Sports Media Relations Officer

Placements24; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 19,000 - 24,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Generous annual leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, is seeking a skilled Sports Media Relations Officer. The role blends on-site media coordination for key events with remote duties in content development and communications planning.

You will manage the public image, forge media relationships, and craft press releases and kits. A 4+ year background in media relations within sports is preferred, with strong storytelling and crisis skills.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, PR, Marketing or related field.
• Minimum 4 years in media relations or communications, preferably sports.
• Proven success in developing media relations strategies.
• Strong storytelling and copywriting abilities.
• Proficient with media monitoring tools and social platforms.
• Ability to handle high-pressure situations and deadlines.
• Hybrid work experience is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies to boost visibility.
• Build relationships with journalists, broadcasters and media influencers.
• Write and distribute press releases and media advisories.
• Organise press conferences, events and interviews.
• Act as spokesperson and liaison between org and media.
• Monitor coverage and report on sentiment and clippings.
• Develop crisis communication plans and responses.
• Create content for social, websites and news sections.
• Collaborate with teams to ensure consistent messaging.
• Manage media accreditation for events.

Skills

Excellent communication

Storytelling

Copywriting

Media relations strategy

Relationship building

Media monitoring

Press conference coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/Journlism/PR/Marketing

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Social media platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a key player in the sports industry, is seeking a skilled and strategic Sports Media Relations Officer for their operations in Randburg, Gauteng. This hybrid role combines essential on-site engagement for events and media coordination with remote responsibilities for content development and communication planning. You will be responsible for managing the organization's public image, building relationships with media outlets, and promoting its athletes, events, and initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of sports, exceptional communication skills, and a proven ability to craft compelling narratives. You will act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, coordinate press conferences, and develop press releases and media kits. This role offers a dynamic blend of strategic planning and hands‑on execution, requiring presence at key events and media activities in the Randburg area, while allowing for remote work on specific tasks. Join us to shape the public perception of sports within Gauteng.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, broadcasters, and sports media influencers.
• Write and distribute press releases, media advisories, and other press materials.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media events, and interviews.
• Serve as a spokesperson for the organization when required, acting as a liaison between the organization and the media.
• Monitor media coverage and provide regular reports on press clippings and sentiment.
• Develop crisis communication plans and manage media responses during challenging situations.
• Create engaging content for various media platforms, including social media and website news sections.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communications.
• Manage media accreditation for events.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or communications, preferably within the sports sector.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing media relations strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling and copywriting abilities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and social media platforms.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and journalistic practices.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage sensitive issues effectively.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment is a plus.
• Must be able to work on‑site in Randburg for key events and meetings.

Benefits

• Annual salary of ZAR.
• Comprehensive health and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Exposure to high-profile sports events and personalities in Gauteng.
• A collaborative and dynamic work environment.