DEPUTY DIRECTOR: MEDIA AND STRATEGY REF NO: REFS/056938 Branch: Corporate Services

The Department of Corporate Services within the Gauteng Provincial Government is seeking a dynamic and experienced communications professional to fill the role of Deputy Director: Media and Strategy, based at the Head Office in Johannesburg. This is a senior operational management position within the Corporate Services branch, reporting at a level equivalent to a Deputy Director, and forms part of the broader public service career progression framework. The successful candidate will be responsible for steering the department’s media engagement and strategic communication initiatives, ensuring that the organisation maintains a coherent, professional and proactive relationship with the media landscape while aligning all messaging with legislative requirements and departmental objectives.

Applicants must hold a National Diploma at NQF level 6 or a Bachelor’s degree at NQF level 7 in Communications, Public Relations, Media Liaison, or Journalism. In addition, the role requires between three and five years of experience at Assistant Director level, which equates to junior management, specifically within a communications environment. The ideal candidate will possess a thorough working knowledge of relevant legislation, including the Public Service Regulations, the Gauteng Provincial Treasury policies and procedures, as well as the National Road Traffic Act, given the regulatory context within which the department operates. Strong competencies in client orientation, people management and empowerment, service delivery innovation, problem-solving, analytical thinking, employee relations, and change management are essential. Furthermore, the role demands excellent stakeholder relationship management, financial management and analytical skills, research and report-writing ability, and confident presentation skills, including the use of analytical tools to measure communication impact.

The core duties of this position are multifaceted and centre on the management of the department’s media footprint. The Deputy Director will manage media networking and briefing sessions, act as the primary liaison between the department and media stakeholders, and oversee the creation and distribution of media content. A key responsibility is managing the implementation of the department’s media strategy, ensuring that all communication efforts are consistent, targeted, and in line with broader government messaging. Additionally, the post holder will manage all resources within the sub-directorate, including human resources, finances, equipment, and assets, making sound operational and budgetary decisions to support the media function.

This is a demanding role that requires strategic oversight and hands-on coordination. The department is committed to employment equity and will prioritise candidates whose appointment promotes representational targets. Specific preference will be given to persons with disabilities, Coloured females, Indian females, and White females, in line with the departmental Employment Equity Plan. All shortlisted candidates will be required to undergo pre-entry assessments, including a practical exercise and an integrity assessment, and those shortlisted for SMS-level posts will also face a technical exercise and interview. Candidates must ensure their foreign qualifications are evaluated by SAQA, and the department reserves the right not to make an appointment. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned communications professional seeking to apply their strategic media expertise within a government context.