Location: Work from home with domestic travel expectation
Reporting to: Executive Director
Type: Full-time
Salary: R550,000 per annum (Cost to Company), depending on qualifications and experience.
Application deadline: 11 October 2026
About ERSA
Economic Research Southern Africa (ERSA) is South Africa’s leading economics research network. Through funding, collaboration and knowledge sharing, ERSA supports high-quality economic research that informs public policy and contributes to South Africa’s economic development.
ERSA works with leading economists from universities, government and research institutions across the country. Our research spans fiscal policy, monetary policy, trade, competition, health, education, labour markets, environmental economics and other areas critical to South Africa’s future.
We believe that excellent research only achieves its full value when it informs public debate and policy decisions. We are therefore seeking an outstanding communicator who can help ensure that rigorous economic research reaches policymakers, journalists and the broader public in a clear, accurate and engaging way.
The Opportunity
The Research Communications Manager is a strategic role responsible for increasing the visibility, accessibility and policy impact of ERSA’s research.
Working directly with the Executive Director and leading economists from across South Africa, the successful candidate will identify compelling research stories, translate technical research into accessible and engaging content, and build strong relationships with journalists and media organisations to increase the reach and influence of ERSA’s research.
The Research Communications Manager will be responsible for developing written communication products that support engagements with senior policymakers and institutional partners, while also leading ERSA’s relationships with the media.
This role would suit someone who enjoys reading research, asking insightful questions and crafting compelling stories that remain faithful to the underlying evidence.
Key Responsibilities
Research Communications
- Translate academic research into clear, engaging and accessible articles for non-specialist audiences.
- Produce policy briefs, research summaries, opinion pieces, briefing notes, speeches and other written communication products.
- Work closely with researchers to identify the key messages and policy implications emerging from their work.
- Edit and refine written material prepared by researchers for policy and public audiences.
- Develop communication products that showcase the relevance and impact of ERSA-supported research.
- Support the Executive Director with high-quality written material for engagements with policymakers and strategic stakeholders.
Media Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors and media organisations.
- Identify opportunities for ERSA researchers to contribute to public policy debates through traditional and digital media.
- Coordinate media interviews and respond to media enquiries.
- Prepare media releases and media kits where appropriate.
- Monitor media coverage of ERSA and broader economic policy issues.
Digital Communications
- Manage ERSA’s website and ensure research outputs are published promptly.
- Develop engaging content for LinkedIn and other digital platforms.
- Produce newsletters highlighting new research and policy insights.
- Coordinate multimedia content, including interviews, videos and podcasts where appropriate.
Research Impact
- Monitor and report on the reach and influence of ERSA’s research communications.
- Track media coverage, downloads, social media engagement and other indicators of research impact.
- Contribute to ERSA’s Annual Report and other organisational publications.
Qualifications and Experience
Applicants should have:
- A relevant tertiary qualification in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, English, Public Relations or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- At least 10 years’ relevant professional experience.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a portfolio demonstrating the ability to communicate complex or technical subjects to broad audiences.
- Experience in journalism, business journalism, research communications, publishing, think tanks, universities, public policy organisations or similar environments.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively with researchers, policymakers and media professionals.
Desirable Skills
Experience in one or more of the following would be advantageous:
- Business or economic journalism.
- Science or research communication.
- Policy communications.
- Digital publishing and content management systems.
- Social media strategy and analytics.
- Graphic design or data visualisation.
- Podcast or video production.
Personal Attributes
The successful candidate will be:
- An exceptional writer with outstanding editorial judgement.
- Curious and intellectually engaged.
- Comfortable reading research papers and interviewing researchers.
- Able to simplify complex ideas without compromising accuracy.
- Proactive, organised and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Passionate about improving public policy through evidence-based research.
Application Process
Applicants should submit:
- A detailed curriculum vitae.
- A cover letter outlining their suitability for the role.
- A portfolio of published or professional writing demonstrating their ability to communicate complex or technical subject matter to broad audiences.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to complete a practical writing exercise based on an economics research paper, followed by an interview.
