Basic Education Chief Director: Media Liaison and National and Provincial Communication Vacancy 2026

Opportunity Overview

The Department of Basic Education is seeking a dedicated professional to lead its Media Liaison and National and Provincial Communication efforts. This senior management role is based in Pretoria and involves overseeing critical communication strategies for the Minister, the Department, and provincial education departments across South Africa.

This position offers an opportunity to significantly impact public perception and engagement with basic education initiatives by managing communication campaigns, media relations, and stakeholder interactions at a high level within the public sector.

Minimum Requirements

• An appropriate recognised qualification at NQF Level 7 in Communication, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field.
• A minimum of ten (10) years’ experience in communication, public relations, media liaison, marketing, content development, and/or internal communications.
• At least five (5) years of the required experience must have been at a senior management level.
• Proven experience in strategic communication, media liaison, public relations, stakeholder communication, marketing campaigns, content development, and internal communications.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Willingness to travel extensively.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide effective communication services to the Minister, the Department of Basic Education, and Provincial Education Departments.
• Lead communication strategies for the Minister, the Department of Basic Education, and provinces.
• Manage communication campaigns.
• Manage urgent and unplanned communication matters.
• Respond to deadlines and quality inputs.
• Oversee and provide strategic direction in developing and implementing communication channels and strategies for the Ministry, the Department of Basic Education, and Provincial Education Departments.
• Oversee, implement, and manage communication campaigns for the Department of Basic Education and provide support to campaigns undertaken by the Ministry of Basic Education.
• Ensure effective management and utilisation of appropriate communication channels for the Ministry and the Department of Basic Education.
• Build and sustain a positive reputation for the Ministry and the Department of Basic Education.
• Manage planned, unplanned, and urgent communication matters for the Ministry and the Department.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted by August 17, 2026.

Further details on how to apply can be found in the full vacancy announcement available at: https://www.dpsa.gov.za/dpsa2g/documents/vacancies/2026/27/b.pdf