Sunday, June 14

    Chief Director: Government Communication Services 03/2025

    The Office of the Premier in the Free State Provincial Government (FSPG) is the engine of strategic leadership and coordination across all provincial departments. Committed to transparency, inclusive governance, and service delivery excellence, the Office ensures that the Premier’s priorities are efficiently implemented.

    As a key strategic unit, the Government Communication Services Directorate plays a crucial role in shaping the public image and narrative of the Free State Government. It leads the development and execution of communication strategies, media engagement, and digital content management that reflects the values, policies, and priorities of the province.

    The department is looking for a dynamic and visionary leader to fill the position of Chief Director: Government Communication Services. This is an opportunity to influence provincial discourse, elevate government reputation, and drive integrated communication efforts across platforms and stakeholders.

    Job Overview:

    • Job Title: Chief Director: Government Communication Services
    • Company: Free State Office of the Premier
    • Location: Bloemfontein, Free State
    • Employment Type: Full-time | Permanent | Senior Management Service (SMS)

    Responsibilities:

    The successful candidate will be responsible for:

    Strategic Communication & Policy

    • Develop and implement the Provincial Government Communication Strategy, aligned with GNU Priorities, the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP), and the Free State Growth and Development Plan (FSGDP).

    • Provide strategic advice and oversight across all government departments on communication matters.

    • Align business unit operations to communication strategies and monitor performance.

    • Manage quarterly reporting on the Annual Performance Plan.

    Media & Public Relations

    • Manage media relations across national, provincial, and local levels.

    • Oversee media monitoring, analysis, and crisis communication response.

    • Develop and implement media strategies, plans, and campaigns.

    • Lead the production and distribution of government publications and public information campaigns.

    Digital & Branding Strategy

    • Drive the development of a Provincial Digital Content Footprint.

    • Oversee the management of the FSPG website, content strategy, and social media platforms.

    • Develop and maintain branding standards, digital archives, and content hubs for video/photo media.

    • Manage relationships with social media influencers and content creators to enhance reach.

    Event & Campaign Management

    • Coordinate and implement communication campaigns and provincial events.

    • Monitor performance of advertising, events, and media service providers against SLAs.

    • Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance marketing outcomes.

    Stakeholder Engagement & Public Advocacy

    • Represent FSPG in provincial/national forums (EXCO, PCF, FOHOD, etc.).

    • Build strategic partnerships with private/public sectors to boost communication reach.

    • Engage communities, influencers, and opinion leaders to drive awareness and policy advocacy.

    Financial & Human Resource Management

    • Manage unit’s budget, ensuring cost-efficiency and compliance with PFMA, BBBEE, and audit standards.

    • Lead a high-performance team with strong ethical and professional standards.

    • Drive skills audits, training, talent retention, performance management, and organizational culture development.

    Qualifications:

    • A NQF Level 7 qualification as recognized by SAQA, preferably in Media, Communications, or related field.

    • At least 5 years of relevant experience at senior managerial level in a comparable environment.

    • Proven expertise in communication turnaround strategies, media relations, digital media, and public sector branding.

    • Must have completed the SMS Pre-entry Certificate (Compulsory for all SMS posts) – More Info.

    • Strong strategic planning, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

    Benefits:

    • Salary: R1 494 900 per annum (Level 14, all-inclusive package)

      • Includes basic salary, State contribution to Government Employee Pension Fund, and flexible portion

      • May include 13th cheque, car allowance, housing, and medical aid, as per applicable policies

    • Required to sign a Performance Agreement within 3 months of assuming duty

    • Required to disclose financial interests in accordance with public service regulations

    • Employment Equity preference will be given to suitably qualified candidates who promote representivity

    Application Process:

    • Closing Date: 12 September 2025 at 16:00

    • Submit your application using the new Z83 form (download from the DPSA website)

    • Attach a comprehensive CV only (No certificates at application stage)

    • Submit by hand to:
      Room 7, Ground Floor, O.R. Tambo House, Bloemfontein
      Attention: Thabo Tsotetsi or Leanne Terblanche

    • Or send by email to: recruitment@fspremier.gov.za
      (Include Reference No: 03/2025 in the subject line)

    Enquiries:

    Dr. Molefinyana Phera
    Deputy Director-General: Corporate Administration and Coordination
    molefinyana.phera@fspremier.gov.za

    Note:

    • Shortlisted candidates will undergo a technical exercise and a generic managerial competency assessment as per DPSA guidelines.

    • If no response is received within 4 months of the closing date, kindly consider your application unsuccessful.

    • The department reserves the right not to fill the position.

    • Late, faxed, or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

    • Foreign qualifications must be evaluated by SAQA before appointment.

    ALSO SEE VACANCIES FROM CIRCULAR 31: Chief Director: Corporate Reform Ref No: 02/2025

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