Johannesburg: Chief Strategy and Public Relations Officer

About the Role We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Strategy and Public Relations Officer to lead the organisation’s Strategy, Business Intelligence, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Communications functions. This executive role supports the Board, CEO, and EXCO by driving strategic planning, organisational insights, brand reputation, and stakeholder engagement. Key Responsibilities Strategy Development Lead the formulation and execution of the organisation’s Strategy. Set strategic priorities and translate them into annual performance plans. Integrate research, policy, technology, and business intelligence into strategic direction. Ensure organisation-wide understanding and implementation of strategic goals. Support due diligence and strategic business projects. Identify innovative growth opportunities in service delivery. Financial Management Develop strategies to diversify revenue streams through grants, donors, and partnerships. Manage departmental budgets and ensure cost control. Public Relations Management Lead PR strategies to elevate the organisation’s profile. Manage media relations and secure positive coverage. Oversee branding, external communications, and stakeholder messaging. Represent the organisation at industry events and public platforms. Develop crisis communication strategies. Monitor media sentiment and proactively manage reputational risks. Business Intelligence & Team Leadership Use data analytics to drive strategic insights and process improvements. Conduct or commission market research to identify trends and opportunities. Develop business cases, models, and scenario forecasts. Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across Strategy, BI, and Communications. Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability. Performance Monitoring & Reporting Develop KPIs to track strategic progress. Analyse performance data and provide executive-level recommendations. Ensure regulatory and ethical compliance in reporting. Stakeholder Engagement & Project Leadership Build strong relationships with board members, donors, government, partners, and communities. Manage cross-functional projects, define scope, and oversee deliverables. Maintain positive relationships with clients, partners, media, and internal teams. Key Competencies Corporate Communication & Media Relations Reputation Management Policy Development & Positioning Integrated Marketing Communication Strategic Reporting & Monitoring Visionary, innovative, and forward-thinking Politically astute with strong emotional intelligence Credible, influential, and adaptable communication