Communications and Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Career advancement opportunities

Relocation assistance may be available

Stable employer with regional presence

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Communications and Media Relations Manager to lead external communications from our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office. You will develop strategic plans, manage media relationships and shape the company narrative across platforms.

You will oversee press material, events and crisis communications, working with senior leaders to ensure consistent messaging and strong public image in the local and national sphere.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in communications and media relations.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with public speaking ability.
• Strong media relationships and crisis communication experience.
• Experience with media monitoring and analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and media relations strategies.
• Manage media inquiries and relationships; act as primary spokesperson when needed.
• Craft press releases, statements, articles and other materials.
• Oversee online and offline media presence.
• Monitor media coverage; analyze sentiment and report KPIs.
• Plan and execute media events, press conferences and announcements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership for alignment on strategies.
• Manage crisis communication protocols and timely responses.
• Build relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Support internal communications for cohesive messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis communication

Stakeholder engagement

Press materials

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications/PR/Journ

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent industrial firm, is seeking an experienced Communications and Media Relations Manager to lead their external communication efforts. This is an on-site position, requiring a dedicated professional to be based in our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA office. The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and executing strategic communication plans, managing media relationships, and enhancing the company's public image. You will play a vital role in shaping the narrative around the company's operations and contributions, ensuring consistent and effective messaging across all platforms. This role demands a strong presence and the ability to engage directly with stakeholders and media in the local and national sphere.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication and media relations strategies.
• Manage all media inquiries, interactions, and relationships, acting as the primary spokesperson when required.
• Craft compelling press releases, statements, articles, and other communication materials.
• Oversee the company's online and offline media presence.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and report on key performance indicators.
• Plan and execute media events, press conferences, and company announcements.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to ensure alignment on communication strategies.
• Manage crisis communication protocols and ensure timely and effective response.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with industry journalists and key influencers.
• Support internal communications efforts to ensure a cohesive organizational message.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in communications and media relations, preferably within an industrial or corporate setting.
• Proven success in developing and executing strategic communication plans.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong public speaking abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective media relationships.
• Experience in crisis communication management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders.
• Must be able to work effectively from our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA office.
• Experience in the Media & PR domain is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Full-time employment with a stable and reputable company.
• Opportunities for career advancement within the organization.
• Health insurance and other standard employee benefits.
• Relocation assistance may be considered for exceptional candidates outside of the immediate area.
• Be a key part of shaping the public perception of a significant industrial player in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA.