Free State Department of the Premier – Chief Director

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The Free State Department of the Premier invites suitably qualified candidates to apply for the position of Chief Director: Government Communication Services. This is a strategic leadership role based in Bloemfontein, offering an all-inclusive salary package of R1,494,900 per annum (Level 14). The successful candidate will be responsible for providing strategic direction on government communication to promote a positive image of the Free State Provincial Government. The role demands extensive experience in senior management within a communication environment and a strong understanding of corporate communication and media liaison in the Free State and South Africa.

Applicants are required to possess a minimum NQF Level 7 qualification preferably in the Media/Communication field, with at least five years of relevant senior managerial experience. Additionally, candidates must have completed the compulsory pre-entry Certificate for entry into the Senior Management Service (SMS), as mandated by the public service regulations. The role requires exceptional strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a thorough knowledge of relevant legislation and policies related to corporate communication and transversal government reform.

This position entails developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies aligned with national and provincial priorities, managing media relations and public campaigns, and overseeing digital and social media communication platforms. The Chief Director will also be responsible for budget management, personnel performance, and fostering strategic partnerships to enhance government programmes. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply and can direct enquiries to Dr. Molefinyana Phera at molefinyana.phera@fspremier.gov.za. All shortlisted candidates will undergo technical and managerial competency assessments to ensure suitability for this critical leadership role.

POSITION: CHIEF DIRECTOR: GOVERNMENT COMMUNICATION SERVICES
REFERENCE NUMBER: 03/2025
SALARY: R1 494 900 per annum. (Level 14), (an all-inclusive salary package). The remuneration package includes a basic salary, State’s contribution to the Government Employee Pension Fund and a flexible portion which may be structured in terms of the rules for the structuring of the flexible portion; and may include a 13th cheque, motor car allowance, homeowner’s allowance and medical aid assistance.
CENTRE: Bloemfontein

REQUIREMENTS:

  • A NQF Level 7 qualification as recognised by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) preferable in the Media/Communication field.
  • 5 years appropriate experience at a senior managerial level in a similar environment.
  • Extensive experience with regard to implementing turn-around strategies.
  • Individual applicants are expected to pay for the course, and the duration of the course is 120 hours).
  • No applicant will be appointed in the absence of the certificate.
  • Special knowledge of relevant legislation and policies applicable to transverse corporate reform issues.
  • Knowledge of corporate communication and media liaison issues in the Free State and South Africa.
  • Strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.

DUTIES: Provide strategic direction regarding transverse Government communication issues to promote an environment conducive to the positive image of the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG), including:

  • Develop and implement Provincial Government Communication strategy and ensure alignment with the 3 GNU Priorities, MTDP and FSGDP;
  • Develop operational plans for all the business units, ensure alignment to the Provincial Communications Strategy;
  • Continuous monitoring and evaluation of business units’ achievements against operational plans and strategic objectives;
  • Report quarterly on Annual Performance Plans;
  • Coordinate and manage the Provincial Communicator’s fora;
  • Provide strategic interventions for corporate communications training needs of the province.
  • Strategically oversee the development of transverse policies/strategies with regard to corporate communication and media liaison that will contribute to the positive image of the FSPG.

Event and campaigns management and ensure successful project management and implementation to uphold image and reputation of the FSPG, including:

