Head of Digital (Social Media Strategist) – Hire Resolve
Location: Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
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
An exciting and high-impact career opportunity has emerged for an experienced and strategic digital professional to take on the role of Head of Digital (Social Media Strategist) within one of South Africa’s premier professional rugby franchises. Based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, this role sits at the intersection of sport, entertainment, and digital innovation, offering a rare chance to shape how a major sporting brand connects with its audience in the digital age.
This organisation is widely recognised for its fast-paced, high-energy rugby style, as well as its passionate and loyal fan base. Beyond the field, the franchise has built a strong reputation for embracing digital transformation through its in-house Media House. This division is responsible for producing engaging content, managing digital platforms, and driving fan engagement through creative storytelling and real-time interaction.
The Head of Digital will play a critical leadership role in defining and executing the organisation’s social media and digital strategy. This is not just a content management role, but a strategic leadership position that requires a deep understanding of audience behaviour, platform algorithms, content performance, and the evolving digital landscape.
Role Purpose and Strategic Importance
The primary purpose of this role is to establish and lead a powerful, data-driven social media strategy that positions the franchise as a leader in digital fan engagement. Social media is no longer just a communication tool, it has become a central growth engine for modern sports brands, influencing fan loyalty, brand visibility, sponsorship value, and commercial success.
The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that all digital platforms, including Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and YouTube, are fully optimized to drive reach, engagement, and audience growth. This involves not only planning long-term strategies but also making real-time decisions during live matches and events, where timing and relevance are critical.
Key Responsibilities Explained in Detail
1. Ownership of Social Media Strategy
You will take full responsibility for developing and executing the end-to-end social media strategy. This includes defining content direction, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring that each platform is used effectively to reach its target audience.
Each platform has its own dynamics, for example, TikTok thrives on trends and short-form creativity, while Instagram focuses on visual storytelling, and X is ideal for live commentary and real-time updates. Understanding these differences is essential for success.
2. Leading Daily Social Media Execution
Beyond strategy, you will oversee the day-to-day execution of social media activities. This includes deciding what content gets published, when it is posted, and how it is presented. During match days, this becomes even more critical, as real-time engagement can significantly boost fan interaction and brand visibility.
3. Platform-Specific Strategy Development
You will be expected to design tailored strategies for each platform. This may involve leveraging trending hashtags on TikTok, creating engaging Instagram stories, or delivering fast-paced commentary on X during live games.
The goal is to maximise engagement by aligning content with platform-specific behaviours and audience expectations.
4. Content Workflow Management
The role involves overseeing the entire content creation process, from ideation and planning to publishing and performance analysis. This includes scheduling posts, conducting A/B testing to determine what works best, and making real-time adjustments based on performance data.
5. Performance Analysis and Data-Driven Decisions
You will analyse key performance indicators such as engagement rates, reach, audience growth, and sentiment analysis. These insights must then be translated into actionable strategies that improve future performance.
A strong analytical mindset is required, as decisions must be backed by data rather than assumptions.
6. Team Leadership and Development
As Head of Digital, you will lead and mentor a team of social media professionals. This includes providing guidance, setting performance standards, and ensuring that the team delivers high-quality content consistently, even under tight deadlines.
Leadership in this role is not just about management, but also about inspiring creativity and maintaining high energy levels within the team.
7. Brand Alignment and Storytelling
All content must align with the franchise’s brand identity and storytelling approach. This ensures consistency across all platforms and strengthens the emotional connection with fans.
Storytelling in sports is particularly powerful, as it involves not only the game itself but also player journeys, behind-the-scenes moments, and fan experiences.
8. Oversight of Website and CRM Integration
In addition to social media, you will provide secondary oversight of website content and customer relationship management (CRM) campaigns. This includes email marketing, SMS campaigns, and audience segmentation strategies.
Ensuring alignment between these channels and the social media strategy is essential for delivering a unified digital experience.
9. Collaboration with Creative Teams
You will work closely with design and production teams to create visually appealing and engaging content. This includes briefing designers on creative direction and ensuring that video and graphic assets are optimized for each platform.
10. Innovation and Trend Identification
The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and staying ahead of trends is critical. You will be responsible for identifying new tools, technologies, and content formats that can enhance the franchise’s digital presence.
11. Reporting and Stakeholder Engagement
Regular reporting to senior leadership is a key part of the role. You will present performance data, highlight achievements, and recommend strategies for improvement, with a focus on fan growth, engagement, and retention.
Minimum Requirements and Their Significance
7+ Years of Experience in Senior Social Media Roles
This level of experience ensures that candidates have a deep understanding of digital strategy and have previously managed complex social media operations.
Proven Expertise in Social Media Growth
Candidates must demonstrate a track record of growing audiences and increasing engagement across multiple platforms.
Leadership Experience
Managing a team requires strong leadership skills, including the ability to motivate, guide, and develop team members.
Technical Knowledge of Tools and Platforms
Familiarity with tools such as Sprout Social, Hootsuite, and Brandwatch is essential for managing campaigns and analysing performance.
Analytical and Creative Skills
This role requires a balance between data analysis and creative storytelling, making it both strategic and artistic in nature.
Passion for Rugby or Sports
Understanding fan behaviour in sports is critical. Passion for rugby or team sports provides valuable insight into what resonates with the audience.
Experience in Real-Time Environments
Live sports environments are fast-paced and unpredictable, requiring quick decision-making and adaptability.
Strong Communication Skills
You will interact with various stakeholders, including senior management, creative teams, and external partners.
Relevant Qualification
A qualification in Marketing, Digital Media, Communications, or a related field is advantageous and supports the technical aspects of the role.
Work Environment and Career Impact
This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of digital innovation within the sports industry. The environment is fast-paced, high-pressure, and highly rewarding. Every match day presents a new opportunity to engage with fans and create impactful digital experiences.
Professionals in this role often become influential figures within the digital and sports marketing space, opening doors to future leadership opportunities both locally and internationally.
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive annual salary of R720 000, reflecting the seniority and strategic importance of the role. Additional benefits may vary depending on the employer and candidate experience.
Application Process
Interested candidates are encouraged to apply through the following channels:
- Contact Hire Resolve for assistance with your application
- Reach out to Lisa Meyer via LinkedIn
- Email your CV to: lisa.meyer@hireresolve.us
- Visit the Hire Resolve website at hireresolve.us
Suitable candidates will be contacted within 3 days. If you are not contacted, your application may not have been successful, but your details may be retained for future opportunities.
This is a rare opportunity for a digital leader to shape the future of fan engagement within a leading South African rugby franchise. It combines strategy, creativity, leadership, and real-time execution in a way that few roles can offer.
For candidates who are passionate about digital media, sports, and innovation, this position represents not just a job, but a career-defining opportunity in a rapidly evolving industry.
