Communications Strategist

Placements24; Paarl; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive health benefits

Generous annual leave

Retirement contribution

Performance-based bonuses

Leadership development opportunities

Office-based role in Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Communications Strategist in Paarl, Western Cape, to lead strategic initiatives across media and public relations. This role focuses on shaping narratives, managing stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across channels.

The ideal candidate brings 8+ years of leadership in strategic communications, exceptional writing and presentation skills, and a track record in media relations and crisis management. A strong office-based role in Paarl is offered.

Qualifications

• Master's degree required in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, PR, or related leadership role.
• Proven success in developing and executing complex communication strategies with measurable results.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills with the ability to craft persuasive narratives.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans for projects and campaigns.
• Oversee creation of press releases, speeches, website copy, and marketing collateral.
• Manage relationships with media contacts, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Lead crisis communication efforts with timely, effective response strategies.
• Collaborate with executives to define objectives and messaging frameworks.
• Ensure brand consistency across internal and external channels.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Mentor junior team members and foster excellence.
• Monitor and report on effectiveness of strategies with data-driven adjustments.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Content creation

Digital communication trends

Presentation skills

Education

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

Tools

Media analysis software

Communication planning tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity in the Media & PR sector, is seeking an experienced and innovative Communications Strategist to lead critical initiatives from their offices in Paarl, Western Cape. This role demands a high level of strategic thinking, creativity, and a proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals. You will be responsible for shaping narratives, managing stakeholder engagement, overseeing media relations, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned professional to drive impactful communication strategies in a dedicated office setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans for various projects and campaigns.
• Oversee the creation of compelling content, including press releases, speeches, website copy, and marketing collateral.
• Manage and nurture relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Lead crisis communication efforts, ensuring timely and effective response strategies.
• Collaborate with executive leadership to define communication objectives and messaging frameworks.
• Ensure brand consistency and message alignment across all internal and external communication channels.
• Conduct market research and analysis to identify communication opportunities and challenges.
• Guide and mentor junior communication team members, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of communication strategies, making data-driven adjustments as needed.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, PR, or a related leadership role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing complex communication strategies with measurable results.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with a strong ability to craft persuasive narratives.
• Proven experience in media relations, crisis communication, and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of digital communication trends and their integration into broader strategies.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate effective.
• Proficiency in communication planning tools and media analysis software.
• Experience in the Media & PR industry is essential for this role.

Benefits

• Highly competitive executive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and retirement contribution.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Be a key player in shaping the communications of a leading organization in Paarl, Western Cape.
• Work within a professional, collaborative office environment.
• Contribute to impactful projects within the Media & PR landscape.