Communications Director

Placements24; Bloemfontein; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Executive health benefits

Retirement plan

Generous leave

Job summary

Placements24 is searching for an experienced Communications Director for a major financial services institution in Bloemfontein, Free State. You will shape the public image, manage stakeholder relationships, and lead a high-performing communications team.

You will serve as a chief spokesperson, drive crisis planning, ensure brand consistency, and advise the executive team on strategy, risk, and regulatory issues in a highly regulated environment.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in a relevant field.
• Minimum 10 years in communications, with at least 5 in leadership.
• Proven track record in corporate comms, media relations, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a multi-year communications strategy aligned with business objectives.
• Oversee internal and external communications, media relations, investor relations, and CSR.
• Lead and mentor the communications team; foster a culture of excellence.
• Serve as spokesperson; manage relationships with national and international media.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and protocols.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis management

Leadership

Budget management

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a well-established financial services institution, is seeking an experienced and strategic Communications Director to oversee all aspects of their communication efforts in Bloemfontein, Free State. This senior leadership role requires a visionary individual capable of shaping the organization's public image, managing stakeholder relationships, and leading a high-performing communications team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in corporate communications, media relations, and strategic planning within a regulated industry. This is a key position to lead communications for a major player in Bloemfontein.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute a comprehensive, multi-year communications strategy aligned with the organization's business objectives.
• Oversee all internal and external communications, including media relations, public affairs, investor relations, and corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the communications team, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.
• Serve as a key spokesperson for the organization, managing relationships with national and international media.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and protocols.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and corporate identity across all communication channels.
• Advise the executive leadership team on communication strategies and reputational risks.
• Manage the communications budget effectively, ensuring optimal allocation of resources.
• Monitor the media landscape and industry trends, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Organize and manage high-profile company events and stakeholder engagements.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership role.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful corporate communication strategies in complex environments.
• Extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, and reputation management.
• Strong understanding of the financial services industry and its regulatory landscape.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities and experience managing diverse teams.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience managing significant communication budgets.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Executive-level health, dental, and vision benefits.
• Generous retirement plan contributions.
• Significant annual leave entitlement.
• Executive coaching and leadership development programs.
• Relocation assistance if required.
• Prime office location in Bloemfontein.
• Opportunity to lead and shape the communication function of a major institution.