Introduction

In view of the key functions of the UDSM Communication and Marketing Unit (CMU), which are mainly related to official communications, public relations and marketing of the University, its structure comprise three (3) sections namely Corporate Affairs, Protocol and Communications (CAPS) Section; Marketing (Brand, Events and Exhibitions) (MBEE) Section; and News, Media and Digital (NMD) Section. Overall, the Unit is led by the Head, Communication and Marketing (HCMU) who reports to the Vice Chancellor. The Head of the Unit is assisted by sections’ leaders, as well as one Administrative Officer, an Accountant and one Office Management Secretary. The sections, as illustrated in the Figure below, and described in the following part in terms of their functions and the composition of members of staff in each section.

Figure 1: Organizational Structure of CMU

Key: Unit Sections

CAPC: Corporate Affairs, Protocol and Communications

MBEE: Marketing (Brand, Events and Exhibitions)

NMD: News, Media and Digital Section

Head CMU, Dr. Dotto Paul Kuhenga (View Profile)

1. Corporate Affairs, Protocol and Communications (CAPC) Section

This section is responsible with strategic communications especially Public Relations, and internal and external information, helping in protocol and public affairs in event or meetings, fostering staff engagement, as well as general publicity of the University on its teaching, research, innovation and public service. In particular, it undertakes such function as vetting information and communications such as advertisements, announcements and press releases prior to announcement to the public; devising and managing mechanisms to ensure that non-sensitive information is shared with appropriate audience; organising press conferences; and creating and manage internal effective sharing of relevant information on UDSM programme, products and services. The section is also responsible for all aspects of planned communication and PR related activities; managing all protocol related activities, especially in formal and planned events; delivering strategic communications to staff, fostering staff engagement, as well as celebrating and promoting the significant contribution of the University to teaching, research and innovation.

CAPC section also disseminates information about major change initiatives to keep staff safe and informed; deals with and submit UDSM research and innovation data for global rankings and other related purposes; disseminates and publicises UDSM facts and figures (in collaboration with the Directorate of Planning, Development and Investment); manages University-wide channels, including all-staff emails, the Staff webpages, University, newsletter, Bulletin and the Gazette; manages and documents, in communications means, UDSM academics research and innovation works; oversees and coordinates the use of UDSM spaces/halls/rooms for various functions and monitors implementation of the communication policy.

Section Staff (Mr. Jacksonville Isdory Mushi, Ms. Mercy Machange)

2.  Marketing (Brand, Events and Exhibitions) (MBEE) Section

This section is responsible for marketing the University's Corporate image to both the internal and external publics through various marketing/brand and outreach activities, including managing the UDSM Corporate Social Responsibility function. Some of these activities include; promoting the University at events such as exhibitions, conferences alongside the use of promotional materials such as brochures, fliers, calendars, plaques, banners and other mementos.

Specifically, the section is responsible with leading the conception and delivery of marketing initiatives in order to create awareness of UDSM products and services; providing an effective programme of product training to the members of University community in order to optimise positioning and increase sales of the designated products and services; providing the UDSM community with marketing advice and guidance for relevant products in order to enable delivery of effective campaigns; contributing key marketing inputs into the product planning and development process; managing the marketing and promotion budget; and coordinating and leading the University Marketing Committee. In addition, the section is responsible for managing and ensuring legal protection of UDSM Branded Symbols, through the UDSM Brand Manual; managing UDSM branded souvenir shop, outdoor signage, artistic sculpture, and UDSM Museum; implementing and overseeing the UDSM CSR policy and function; organising UDSM participation in national, regional and international exhibitions; managing events such as ceremonies (graduation etc.), lectures, research, innovation, internal staff events, and visits by Heads of State and building openings; creating and managing internal and external marketing and promotion strategies, including effective sharing of products and services; and implementing agreed University marketing plans.

Section Staff (Ally M. Mambele, Ms. Zamda George)

3.  News, Media and Digital (NMD) Section

This is a media liaison section responsible on issues of writing and processing news (for the University newsletter, website, social media platforms or to be aired or published on mainstream media), official media releases and statements to highlight some of the key university activities as well as developments around – among others – the executive, staff and students. The section also serves to connect the media with UDSM academics and subject matter experts (to participate in media programmes or as news sources). Also, the section deals with corporate campaigns and promoting the work and activities of the University through a range of digital communications. These include the University’s main public-facing website, video and animation, and social media platforms and channels. The section also works together, in some respects, with the Directorate of Information and Communication Technology (DICT).

In particular, the section deals with writing and processing news and feature articles for the University newsletter, social media platforms or to be aired or published on mainstream media; managing daily published news, news bytes, research and innovation news, and others; dealing with and manage University photography/photojournalism or camera works; and producing electronic and digital (video, audio and pictorial) news and features for University publicity and information to the public; managing the media resource; analysing, monitoring and evaluating media coverage; and maintaining a consistent, corporate, unique online identity with use of University colours, logo and placements. The section also disseminates summaries of reports of the University to the relevant stakeholders through the various online communications tools including the ICT platforms; and manages and updates the University website; produces and puts in place promotional items and mechanism that include social media, TV programmes, and impact video documentaries; devises and manages mechanisms to ensure that non-sensitive information is shared online with appropriate audience; and works and manages digital works such as graphics, animation, and video and audio clips to be shared on University social media platforms.

Section Staff ( Wilson J. Remmy, Tumaini J. Kibangala)