Vacancy: Head of Communications and Public Relations (HCPR)- Institute for Educational Planning and Administration

A. Position Description

●               Position Title: Head of Communications and Public Relations (HCPR)

●               Job Level: Senior Management

●               Location: University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana

●               Reports to: Deputy Director-General, Administration & General Services

Position Summary:

The Head of Communications and Public Relations (HCPR) provides dynamic, strategic, and operational leadership for the Institute’s public relations, brand identity, and corporate communications portfolio. Reporting directly to the Director-General, the HCPR is responsible for safeguarding IEPA’s reputation for excellence, advancing its visibility across the African continent, and executing high-impact communication strategies that align with the Institute's Growth and Success agenda. The successful candidate will serve as a key advisor to leadership on media engagement, crisis communication, and stakeholder advocacy within the statutory framework of the UNESCO Category II Centre.

B. Key Responsibilities

 The Head of Communications and Public Relations is vested with the operational responsibility and authority required to manage the Institute's communication infrastructure. Major responsibilities include:

● Strategic Communications Execution: Translate IEPA’s Strategic Plan into comprehensive, measurable communication and public relations campaigns that promote the Institute’s core pillars of research, training, and policy advisory.

●Brand & Reputation Management: Oversee and safeguard the IEPA and UNESCO co-branding guidelines, ensuring absolute consistency, quality, and relevance across all internal and external communication touchpoints.

● Media Relations & Strategic Partnerships: Build, cultivate, and maintain robust relationships with national, regional, and international media houses, serving as a primary liaison and coordinating press conferences, media interviews, and official statements.

●Content Creation & Digital Assets: Oversee the editorial direction, production, and dissemination of high-quality multimedia content, including corporate videos, photography, institutional blogs, newsletters, and annual reports for the IEPA website and official channels.

● Event Documentation & Publicity: Coordinate the comprehensive multi-media documentation and strategic publicity of IEPA’s presence at international conferences, high-level summits, and statutory governance meetings.

●Institutional Advocacy: Spearhead public-facing advocacy initiatives to position the IEPA brand effectively before ministries of education, development partners, civil society organizations, and the wider public across the sub-region.

● Crisis & Internal Communications: Develop and deploy proactive risk-mitigation frameworks for crisis communication, while optimizing internal communication flows to foster a collaborative institutional culture.

C. Key Competencies

●  Visionary Communication Leadership: Proven ability to design and execute sophisticated corporate communication and media strategies within an academic, international development, or public sector framework.

● Advanced Media Literacy & Strategy: Deep knowledge of the West African and international media landscape, with a proven track record of securing positive institutional visibility.

●Digital Architecture Navigation: High proficiency in leveraging cutting-edge digital media platforms, content management systems (CMS), and multimedia tools to engage diverse global audiences.

● Stakeholder Diplomacy: Exceptional interpersonal and diplomatic skills to interact effectively with high-level dignitaries, international agencies, and corporate executives.

● Crisis Management & Agility: Strong analytical ability to quickly digest complex educational policy issues and formulate swift, accurate, and strategic public responses.

D. Qualification and Experience

●Academic Qualification: A Master’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Strategic Marketing, International Relations, or a highly related field from a recognised university. A PhD will be a distinct advantage.

● Professional Experience: A minimum of five (5) years of progressive, post-qualification experience in a communications leadership role, with at least two

(2) years as a Head of PR, Head of Media, or Head of Content, preferably within a higher education institution, international agency, or reputable public corporation.

●Core Track Record: Proven, verifiable track record of developing successful, large-scale public relations campaigns, managing corporate crises, and executing brand transformations.

●Team Leadership: Demonstrated experience in building, managing, and mentoring a high-performing team of multimedia specialists, writers, and graphic designers.

●Professional Affiliation: Active membership in a relevant, recognised professional body (e.g., IPR Ghana, CIPR, or equivalent international bodies).

E. Term of Office

The appointment shall be for an initial term of three (3) years, renewable for a further term of up to three (3) years, subject to satisfactory performance as assessed by the Governing Board, provided the extension does not extend beyond the statutory retiring age of sixty (60) years.

Conditions of Service

Salary and fringe benefits attached to the positions are attractive.

 Mode of Application & Closing Date

1.  Interested applicants who meet the above criteria should please submit their applications and comprehensive curriculum vitae, together with relevant supporting documents and a Three-Page Vision Statement (completed application documents should be ten copies each) to:

The Registrar

University of Cape Coast

Cape Coast

2.      Applicants should request three (3) referees to submit reports on them directly to the above address

3.      The closing date for the receipt of applications is Friday, 21^st August, 2026.

Application forms are obtainable from the Senior Members Section, Directorate of Human Resource, University of Cape Coast. The forms could also be downloaded from the University’s website: www.ucc.edu.gh

REGISTRAR