  • Develop and implement policies governing communication management across various government departments and agencies;
  • Manage the procurement of media monitoring and analysis tool for the FSPG and ensure daily, weekly and monthly media monitoring analysis reports are submitted to departments, executive authority (EXCO) and forum of heads of departments (FOHOD);
  • Develop and manage implementation of media strategies and plans;
  • Manage effective participation of Provincial MLOs and HoCs in the weekly media rapid response platforms coordinated by GCIS Head Office, to ensure prompt crisis media communication response;
  • Develop strategic and solid media relationships, Nationally, Provincially and Locally, and intentionally building media networking sessions with all media houses;
  • Manage the production and distribution of all publications;
  • Monitor and manage relevant transversal accounts for advertising, events and media marketing service providers and measure performance against the agreed upon SLAs; and Manage the coordination and development of project plans for all events and marketing campaigns programmes.
  • Provide Strategic direction in the development of the Provincial Digital Content Footprint, Digital Hub for all created content across social media platforms.
  • Manage Website look & feel, content upload and updates.
  • Develop footage archiving and stock piling plan for all produced video and photographic content.
  • Develop Branding and Marketing strategy.
  • Establish standards operating procedures and guidelines for all government communications to ensure consistency in messaging, branding, graphic designs and digital footprint of the FSPG.
  • Manage the conceptualization and execution of Provincial social media strategy and implementation plan across all social media platforms of the Provincial Government.
  • Manage the establishment of social media influencer databases and oversee accurate deployment to enhance government social media messaging across all social media platforms.
  • Manage the development and production of all brand marketing collateral and oversee safe upkeep of all branding material.
  • Manage the development of a digital content hub of all produced footage and stockpiles (videography and photography).
  • Manage the FSPG website, content uploads, look & feel and its functionality as part of the province’s external corporate communications tool.
  • Attend Provincial and National Fora regarding transverse corporate communications and media networking, to enhance our strategies/policies for effective communication and report on progress.
  • Liaise with provincial, national and international stakeholders in order to obtain information on the latest developments with regard to corporate communication and media liaison.
  • Participate in all Provincial strategic fora i.e, EXCO, PCF, FOHOD, SMS group, PCF (Provincial Communicators Forum) LGCF (Local Government Communicators Forum).
  • Identify strategic partnerships and pursue collaborations with public and private sector stakeholders to enhance government programmes.
  • Participate in offered training programmes for corporate comms, media relations, digital and brand marketing, to keep abreast with developments in the sector.
  • Advocate for public policies and government initiatives by engaging with stakeholders, influencers, and opinion leaders.
  • Manage the government’s image and reputation through proactive public relations efforts, including community outreach and events.
  • Design and execute public information campaigns to raise awareness about government policies, programs, and services.

Budget & Financial Management, including:

  • Develop and manage budget of the unit by ensuring financial efficiency and compliance;
  • Ensure that budget is costed to support the implementation of the communication strategy;
  • Maximize revenue and reduce expenditure through effective cost containment measures;
  • Monitor financial control, spending patterns through monthly reports and ensure compliance of procurement processes with all applicable legislation i.e. PFMA, BBBEE; and Ensure audit compliance and attend to audit queries.
  • Overall management of the Component to ensure the effective and efficient utilization of resources including the management of the performance of the personnel falling under this component.
  • Provide strategic direction and management of all personnel in Government Communication Service;
  • Facilitate changes of Job Descriptions within the unit;
  • Manage and monitor the performance of personnel within the unit;
  • Conduct skills audits and identify and facilitate training needs for development;
  • Drive implementation of talent acquisition, succession planning and retention of skilled personnel;
  • Create a high-performance culture, ethical and professional conduct within the unit;
  • Ensure the working environment contributes to improving employee engagement, recognition and increased productivity; and ensure the management of poor performance and disciplinary matters in line with public service regulations and applicable prescripts

ENQUIRIES: Dr. Molefinyana Phera, DDG: Corporate Administration and Coordination, molefinyana.phera@fspremier.gov.za

NOTE: The successful candidate will be required to enter into a Performance Agreement within 3 months after assumption of duty and will be required to disclose his/her financial interests in accordance with the prescribed regulations. All shortlisted candidates for SMS posts will be subjected to a technical exercise that intends to test relevant technical elements of the job, the logistics of which will be communicated by the Department. Following the interview and technical exercise, the Selection Panel will recommend candidates to attend a generic managerial competency assessment. The competency assessment will be testing generic managerial competencies using the mandated DPSA SMS competency assessment tools.

CLOSING DATE: 12 September 2025 @ 16:00

APPLICATIONS: Submit by hand to: Room 7, Ground floor, O.R Tambo House, Bloemfontein.
Attention: Thabo Tsotetsi or Leanne Terblanche, or e-mail to recruitment@fspremier.gov.za. (Please include the reference number in the subject line)

NOTE: Applications must be submitted using the newly implemented Z83 form, obtainable from any Public Service Department or the DPSA website, under public service vacancy circulars and should be accompanied by a comprehensive CV only (with full particulars of the applicants’ training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge, duties & experience).

All required information on the Z83 application form must be provided. Communication from the HR of the Department regarding the submission of certified copies of qualifications and other relevant documents will be limited to shortlisted candidates. It is the applicant’s responsibility to have foreign qualifications evaluated by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA).

Applications that do not comply with the above-mentioned requirements will not be considered. Shortlisted candidates will be subjected to personnel suitability checks/security clearance. Correspondence will be limited to short-listed candidates only.

Applicants are respectfully informed that if no response is received within 4 months of the closing date, they must accept that their application was unsuccessful. The department reserves the right not to fill these positions. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and preference will be given to the EE Targets. No late or faxed applications will be considered.

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