Marketing and Communications Assistant

Job Description

The Marketing and Communications Assistant is responsible for executing Futurelect’s brand and communications strategy. The Marketing and Communications Assistant will also be responsible for crafting and distributing high-quality content, managing media relations, and supporting event planning to ensure all communications are engaging and on-brand.

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About Futurelect

Founded in 2018 in Johannesburg, Futurelect is a non-profit and public benefit organisation dedicated to transforming political and government leadership across Africa. We are committed to equipping a new generation of young, ethical leaders in Africa with the skills and knowledge required to serve their communities effectively, responsibly and with integrity.

Our non-partisan leadership programmes are designed to cultivate diverse, highly skilled political leaders who will improve government and strengthen democracy across the continent. They primarily target young African women aged 18-45 who are either already on a path to political or public office leadership or aspire to assume these roles.

Futurelect also offers an online Civic Education Programme in South Africa, providing access to independently peer-reviewed, nonpartisan courses on democracy and governance. It is primarily targeted at South Africans aged 16-34 and is freely accessible and beneficial to all

Responsibilities and Duties:

Content Creation and Management

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• Develop, draft, and distribute engaging content, including social media posts, press releases, and multimedia materials, ensuring consistency with Futurelect’s brand identity;

• Assist in creating and updating content for Futurelect’s website, newsletters, and other communication channels;

• Support the design and production of marketing materials for events and campaigns;

• Oversee newsletter creation, design, and distribution, ensuring timely and accurate stakeholder updates;

• Maintain and grow mailer databases and manage the mailer software;

• Stay informed on trending topics and support the social media team in drafting thought-provoking content for our digital platforms;

• Draft and upload regular, relevant, topical content to Futurelect’s website and apps.

Event Support​

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• Assist in planning and executing Futurelect’s events, including meetings, seminars, and summits;

• Collaborate with the team to coordinate logistics, prepare materials, and ensure smooth event operations;

• Manage and maintain the organisation’s promotional materials and branded stock inventory;

• Capture content at events and engagements to provide material to the programmes and social media teams;

• Identify relevant events and engagement opportunities;

• Identify and secure speaker opportunities for our spokespersons.

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Media Relations

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• Help manage print and broadcast media relationships, including drafting and distributing press materials;

• Monitor and document media coverage and report on relevant mentions;

• Regularly update media placements on the Futurelect website.

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Research and Analysis

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• Research current public policy, electoral systems, and political trends in Southern Africa and other regions where Futurelect operates;

• Support the creation of impact reports and evaluations by providing research and background information.

• Stakeholder Engagement

• Assist in maintaining and updating a database of key stakeholders, including programme participants and alumni;

• Support efforts to engage with political parties, government institutions, and civil society organisations.

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Alumni Relations

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• Aid in managing the Futurelect Alumni Programme, including gathering updates on alumni achievements and supporting alumni networking initiatives;

• Help develop and launch online platforms to enhance alumni engagement;

• Support on ad hoc and day-to-day communications requirements as needed.

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Programme Support

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• Assist in designing and delivering new and existing programmes, including stakeholder communication;

• Support the implementation of project plans, schedules, and budgets related to new and existing programmes and partnerships;

• Support on ad hoc and day-to-day programme communications requirements as needed.

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Monitoring and Evaluation

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• Contribute to the development of surveys and feedback mechanisms to assess programme effectiveness;

• Assist in preparing progress reports and tracking outcomes for various initiatives.

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General

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• Ensure thoroughness and accuracy in all tasks, including document management and filing;

• Manage time and resources efficiently, supporting the smooth operation of the Marketing and Communications department;

• Demonstrate strong self-management and discipline, balancing in-office and remote work responsibilities within our hybrid work environment;

• Be reliable, consistently meeting deadlines and maintaining a high level of performance.

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Minimum Requirements:

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Non-negotiable Experience: 

• Relevant qualification in Marketing, Communications, Design, or a related field is beneficial but not required;

• 1-2 years experience in the same or similar role is preferred;

• Strong writing, editing, and communication skills;

• Ability to draft documents, designs and materials professionally and creatively.

• Budget management and understanding of expenditure is essential;

• Proficiency in English; one or more African languages is preferred;

• Proficiency in Google Suite, Keynote (creating, updating, managing, and coordinating presentations for events), Grammarly, Zoom, Monday.com, Trello, Asana and familiarity with digital marketing tools and social media platforms, including Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Mailchimp, and Wix or WordPress.

Skills:

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• Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills;

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks effectively;

• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines;

• Attention to detail;

• Strong writing and presentation skills;

• Time management skills.

Attributes:

• Enthusiasm for learning and a proactive attitude towards taking on new challenges;

• Creativity;

• Resilience;

• Problem-solving;

• Initiative;

• Passionate about Futurelect’s mission; committed to reforming and diversifying the public;

• sector leadership and civic engagement in Africa.

Our Work Style

Futurelect values hard and smart work, encouraging creativity and innovation whilst having fun along the way. We respect and support people’s lives outside of work. We are an agile, high-performing team in a flexible and supportive workplace — from location to hours and holidays — asking all members to consider the needs and deadlines of the team. We are committed to building an organisation that is great for Africa and the world, and great for the people who work with us.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policy

Futurelect was founded on the principle of diversity and inclusion in the public sector in Africa, where politics and government remain dominated by one gender and age demographic. We believe deeply in the importance of diversity and inclusion, and have these values embedded in our programme selection processes, as well as in our hiring practises. We operate on the principle that a candidate recruitment or selection process can never be considered meritorious unless it is also rooted in diversity.

Futurelect is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to prevent discrimination against any employee or job applicant on the basis of race, colour, gender, national origin (ancestry), age, religion, disability, veteran’s status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression in recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, volunteers, sub-contractors, vendors, and clients.

How to apply:

1. Click on the Apply Now link to complete the application form;

2. Upload your most recent comprehensive resumé / CV and;

3. Upload your motivation letter.

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Applications close on 25 April 2025.

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Should you have any questions, contact us via email with the subject line “Marketing and Communications Assistant” to careers@futurelect.org.

NB: Candidates who progress beyond the interview stage will be required to complete a short assignment to further assess their skills and critical thinking.