Communication Strategist Career in South Africa
Explore the official OFO occupation, common tasks, specialisations and approved South African qualification pathways.
Occupation overview
Develops strategic marketing and communication strategies and advises executives on the implications of their policies, programs and practices.
What does a Communication Strategist do?
A Communication Strategist plans how an organisation communicates its policies, programmes and practices, and helps executives understand the likely communication implications of their decisions. The work may include corporate communication or fundraising-related strategy, with a focus on clear messages, appropriate audiences and coordinated communication activity.
Specialisations
Alternative job titles
How to become a Communication Strategist in South Africa
- Build strong written and spoken communication skills, together with an understanding of marketing and communication strategy.
- Learn to assess how organisational policies, programmes and practices may affect communication with different audiences.
- Gain practical exposure to corporate communication, fundraising coordination or related communication work.
- Develop the ability to present strategic advice clearly to executives and other decision-makers.
- Progress towards roles with greater responsibility for communication planning and strategic advice; relevant education can support this development, while workplace progression and responsibility may also be important.
Edupstairs Preparation Guidance
There may not be one universal qualification pathway for this career, so education and entry expectations can vary. Research current South African study options and relevant roles, and confirm programme, provider and workplace expectations with the institution or employer. Build a portfolio of communication plans, campaign ideas or strategic advice where possible. If pursuing a fundraising or corporate communication specialisation, investigate the expectations of that particular area separately.
Useful school subjects
- English
- Business Studies
- Economics
- Computer Applications Technology
Skills that may help
- Strategic communication planning
- Written and spoken communication
- Marketing communication
- Advising executives
- Analysing the communication implications of policies and programmes
- Audience-focused thinking
- Presenting recommendations
- Fundraising coordination