CMD - PR and Media Specialist - Senior Associate

PwC; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 300,000 - 400,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading consulting firm is seeking a Media Relations Specialist to manage media strategies and cultivate relationships with journalists. The ideal candidate should have a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 3-4 years of experience in media relations. Responsibilities include developing editorial content, monitoring media performance, and ensuring effective media outreach. This role is pivotal in positioning the firm as an expert in industry discussions.

Qualifications

• 3-4 years’ experience in media relations or communications.
• Track record of managing media relations effectively.
• Ability to produce high-quality content across media channels.

Responsibilities

• Develop media plans that align with organizational goals.
• Maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Produce effective media content and manage campaigns.

Skills

Strong journalistic skills

Relationship building with media professionals

Exceptional written and verbal communication

Digital media knowledge

Ability to work under pressure

Interpersonal skills

Sound judgement

Proactive attitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field

Job 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.

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.

Qualifications & Experience

• 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%