Senior Media Communications Specialist

Placements24; Queenstown; On-site; NZD 65,000 - 98,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid and pension

Professional development opportunities

Supportive, passionate team

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Media Communications Specialist for a prominent non-profit in Queenstown, Eastern Cape. The role focuses on elevating the organization's public profile, shaping its mission, and managing relationships with media outlets.

You will create compelling narratives, manage press inquiries, draft releases, and lead strategic communication planning across platforms, collaborating with program teams to inform messaging and crisis response.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, PR, Journalism or related field.
• Master’s degree is advantageous.
• 6–8 years in media relations/communications, preferably non-profit/public sector.
• Proven success in developing media strategies and securing coverage.
• Strong writing/editing/storytelling with a robust portfolio.
• Well-connected in SA media networks and crisis reputation management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Craft press releases, advisories, articles, and speeches.
• Manage media inquiries and act as main journalist contact.
• Oversee crisis communication protocols and respond to sensitive issues.
• Organize press conferences and community outreach events.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and report to leadership.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop communications materials.
• Maintain media archive and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Advise senior management on media strategies and risks.

Skills

Media relations

Content creation

Strategic communications

Crisis communications

Storytelling

Media monitoring

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent non‑profit organization focused on community development, is seeking a Senior Media Communications Specialist to join their dedicated team in Queenstown, Eastern Cape . This role is critical for enhancing the organization's public profile, communicating its mission and impact effectively, and managing relationships with various media outlets. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in media relations, content creation, and strategic communication planning, with a passion for social impact. You will be responsible for developing compelling narratives, managing press inquiries, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This is a significant opportunity to make a difference in the Eastern Cape community by shaping public perception and increasing support for vital initiatives. The role requires strong leadership and a deep commitment to the organization's values.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media communication plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Craft engaging and impactful press releases, media advisories, articles, and speeches.
• Manage all media inquiries and act as a primary point of contact for journalists.
• Oversee crisis communication protocols and respond effectively to sensitive issues.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media briefings, and community outreach events.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and provide comprehensive reports to leadership.
• Collaborate with internal program teams to gather information and develop communication materials.
• Manage the organization's media archive and ensure accurate record-keeping.
• Advise senior management on media strategies and potential reputational risks.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is an advantage.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of experience in media relations and communications, preferably within the non-profit or public sector.
• Proven success in developing and implementing effective media strategies and securing positive coverage.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with a strong portfolio.
• Established network of media contacts in South Africa .
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of media monitoring tools and reporting techniques.
• Excellent interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• A deep commitment to the mission and values of our client.

Benefits

• An annual salary of ZAR , reflecting seniority and experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and pension.
• Opportunity to lead communication efforts for a meaningful cause in Queenstown .
• Professional development opportunities and training.
• Work within a dedicated and passionate team committed to community impact.
• Significant influence on the organization's public narrative and outreach.
• A stable and supportive work environment in the Eastern Cape .