Communications Strategist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health benefits

Generous leave & retirement

Leadership development

Office in Paarl

Job summary

Placements24 is recruiting a Communications Strategist for our client in the Media & PR sector, based in Paarl, Western Cape. The role demands strategic thinking, creativity, and a proven ability to develop and execute comprehensive communication plans that align with organizational goals.

You will shape narratives, manage stakeholder engagement, oversee media relations, lead crisis communications, and ensure consistent messaging across platforms while mentoring junior team members and reporting

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strategic communications or related leadership role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing complex communication strategies with measurable results.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Experience in media relations, crisis communication, and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of digital communication trends.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Experience in the Media & PR industry is essential.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate strategic communication plans for various projects and campaigns.
• Oversee content creation: press releases, speeches, website copy, and marketing collateral.
• Manage relationships with media contacts, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Lead crisis communication and timely response strategies.
• Collaborate with executives to define objectives and messaging frameworks.
• Ensure brand consistency across channels.
• Conduct market research to identify opportunities and challenges.
• Mentor junior team members and foster excellence.
• Monitor and report on strategy effectiveness; adjust as needed.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communication

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Written & verbal communication

Presentation skills

Data-driven reporting

Digital communication trends

Education

Master's degree in Communications

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 effectively.
• 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.