Head of Communications SSA

About the Role

We’re looking for a senior communications professional to shape and lead Uber’s narrative in SSA across both our mobility and delivery businesses. Based in Johannesburg you’ll be the go-to communications lead for the key SSA markets (South Africa and Kenya), driving strategic campaigns, media relations, and storytelling efforts that support Uber’s growth and reputation. You’ll work closely with cross-functional teams and report into the Head of Communications for the Middle East and Africa, while owning and executing communications strategies tailored to the SSA dynamic landscape. 

What You'll Do

1. Drive bold, high-impact communications campaigns—both corporate and consumer-facing campaigns—that elevate Uber’s brand awareness and support business priorities.
2. Leverage a strategic mindset to serve as a trusted advisor for internal stakeholders on sensitive issues, safeguarding brand reputation through the delivery of high-stakes, time-critical response strategies
3. Own the news cycle, Work with beat reporters on a daily basis, juggling a combination of proactive and reactive communications efforts that protect and enhance Uber’s reputation
4. Partner cross-functionally with marketing, public policy, legal, and business teams to align messaging and amplify key narratives across all channels.
5. Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on external communications, positioning them as thought leaders and industry voices.
6. Ensure brand consistency, collaborating with internal teams to maintain a unified tone and message across all external touchpoints.
7. Oversee and manage external agencies and vendors, ensuring top-quality deliverables that support Uber’s goals.
8. Represent Uber as a spokesperson, participating in media interviews, press briefings, and public speaking engagements as needed.
9. Measure performance and impact, analyzing communications outcomes and refining strategies to drive stronger results.
10. Champion Uber’s vision, helping shape the narrative around the future of mobility—and ensuring we tell stories that inspire, inform, and lead

What You'll Need

1. Experience doing comms in mobility, FMCG, consumer tech. Ideally, a combination of working in a globally matrixed organization and fast-moving smaller ventures.
2. Proficiency in English is essential

Bonus Points If

1. 7+ years of experience in corporate strategic communications and issues management, with a proven track record of navigating complex challenges while building brand love through high-impact initiatives
2. Strong media and influencer network
3. Experienced at going beyond media relations to reach our audiences
4. Intellectual curiosity and a willingness to experiment in order to learn and identify creative solutions
5. Ability to build relationships cross-functionally
6. Ability to balance critical thinking with tactical execution and attention to detail, in the face of frequent inbound enquiries and other requests
7. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously
8. Excellent news (and overall) judgment, as well as exceptional writing and communications skills