About the Organisation
Bertha Spaces is a program of the Bertha Foundation, established to create safe and inclusive environments where activists come together to build more just cities, countries, and a sustainable planet. Through a network of flagship and member spaces—including Bertha House, Bertha Retreat, Philippi Village (South Africa) and Postane (Turkey) - we empower activists, lawyers, storytellers, and community groups by providing space, opportunities for connection, collaborative programming, and amplifying their campaigns.
About the Job
We are looking for a creative, strategic, and detail-oriented Communications Specialist to strengthen our brand, grow our visibility, and tell compelling stories across multiple platforms. This role leads public relations, copywriting, and brand management, while working closely with the Digital Communications Specialist to ensure content is effectively distributed, amplified, and optimised across digital channels. The ideal candidate is an excellent writer with strong media relations experience and a keen eye for branding. They are equally comfortable drafting a press release, developing campaign messaging, editing website copy, or creating content that engages diverse audiences.
This role will be based between Bertha House (30%), Bertha Retreat (50%), and Philippi Village (20%).
Key Responsibilities
Public Relations
Develop and implement PR strategies that increase organisational visibility and strengthen reputation.
Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, partners, and influencers.
Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories, opinion pieces, and media kits.
Coordinate media interviews, press briefings, and speaking opportunities.
Monitor media coverage and prepare regular media reports.
Identify proactive storytelling opportunities and respond to media enquiries.
Work with the Digital Communications Specialist to amplify earned media through digital and social media channels.
Copywriting & Content Development
Lead the development of compelling, audience-focused content across multipleplatforms, including:
Website copy
Campaign messaging
Newsletters
Event communications
Reports, presentations and publications
Marketing collateral
Speeches and talking points
Develop content briefs and messaging for digital campaigns in collaboration with the Digital Communications Specialist.
Edit and proofread content to ensure accuracy, consistency, and quality.
Translate complex ideas into engaging and accessible narratives.
Develop messaging frameworks that align with organisational priorities.
Collaborate with the Digital Communications Specialist to adapt long-form content into engaging digital and social media content.
Brand Management
Champion and protect the organisation's brand identity across all communications.
Ensure consistency in tone of voice, messaging, and visual identity across all platforms.
Support the development and implementation of brand guidelines.
Review internal and external materials for brand alignment.
Partner with the Digital Communications Specialist to ensure digital communications consistently reflect the organisation's brand and voice.
Work with designers, photographers, videographers, and external agencies to produce high-quality branded content.
Campaigns & Communications
Develop communication plans for campaigns, events, programmes, and organisational milestones.
Collaborate with programme teams to identify stories and communication opportunities.
Work alongside the Digital Communications Specialist to plan integrated communications campaigns across media, digital platforms, email, and social media.
Provide campaign messaging, content, and storytelling while supporting the Digital
Communications Specialist with campaign assets and copy.
Measure campaign performance with the Digital Communications Specialist and recommend improvements based on insights.
Collaboration
Work as a strategic partner to the Digital Communications Specialist, ensuring communications and digital activities are aligned.
Participate in editorial planning and content calendar meetings.
Share responsibility for identifying storytelling opportunities across programmes and organisational activities.
Collaborate on major announcements, campaigns, events, and brand initiatives.
Support crisis and reputation communications by coordinating messaging across traditional and digital channels.
Requirements
Essential
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
3–5 years' experience in communications, PR, journalism, or brand communications.
Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills.
Demonstrated experience developing communication campaigns and media materials.
Strong understanding of branding and strategic communications.
Experience managing media relationships and securing media coverage.
Ability to write for different audiences and platforms.
Excellent organisational and project management skills.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple deadlines.
Desirable
Experience working in the nonprofit, social impact, or purpose-driven sector.
Experience working collaboratively with digital communications or marketing teams.
Familiarity with content management systems, email marketing platforms, and digital analytics.
Photography or video storytelling experience is an advantage.
To apply
To apply, email your application (completed AA bio form, one page motivation letter and updated CV [all in MS Word format]) by Friday 21 August 2026 to tracy@actionappointments.co.za
