Head of Communications and Public Relations

About the role

The Institute for Educational Planning and Administration (IEPA) is looking for a Head of Communications and Public Relations (HCPR) to provide strategic and operational leadership for its public relations, brand identity and corporate communications. The HCPR safeguards the Institute's reputation, advances its visibility across Africa and advises leadership on media engagement, crisis communication and stakeholder advocacy. The position reports to the Deputy Director-General, Administration & General Services, and is based at the University of Cape Coast.

Key responsibilities

• Translate the Institute's Strategic Plan into measurable communication and public relations campaigns promoting research, training and policy advisory.
• Oversee the co-branding guidelines with UNESCO and ensure consistent quality across all internal and external touchpoints.
• Build relationships with national, regional and international media, and coordinate press conferences, interviews and official statements.
• Oversee editorial direction and production of multimedia content such as videos, photography, blogs, newsletters and annual reports.
• Coordinate multi-media documentation and publicity for international conferences, summits and governance meetings.
• Lead public-facing advocacy with ministries of education, development partners, civil society and the wider public.
• Develop crisis communication risk-mitigation frameworks and optimise internal communication flows.

Required profile

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Strategic Marketing, International Relations or a closely related field; a PhD is an advantage.
• At least five years of post-qualification experience in a communications leadership role, including at least two years as Head of PR, Head of Media or Head of Content, preferably in higher education, an international agency or a public corporation.
• Proven track record of large-scale PR campaigns, crisis management and brand transformation.
• Experience leading a team of multimedia specialists, writers and graphic designers.
• Active membership in a recognised professional body such as IPR Ghana or CIPR.

Required skills

• Corporate communication and media strategy within an academic, international development or public sector setting.
• Knowledge of the West African and international media landscape.
• Proficiency with digital media platforms, content management systems and multimedia tools.
• Crisis management and stakeholder diplomacy.

The appointment is for an initial term of three years, renewable once for another three years, subject to satisfactory performance and the statutory retirement age of 60. Salary and fringe benefits are described as attractive. Applications, including a three-page vision statement and three referee reports, are submitted to the Registrar at the University of Cape Coast by 28 August 2026.