CMD - PR and Media Specialist - Senior Associate

PwC - Global; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A large global consulting firm in Johannesburg is seeking a Senior Associate to manage media relations and develop content across various media channels. The ideal candidate has strong journalistic skills, experience in media relations, and a proactive attitude. Responsibilities include creating press releases, engaging with media professionals, and executing the media strategy to align with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3-4 years’ experience in media relations or communications.
• Track record of managing media relations and delivering measurable coverage.
• Experience in producing high-quality content tailored to different media.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an annual media plan aligned with communications strategy.
• Manage media relations and build relationships with journalists.
• Create editorials, press releases, and other content for publication.

Skills

Strong journalistic skills

Excellent written and verbal communication

Media relations experience

Digital media knowledge

Ability to manage tasks independently

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, or Public Relations

Tools

Media monitoring and analytics tools

Job description

Overview

Management Level: Senior Associate

Job Description & Summary

At PwC, our people in corporate affairs and communications are responsible for managing and coordinating the organisation's internal and external communications, public relations, and corporate reputation. They focus on developing and implementing strategies to effectively communicate the organisation's mission, values, and initiatives to various stakeholders including employees, customers, investors, media, and the general public.

Those in internal change and communication at PwC will be responsible for developing and implementing effective communication and change strategies and initiatives targeted at internal stakeholders within the organisation. You will focus on fostering clear and consistent communication channels to inform, engage, and align employees with the organisation's goals, values, and initiatives.

Focused on relationships, you are building meaningful client connections, and learning how to manage and inspire others. Navigating increasingly complex situations, you are growing your personal brand, deepening technical expertise and awareness of your strengths. You are expected to anticipate the needs of your teams and clients, and to deliver quality. Embracing increased ambiguity, you are comfortable when the path forward isn’t clear, you ask questions, and you use these moments as opportunities to grow.

Purpose of Job

The PR and Media Specialist is responsible for managing the dissemination of PwC content through credible third-party media channels. This includes direct engagement with journalists and media outlets, as well as collaboration with external PR agencies. The goal is to ensure PwC’s insights and thought leadership are effectively and appropriately shared across platforms such as newspapers, TV, radio, online news websites, blogs, and other digital channels.

In addition to media engagement, the Media Communications Specialist is a key content creator—developing editorials, opinion pieces, press releases, media statements, speeches, interview briefing notes, and other content intended for publication via external media platforms. This involves close collaboration with PwC partners and subject matter experts, under the guidance of the Head of Communications.

Role Description

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain an annual media plan that aligns with organisational goals and supports overall communications strategy.
• Develop compelling editorial content including press releases, opinion articles, speeches, talking points, and media statements based on PwC insights.
• Localise global press content and leverage relevant topics from PwC Global and South Africa.
• Manage media relations, building and nurturing relationships with journalists and media outlets across print, digital, radio, and broadcast.
• Plan and pitch proactive media campaigns, aligned with major firm initiatives.
• Monitor news cycles and identify reactive PR opportunities to position PwC leaders as expert commentators.
• Serve as the day-to-day liaison with PwC’s appointed PR and media monitoring agencies, ensuring they are well-briefed, aligned with strategy, and delivering value across campaigns.
• Collaborate with internal teams and PR agencies to ensure effective media outreach and alignment.
• Provide media training, briefing documents, and talking points to spokespeople for interviews and appearances.
• Coordinate with the media monitoring agency to pull and review media performance reports, contributing data-driven insights for value reports and preparing quarterly media summaries for the Head of Communications.
• Ensure all media content is shared across appropriate channels, including the website and social platforms.
• Support risk management by identifying potential reputational issues.

Resources and Competencies

Knowledge, skills and abilities

• Strong journalistic skills with a keen understanding of what makes a compelling news story.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with journalists and media professionals, supported by an excellent existing network of contacts to effectively deliver PwC’s messages, viewpoints, and editorial insights.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a track record of producing high-quality content and successfully pitching to top-tier media outlets.
• Comprehensive knowledge of digital media trends and platforms, with the ability to leverage these channels to amplify messaging effectively.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing tasks independently while meeting tight deadlines and maintaining composure under pressure.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate across diverse teams and quickly grasp complex topics within the organisation.
• Sound judgement and discretion in handling sensitive issues, with a strong ability to identify and manage potential communications risks.
• Proactive, can-do attitude with a willingness to be a first point of contact for media enquiries, including availability on personal phone if required.

Qualification & Experience

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Media Studies, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3-4 years’ relevant experience in media relations, communications, or a similar role within a corporate or agency environment.
• Proven track record of successfully managing media relations and delivering measurable media coverage.
• Experience working with media monitoring and analytics tools and interpreting data to inform strategy.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and execute media plans aligned with organisational objectives.
• Strong network of media contacts preferred.
• Experience in producing high-quality content tailored to different media channels and audiences.

Travel Requirements

Up to 20%

Available for Work Visa Sponsorship?

No

Job Posting End Date

September 18, 2025