About the position
A premier South African professional rugby franchise is currently seeking a Head of Digital to lead its Media House in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal.
The organisation is one of South Africa’s most dynamic sporting brands, known for high-tempo rugby, a passionate fanbase, and a strong commitment to digital innovation and fan engagement through its in-house Media House.
Job Title: Head of DigitalDepartment: Media House
Reports to: Head of Media House
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Type: Full-time, Permanent
Responsibilities
- Own and drive the end-to-end social media strategy, with social as the primary growth engine across all platforms (Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, YouTube).
- Lead daily social media execution, including content prioritisation, tone, timing, and real-time matchday engagement decisions.
- Develop platform-specific strategies to maximise reach, engagement, and virality (e.g., TikTok trends, Instagram storytelling, X live commentary).
- Oversee content creation workflows including ideation, scheduling, A/B testing, and real-time optimisation based on performance data.
- Analyse social performance metrics (engagement, reach, sentiment, growth trends) and translate insights into actionable strategy improvements.
- Lead, mentor, and develop the social media team to ensure high-quality output and consistent execution under tight match-driven deadlines.
- Ensure all digital content aligns with the franchise’s brand identity, storytelling framework, and fan engagement objectives.
- Provide secondary oversight of website content and CRM campaigns (email, SMS, segmentation), ensuring alignment with social strategy.
- Collaborate closely with the Head of Design and production teams to brief high-performing visual and video assets tailored for each platform.
- Identify and implement emerging social media trends, tools, and innovations within sports and entertainment.
- Report on KPIs and digital performance to senior leadership, with a focus on fan growth, engagement, and retention.
Requirements- 7+ years’ experience in senior social media roles (e.g., Head of Social, Social Media Director), ideally within sports, media, or high-engagement consumer brands.
- Proven expertise in social media strategy, execution, and audience growth across multiple platforms.
- Strong leadership experience managing and developing digital/social teams.
- Deep understanding of social media algorithms, analytics tools, and scheduling platforms (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Brandwatch).
- Strong analytical mindset combined with creative storytelling ability.
- Passion for rugby or elite team sports, with strong understanding of fan behaviour and engagement dynamics.
- Experience working in fast-paced, real-time environments with strict deadlines (e.g., live sports).
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Familiarity with CRM systems and website content management is advantageous.
- Relevant qualification in Marketing, Digital Media, Communications, or equivalent experience.
Benefits
Contact Hire Resolve for your next career-changing move.
- Our client is offering a highly competitive salary for this role based on experience.
- Apply for this role today, contact Lisa Meyer on LinkedIn
- You can also visit the Hire Resolve website: [URL Removed] or email us your CV: [Email Address Removed]
We will contact you telephonically in 3 days should you be suitable for this vacancy. If you are not suitable, we will put your CV on file and contact you regarding any future vacancies that arise
Desired Skills:
- Head of Digital (Social Media Strategist)
- Head of Digital (Social Media Strategist)
- Head of Digital (Social Media Strategist)
