Senior Media Liaison Officer

Placements24; Queenstown (MD); Remote; USD 36,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote

Flexible schedule

Professional development

Impactful projects in economic dev

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Media Liaison Officer for a fully remote role with a public sector economic development focus. You will lead media relations, craft strategic materials, and shape public narrative across national South African outlets.

Strong storytelling and journalist relationships are essential. Ideal candidates have 8+ years in PR/media and can manage complex projects independently from a remote setting, delivering timely communications and crisis responses in a results-driven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or closely related field.
• 8+ years in media relations, PR, or journalism with strategic outreach.
• Proven success in securing positive media coverage and managing reputation.
• Excellent writing and pitching, storytelling ability.
• Strong national media contacts in SA and regional outlets.
• Crisis comms experience and rapid response capability.
• Proficient with media monitoring, analysis, and distribution tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute media liaison strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists and digital media outlets.
• Draft press releases, advisories, backgrounders, and media materials.
• Pitch stories and secure media coverage consistent with priorities.
• Monitor coverage, analyze sentiment, and report to senior management.
• Serve as primary contact for media inquiries and interview logistics.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans and guidance.
• Provide media training to spokespeople and manage media contacts database.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Storytelling

Crisis communication

Relationship building

Autonomous work

Remote coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism

Tools

Media monitoring platforms

Distribution platforms

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent public sector entity focused on economic development, is seeking an accomplished Senior Media Liaison Officer to join their communications department. This is a fully remote position, ideal for a seasoned PR professional who thrives in a flexible, results-oriented environment. You will be responsible for managing media relations, developing strategic communication materials, and ensuring the effective dissemination of information to the public and key stakeholders. The role demands a deep understanding of media dynamics, excellent storytelling abilities, and a proven track record of building strong relationships with journalists and influencers across South Africa. Your expertise will be crucial in shaping the narrative and enhancing the public profile of our client's initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive media liaison strategies to support organizational objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, proactive relationships with journalists, broadcasters, and digital media outlets.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, backgrounders, and other communication materials.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure positive media coverage that aligns with organizational priorities.
• Monitor media coverage extensively, analyze sentiment, and provide timely reports to senior management.
• Serve as a key point of contact for media inquiries, managing interview requests and logistics.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans to effectively manage sensitive situations.
• Provide media training and guidance to organizational spokespeople.
• Manage and update the organization's media contact database.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism, with a strong focus on strategic outreach.
• Demonstrated success in securing extensive positive media coverage and managing corporate/organizational reputation.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including outstanding pitching and storytelling capabilities.
• An established network of media contacts across national and regional South African media.
• Proven experience in crisis communication management and rapid response is essential.
• Proficiency with media monitoring, analysis, and distribution platforms.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex projects in a fully remote setting.
• Strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and political acumen are highly valued.

Benefits

• Highly competitive annual salary of ZAR .
• Fully remote working arrangement, offering unparalleled flexibility.
• Opportunity to influence public perception and drive positive change through communication.
• Engage with impactful projects within the economic development sector.
• Continuous professional development and opportunities for growth.
• A supportive and collaborative remote team environment.