Head of Digital – Hire Resolve
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Job Type: Permanent
Posted: 28 April 2026
Closing Date: 28 May 2026
Industry: Broadcast Media / Sports Entertainment
Functional Area: Information Technology / Digital Media
Salary: R720 000 per annum
A leading South African professional rugby franchise is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Head of Digital to lead its Media House based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This is a senior-level digital leadership role within one of the country’s most recognised and dynamic sporting brands.
The organisation is known for its fast-paced, high-intensity rugby style and its deeply passionate fanbase. Over the years, it has developed a strong digital presence, leveraging social media and digital platforms to engage fans, build brand loyalty, and enhance the overall sporting experience. The in-house Media House plays a central role in this strategy, producing content that connects fans to the team both on and off the field.
The Head of Digital will be responsible for leading the entire digital ecosystem, with a strong focus on social media strategy, audience growth, content innovation, and real-time fan engagement. This is a role that combines strategic leadership, creative direction, and data-driven decision-making in a fast-moving sports environment.
Role Purpose and Strategic Impact
The primary purpose of this role is to design, lead, and execute a world-class digital and social media strategy that positions the rugby franchise as a leader in sports entertainment engagement.
In modern sport, digital platforms are no longer secondary communication tools. They are now central to fan engagement, sponsorship value, brand identity, and global reach. Social media, in particular, acts as the primary growth engine for audience interaction and brand visibility.
The Head of Digital will ensure that every piece of content, every campaign, and every digital interaction contributes to building stronger fan relationships, increasing engagement, and growing the franchise’s digital footprint across multiple platforms.
Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail
1. End-to-End Social Media Strategy Ownership
You will be responsible for developing and executing the full social media strategy across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube. Each platform requires a unique approach based on its audience behavior and content format.
The goal is to maximise reach, engagement, and virality while maintaining brand consistency and storytelling integrity.
2. Daily Social Media Execution and Matchday Leadership
This role involves hands-on leadership of daily social media operations. You will make key decisions on content timing, tone, prioritisation, and engagement strategy.
On match days, this becomes even more critical, as real-time content can significantly influence fan engagement. You will be responsible for live content decisions, commentary tone, and rapid-response posting during games.
3. Platform-Specific Content Strategy
Each social media platform behaves differently, and you will be expected to design tailored strategies for each one.
- TikTok: Trend-driven short-form video content
- Instagram: Visual storytelling and behind-the-scenes engagement
- X (Twitter): Live commentary and real-time updates
- Facebook: Community engagement and long-form updates
- YouTube: Documentary-style and highlight content
Understanding how algorithms and audience behavior differ across platforms is essential for success.
4. Content Creation Workflow Management
You will oversee the entire content lifecycle, including ideation, planning, scheduling, and optimisation. This also includes managing A/B testing to determine which content performs best and adjusting strategies accordingly.
Real-time optimisation based on performance data is a key aspect of this role.
5. Data Analysis and Performance Strategy
You will analyse key digital performance metrics such as engagement rates, audience growth, reach, sentiment, and retention.
These insights will be used to refine strategies, improve content performance, and ensure continuous digital growth.
A strong analytical mindset is required, combined with the ability to translate data into creative and strategic actions.
6. Team Leadership and Development
You will lead and mentor the social media and digital content team, ensuring high performance, creativity, and consistency.
This includes setting performance expectations, providing guidance, and fostering a culture of innovation and accountability.
Leadership in this environment requires the ability to perform under pressure, especially during live sporting events.
7. Brand Alignment and Storytelling
All digital content must align with the franchise’s brand identity, values, and storytelling framework. This includes maintaining a consistent tone and ensuring that content strengthens the emotional connection between the team and its supporters.
Sports storytelling is a powerful tool that includes player journeys, match highlights, fan experiences, and behind-the-scenes content.
8. Website and CRM Oversight
In addition to social media, you will provide oversight of website content and CRM campaigns, including email marketing, SMS communication, and audience segmentation strategies.
The goal is to ensure full alignment between all digital channels.
9. Collaboration with Creative and Production Teams
You will work closely with design and video production teams to ensure that all visual and multimedia content is tailored for maximum impact on each platform.
Clear briefing and creative direction are essential to ensure high-quality output.
10. Innovation and Trend Adoption
You will be responsible for identifying and implementing new digital trends, tools, and technologies within the sports and entertainment space.
This includes staying ahead of platform updates, algorithm changes, and emerging content formats.
11. Reporting and Executive Communication
You will report directly to senior leadership, providing detailed insights into digital performance and strategic recommendations.
Reports will focus on fan growth, engagement levels, retention metrics, and overall digital impact.
Minimum Requirements Explained
7+ Years in Senior Social Media Roles
Extensive experience in leadership roles such as Head of Social or Social Media Director is required.
Proven Digital Growth Expertise
Candidates must demonstrate success in growing audiences and improving engagement across multiple platforms.
Leadership Experience
Strong experience managing and developing digital teams is essential.
Technical Platform Knowledge
Familiarity with tools such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and Brandwatch is required for performance tracking and scheduling.
Strong Analytical and Creative Skills
The role requires balancing data-driven decision-making with creative storytelling ability.
Passion for Rugby or Sports
A deep understanding of sports fan culture and engagement dynamics is highly advantageous.
Experience in Fast-Paced Environments
Live sports require quick thinking, adaptability, and real-time decision-making.
Communication Skills
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills are essential for working with internal and external teams.
Educational Background
A qualification in Marketing, Digital Media, Communications, or equivalent experience is preferred.
Work Environment
This is a high-pressure, high-reward environment where no two days are the same. The role requires working in real-time during live matches, responding quickly to events, and maintaining high energy levels throughout the season.
The environment is highly collaborative, involving close coordination between digital, design, production, and leadership teams.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary of R720 000, depending on experience and qualifications. The role may also include additional performance-related benefits depending on organisational structure.
Application Process
Interested candidates should apply through the following channels:
- Contact Hire Resolve for career guidance
- Reach out to Lisa Meyer on LinkedIn
- Email CV to: lisa.meyer@hireresolve.us
- Visit: hireresolve.us
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted within 3 days. If unsuccessful, applications may be retained for future opportunities.
This Head of Digital role represents a rare opportunity to operate at the intersection of sports, media, and digital innovation. It is a leadership position that requires creativity, strategic thinking, and the ability to perform in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
For professionals passionate about digital storytelling and sports engagement, this role offers a chance to shape the future of fan interaction in one of South Africa’s most dynamic sporting organisations.
