly given to appointable applicants from underrepresented designated groups in line with the department’s equity plan. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to screening and security vetting, including checks on criminal records, citizenship status, creditworthiness and employment references. Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA, and candidates must be prepared to submit certified copies of their qualifications, identity document and driver’s licence on or before the interview date. The advertisement includes specific instructions for online application, and only successful candidates will be contacted.