Chief Strategy and Public Relations Officer

Isilumko Staffing (JHB); Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900 000 - 1 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading staffing organization in Johannesburg is seeking a Chief Strategy and Public Relations Officer to drive strategic planning and oversee communications functions. This role involves leading the formulation of organizational strategy, managing public relations, and utilizing data analytics for insights. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in corporate communication, stakeholder engagement, and reputation management. This executive position offers the opportunity to shape the organization’s strategic direction while fostering a high-performing team.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in strategic planning and public relations.
• Proven ability to manage media relations and brand reputation.
• Strong analytical skills with a focus on business intelligence.

Responsibilities

• Lead the formulation and execution of the organisation's strategy.
• Manage departmental budgets and ensure cost control.
• Develop PR strategies to elevate the organisation's profile.
• Analyze performance data and provide executive-level recommendations.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and manage cross-functional projects.

Skills

Corporate Communication & Media Relations

Reputation Management

Policy Development & Positioning

Integrated Marketing Communication

Strategic Reporting & Monitoring

Emotional Intelligence

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Strategy and Public Relations Officer to lead the organisation’s Strategy, Business Intelligence, Monitoring & Evaluation, and Communications functions. This executive role supports the Board, CEO, and EXCO by driving strategic planning, organisational insights, brand reputation, and stakeholder engagement.

Key Responsibilities Strategy Development

Lead the formulation and execution of the organisation’s Strategy.

Set strategic priorities and translate them into annual performance plans.

Integrate research, policy, technology, and business intelligence into strategic direction.

Ensure organisation-wide understanding and implementation of strategic goals.

Support due diligence and strategic business projects.

Identify innovative growth opportunities in service delivery.

Financial Management

Develop strategies to diversify revenue streams through grants, donors, and partnerships.

Manage departmental budgets and ensure cost control.

Public Relations Management

Lead PR strategies to elevate the organisation’s profile.

Manage media relations and secure positive coverage.

Oversee branding, external communications, and stakeholder messaging.

Represent the organisation at industry events and public platforms.

Develop crisis communication strategies.

Monitor media sentiment and proactively manage reputational risks.

Business Intelligence & Team Leadership

Use data analytics to drive strategic insights and process improvements.

Conduct or commission market research to identify trends and opportunities.

Develop business cases, models, and scenario forecasts.

Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing teams across Strategy, BI, and Communications.

Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

Develop KPIs to track strategic progress.

Analyse performance data and provide executive-level recommendations.

Ensure regulatory and ethical compliance in reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement & Project Leadership

Build strong relationships with board members, donors, government, partners, and communities.

Manage cross-functional projects, define scope, and oversee deliverables.

Maintain positive relationships with clients, partners, media, and internal teams.

Key Competencies

Corporate Communication & Media Relations

Reputation Management

Policy Development & Positioning

Integrated Marketing Communication

Strategic Reporting & Monitoring

Visionary, innovative, and forward-thinking

Politically astute with strong emotional intelligence

Credible, influential, and adaptable communication