External Communications Manager

Job Description

Manager: External Communications | Old Mutual

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Old Mutual, located in South Africa. Old Mutual is committed to the African opportunity, and this role contributes to our diverse talent by strengthening our reputation. This position is vital for executing external communications plans and providing strategic advisory counsel, which ultimately enhances Old Mutual’s standing and engagement with crucial external stakeholders.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: In-person, South Africa
• Mission: Owns executing external communications plans and providing strategic advisory counsel to strengthen Old Mutual’s reputation and engagement with external stakeholders.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Strategic Communication and Reputation Management: Develop and implement the annual Group External Communications plan for thought leadership to drive consistent earned media visibility throughout the year, shaping proactive media positioning.
• Thought Leadership and Executive Communication: Develop high-impact content that positions Old Mutual as an industry thought leader, secure strategic speaker opportunities, and execute the Group thought leadership programme.
• Advocacy Programme Development: Refine and activate the advocacy champion network and manage external advocacy partners to amplify Old Mutual’s Value Creation story through credible voices and meaningful stakeholder dialogue.
• Media Relations Management: Build and maintain a robust network of relationships with journalists, editors, and industry analysts, acting as the primary media contact for thought leadership initiatives and pitching compelling stories.
• People Leadership and Governance: Lead, coach, and performance-manage a direct report, fostering a high-performing team culture, while enhancing and ensuring compliance with the Communications Framework.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Relevant undergraduate degree or qualification in Strategic Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, and/or Digital Marketing or a related discipline.
• Experience: 5-7 years’ progressive corporate communications experience, including at least 3 years in external communications within a large, complex or matrixed organisation, with proven experience managing direct reports.
• Skills: Strategic Planning, Writing, Oral Communications, Policy Development, Managing Stakeholder Expectations.
• Bonus: Experience across the African continent.