The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is a leading scientific and technology research organisation that research, develops, localises and diffuses technologies to accelerate socio-economic prosperity in South Africa. The organisations work contributes to industrial development and supports a capable state.
Technology Marketing Coordinator (Three-year contract)
About The Job
The CSIR has a vacancy for a Technology Marketing Coordinator in the Business Excellence and Integration Portfolio in the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer (IPTT) Office. The incumbent will support the technology marketing efforts of the IPTT Office and the BDC Offices to increase uptake and impact of CSIR IP. He/she will work closely with Commercialisation Managers, other TT specialists and technology champions to develop and implement powerful, targeted, and innovative communications and marketing strategies, aimed at profiling key CSIR technologies locally and abroad, attracting investment and licensees, and enhancing CSIRs reputation as accelerators of socioeconomic prosperity. This position is based in Pretoria.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop an annual technology marketing strategy and implementation plan, in close collaboration with Clusters and BDC Offices.
- Identify and effectively utilise media and other promotional opportunities to create and secure regular positive publicity for CSIR technologies and to raise the organisations profile as licensee of choice.
- Work with researchers to develop concise technology marketing pitches and organise and facilitate media interviews and briefings to profile CSIR technologies and their research teams.
- Proactively source and package content aligned to different audiences for use in various media and stakeholder engagement activities, this includes but is not limited to:
- Drafting opinion pieces and commentary on technologies and their research teams
- Developing technology fact sheets/information bulletins for dissemination to media
- Writing media releases as appropriate and repackaging scientific content for non-technical audiences
- Research, devise and execute innovative marketing campaigns (digital and non-digital), including defining target audiences, and choosing appropriate channels for delivery. Combine market intelligence with technology insights to develop vibrant technology marketing resources to attract investors, licensees and other technology partner.
- Support organisation-wide initiatives to market CSIR IP appropriately. Ensure communications and marketing resources are developed in a manner that is cohesive with the promotional platform, the nature of the technology being profiled and market positioning to achieve optimal impact.
- Monitor and report on the effectiveness of technology communications and marketing programmes and strategies and attend to relevant media queries.
- Liaise with Clusters and Business Development and Commercialisation teams to understand key technologies at different stages of development and develop appropriate communication and marketing strategies.
- Maintain a media database and handle specific media queries.
- Conduct media monitoring and analyse marketing campaigns to assess impact and effectiveness of technology marketing efforts and modify as required.
- Plan and execute promotions, events, and public relations activities both locally and abroad to profile CSIR technologies to enhance uptake.
- Simplify market-related information for research staff, CSIR management, CSIR partners, and CSIR stakeholders.
- A bachelors degree in communication, Public Relations or Journalism and a suitable qualification in science, engineering or technology with at least three years experience in communications, media or stakeholder relationship management in a commercial environment or science council.
- Proven ability to identify strategically relevant media stakeholders and other potential strategic partners.
- Proven ability to identify and capitalise upon opportunities for positive publicity that goes beyond mainstream channels and mechanisms.
- Can build legitimate and trusted relationships between the organisation and various external stakeholders.
- Strong project management skills, negotiation and communication skills, strategic and analytical thinking skills, marketing skills, research skills, interpersonal skills, excellent English written and verbal skills, strong presentation skills, proficient with various mainstream computer programmes.
- Experience in Science Communication.
- Expertise in media relations with established networks/contacts in media and the ability to effectively balance media expectations and CSIR interest.
- Ability to think and work in an innovative and independent manner.
- All international qualifications require an evaluation report / certificate issued by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA).
PLEASE NOTE THAT FEEDBACK WILL BE GIVEN TO SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES ONLY.
For more info, please email us at Recruitmentinfo@csir.co.za Please do-not send application to this mailbox, it is for inquiries only.
The CSIR is an equal opportunity employer. As such, it is committed to the employment Equity Act and will through the filling of this vacancy, give preference to candidates from designated groups in terms of the Employment Equity Act. By applying for this position at the CSIR, the applicant understands, and agrees that the CSIR may solicit a credit and criminal report from registered credit bureau and/or South African Police Services (in relation to positions that requires trust and honesty and/or entail the handling of cash or finances), and may also verify the applicants educational qualification and employment history. The CSIR reserves the right to remove the advertisement at any time before the stated closing date and it further reserves the right not to appoint if a suitable candidate is not identified.
