DataDrive2030 is a rapidly growing social enterprise committed to driving change in the ECD sector through data-informed solutions. As the organisation responsible for delivering the Thrive by Five Index, we are preparing for a new three-year cycle that includes strategic planning, fieldwork, provincial engagements, national data releases, and a coordinated communications effort.

To ensure the success of this cycle, we seek a highly skilled Communications Specialist who will lead and implement the full communications function of the Thrive by Five Index,  covering strategy, media relations, digital communications, branding, public engagement, and partner alignment.

The Communications Specialist will work closely with the Programme Manager, Technical Specialist, the DD2030 team, and multiple service providers to ensure that all communications are coherent, accurate, timely, and resonate with diverse audiences across South Africa.

 

Employment type: Fixed term – 3 years

Reporting to: Programme Manager, Thrive by Five Index

Direct reports: None (coordination of service providers)

 

Qualifications & experience

• A relevant qualification in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, Development Communications, or related fields.
• Minimum of 7–10 years’ experience in communications, brand management, PR, or strategic content development.
• Experience managing multi-year communication strategies, preferably in data, education, research, or social impact sectors.
• Demonstrated ability to lead digital and public-facing campaigns, including media launches.
• Proven track record working with service providers (designers, web teams, PR agencies, content creators).
• Experience translating technical or research content into accessible messaging for different audiences.

 

Skills & attributes

• Communications Strategy: Strong ability to develop and execute integrated communication plans across multiple years and platforms. Skilled in message development, narrative framing, and audience segmentation.
• Content Development: Excellent writing and editing skills, with the ability to simplify complex data while maintaining accuracy.
• Stakeholder Management: Confident engaging with funders, government partners, media outlets, provincial stakeholders, and service providers.
• Digital Competence: Proficiency in website oversight, social media strategy, SEO principles, analytics tracking, and content scheduling.
• Organisational Strength: Highly organised, disciplined, and reliable in managing timelines, version control, approvals, and deliverables.
• Risk Awareness: Ability to anticipate reputational or communications risks and propose mitigation strategies.
• Values Alignment: Commitment to DataDrive2030 values, ethical communication, and strengthening early childhood systems.

 

Additional Advantageous Skills

• Fluent (written and verbal) in one or more additional South African languages.
• Experience communicating about early learning, ECD systems, or research-driven programmes.
• Prior experience in large-scale national initiatives or multi-provincial projects.
• Familiarity with data communication or data storytelling.
• Experience working with government, funders, or public-sector partners.
• Technical skills in content production tools, e.g., basic design (Canva, Adobe), video editing, or content management systems (CMS) for web publishing.

 

Key Responsibilities

1. Communications Strategy & Implementation

• Lead the development and implementation of the three-year communications plan for the Thrive by Five Index (2026–2028).
• Establish clear narratives and key messages aligned with project milestones (planning, fieldwork, analysis, and launch).
• Ensure consistent, high-quality communications across all partners and service providers.
• Maintain a communications calendar covering media engagements, content rollouts, provincial announcements, and launch activities.
• Support crisis communication readiness, including risk monitoring and response planning.

 

2. Coordination of Communications Service Providers

• Serve as the central liaison between Thrive by Five Index communications and external PR, design, digital, and web development teams.
• Develop briefs, track deliverables, maintain approval workflows, and ensure alignment with the Index brand and messaging.
• Monitor service provider performance, escalate concerns, and support the resolution of communication-related issues.
• Oversee the production of high-quality visual, written, and multimedia communication outputs.
• Coordinate with the DataDrive2030 communications team to maintain cohesion between Index-related communications and broader organisational messaging.

 

3. Digital Communications & Website Oversight

• Oversee the management, updates, and UX improvements for the Thrive by Five Index website.
• Coordinate dashboards, data releases, and content uploads with developers and the Thrive Team.
• Shape digital strategies to strengthen visibility, accessibility, and user engagement.
• Track digital analytics and refine approaches based on performance insights.

 

4. Media Relations & Public Engagement

• Lead media strategy for the Index, including launch events, provincial releases, and targeted stories.
• Develop media packs, talking points, Q&A documents, op-eds, and press releases.
• Brief spokespersons and ensure consistent, accurate messaging across interviews and public engagements.
• Identify and build relationships with journalists, media outlets, and thought leaders.

 

5. Social Media Strategy & Content Management

• Set up and oversee the Index’s social media channels, ensuring messaging across platforms is coordinated, audience-specific, and aligned with the wider communications strategy and organisational messaging.
• Develop a robust social media strategy aligned with project milestones.
• Coordinate content creation (graphics, copy, simple videos) with service providers.
• Ensure consistent tone, visual identity, and data accuracy in all posts.
• Track analytics, engagement metrics, and adjust content strategy accordingly.

 

6. Communications Support for Data & Reporting Processes

• Work closely with the Thrive Team to translate analytical outputs into clear, public-facing materials.
• Support development of national and provincial communication packs, result summaries, and data storytelling assets.
• Contribute to the preparation of national and provincial reports, including copyediting, content refinement, and ensuring consistency across outputs.
• Assist with internal review cycles and ensure communications accurately reflect final data outputs.
• Provide inputs for presentations, workshops, and stakeholder briefings.

 

7. Stakeholder Coordination

• Manage the scheduling, preparation, and facilitation of stakeholder and Communication Committee meetings, ensuring messaging, progress, and decisions remain aligned across the project
• Engage with provincial officials, partners, and funders to support coordinated communication efforts.
• Prepare briefing notes, slide decks, talking points, and event communication materials.
• Track stakeholder requests, commitments, and follow-up actions.
• Support coordination of provincial roadshows, webinars, briefings, and launch engagements.

 

8. Project Administration & Compliance

• Maintain organised systems for communications documentation, approvals, and historical records.
• Track communications budgets, including invoices and service provider contracts.
• Ensure compliance with organisational processes, POPIA requirements, and communications protocols.
• Uphold DD2030 and Thrive  brand guidelines and ensure consistent implementation across all outputs.

 

9. Additionally, as a member of the DataDrive2030 team, you will be required to:

• Participate in weekly DD2030 team meetings and twice-yearly strategy sessions.
• Provide relevant input to the communication team to highlight DD2030’s work.
• Ensure work is carried out per the DD2030 values, Ways of Working and internal processes.
• Support the team in the overall delivery of the DD2030 strategy.
• Represent DD2030 at relevant forums and events.

 

How to Apply

If this opportunity excites you, please complete the application form and upload your CV.

📅 Applications close on Monday, 16 March 2026 (rolling basis – apply early).

If shortlisted, we will contact you within two weeks after the closing date.

 

DataDrive2030 NPC reserves the right not to appoint.