Job Title: Communications Officer
Location: House On Fire, Malkerns, Eswatini

Department: Communications
Reports to: Communications Manager, The Directors, Sales & Marketing Manager

Position Type: Full-Time

Deadline: 20 July, 2025 (6pm, CAT)

Position Overview

House On Fire is on the lookout for a skilled, creative and passionate Communications Officer to join the dynamic crew fuelling innovation at MTN Bushfire, the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, CollaboNation and year-round programming at House On Fire.

Working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, the Communications Officer will contribute towards planning and executing internal and external communications that elevate our brand visibility, sharpen our messaging and engage diverse audiences through compelling storytelling.

Reporting to: The Directors, Sales & Marketing Manager, Communications Manager
Entities: House On Fire, MTN Bushfire, Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival and CollaboNation

Position Overview:                                                          

The Communications Officer will be responsible for the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all internal and external communication strategies.

The role aims to strengthen brand visibility, ensure clarity of messaging, and enhance audience engagement across all communication channels through compelling storytelling. The successful candidate will work closely with internal departments and external stakeholders to ensure cohesive, impactful communication aligned with the overall brand strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Strategic Communications & Content Development

• Collaborate with HoDs to design, implement, and evaluate integrated communications strategies for all three brands.
• Develop monthly editorial plans for press releases, email communications and website updates
• Write, edit, and disseminate high-quality content including press releases, speeches, media kits, scripts, blog posts, newsletters, and key messaging documents.
• Adapt copy for diverse formats including print, digital platforms, mobile applications, and audiovisual materials.

Media & Public Relations

• Manage relationships with local and international media houses and respond promptly to media inquiries.
• Coordinate with PR agencies to distribute press releases and oversee the quality and accuracy of information and PR reports.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive media contact database, manage media accreditation for all events and compile detailed media kits.
• Draft and pitch compelling story angles for Bushfire, Luju, CollaboNation and House On Fire’s communications platforms as well as for media outlets to enhance media coverage.

Digital Communications Support

• Present monthly audit reports for websites, providing insights and recommendations for optimisation.
• Collaborate with the Digital Comms Officer to ensure that all digital platforms (websites, YouTube channels, social media) are updated regularly with accurate and engaging information.

Event Communications Support

• Contribute to event concept development and provide communications support throughout planning and execution phases.
• Contribute towards creative briefs for photographers, videographers, and content creators to ensure brand-aligned visual storytelling.
• Oversee the setup and management of key festival areas, such as Media Accreditation Stations, Interview Rooms, and Info Desks.
• Support the creation of marketing and promotional materials, including video loops, AV content, merchandise copy, posters, and banners.
• On-the-ground Event Support: Manage live event communications and media accreditation with attention to detail and efficiency.

Internal Communications & Documentation

• Devise internal communications strategies to promote info-share and encourage timely submission of information from staff members.
• Coordinate and maintain the central archiving system for all communications-related materials, including press clippings and media coverage.
• Manage the drafting and submission of reports, sponsorship documents, grant proposals, including monitoring deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Maintain meeting records by taking and distributing minutes as required.

Qualifications and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of experience in a communications role.
• Proven experience in managing media relations and public-facing communications.
• Ability to multitask in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, social media platforms, and content management systems (e.g., WordPress).

SKILLS

• Exceptional Writing Skills: Ability to craft clear, engaging, and error-free content for various platforms (press releases, social media, web, etc.).
• Verbal Communication: Strong presentation and speaking skills, particularly when interacting with media, stakeholders and internal teams.
• Adaptability in Messaging: Ability to tailor messages for different audiences (e.g., media, internal teams, public).
• Email Marketing: Experience with email campaigns, using tools like MailChimp, to engage audiences and report on performance.
• Media Relations: Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, media outlets, and influencers.
• Project Management: Ability to manage multiple communication projects in a fast-paced environment, with strong attention to detail and deadlines.
• Brand Storytelling: Ability to develop a compelling narrative that aligns with the brand’s mission and values.
• Creative Problem Solving: Finding innovative solutions to communication challenges, especially when under tight deadlines or limited resources.

Application Process

If you are a wordsmith with exceptional writing prowess and have a passion for strategic communication and a flair for creativity, we want to hear from you!

Submit your resume, cover letter detailing your qualifications and experience, and portfolio outlining previous work to [email protected] with the subject Application: Communications Officer by 20 July, 2025 (6pm, CAT).

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Physical applications not accepted.