Senior Media Relations Manager - Brand Reputation

Placements24; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 72,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid including dependents

Retirement fund

Life insurance

Professional development

Global industry events

Job summary

Placements24 in Randburg, Gauteng, seeks a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead media outreach for a top financial services client. You will develop proactive strategies, shape the narrative, and secure favorable coverage across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.

You will build strong relationships with journalists, manage crisis communications, mentor teams, and collaborate with marketing and legal to ensure messaging is consistent and aligned with strategy.

Qualifications

• 8–10 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications in financial services.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; master's preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication with standout storytelling abilities.
• Deep understanding of financial services, market trends and regulatory landscape.
• Experience in crisis communication management and preparedness.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Serve as primary contact for media inquiries and provide expert commentary.
• Build relationships with financial journalists, editors and key influencers across media.
• Craft press materials including press releases, advisories, fact sheets and talking points.
• Manage crisis communications, providing strategic counsel during sensitive situations.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal communications, marketing and legal for messaging alignment.
• Identify opportunities to promote company achievements and thought leadership.
• Organize media events, interviews and press conferences.
• Provide media training and coaching to company spokespeople.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Strategic thinking

Storytelling

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent leader in the financial services sector, is seeking a highly experienced and strategic Senior Media Relations Manager to lead their media outreach efforts in Randburg, Gauteng. This critical role involves developing and executing proactive media strategies to enhance brand reputation, manage public perception, and secure positive coverage across all relevant media channels. You will be responsible for cultivating and maintaining strong relationships with key journalists, analysts, and media influencers. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the financial services landscape, exceptional storytelling abilities, and a proven track record in managing both positive and crisis communications. This is a significant opportunity to shape the narrative of a major player in the South African financial market.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with the company's business objectives and brand positioning.
• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries, proactively pitching compelling stories and providing expert commentary.
• Build and nurture strong, trusted relationships with financial journalists, editors, and key influencers across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Craft high-quality press materials, including press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and executive talking points.
• Manage and execute crisis communication plans, providing swift, strategic counsel during sensitive situations.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on key performance indicators to senior leadership.
• Collaborate with internal communications, marketing, and legal teams to ensure message consistency and strategic alignment.
• Identify and capitalize on media opportunities to promote company achievements, initiatives, and thought leadership.
• Organize and facilitate media events, interviews, and press conferences.
• Provide media training and coaching to company spokespersons.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 8-10 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, with a significant focus on the financial services industry.
• Proven track record of successfully securing positive media coverage and managing high-stakes media interactions.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with outstanding storytelling and persuasive writing abilities.
• Deep understanding of the financial services industry, market trends, and regulatory environment.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication management and preparedness.
• Strong strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, concise messages.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with journalists and senior executives.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Experience working with agencies and managing external vendor relationships.
• Knowledge of the Randburg and wider Gauteng media landscape is essential.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary, commensurate with extensive experience, along with a performance-based bonus structure.
• A comprehensive medical aid plan, including coverage for dependents, a retirement fund, and life insurance, is provided.
• Significant opportunities for professional development, including executive leadership training and attendance at global industry events, are available.
• You will be part of a prestigious organization in Randburg , Gauteng , working on challenging and impactful projects within the financial sector. Our client prioritizes employee well-being, offering generous annual leave and a supportive work-life balance in South Africa .