External Communications Manager

Placements24; East London; On-site; ZAR 850,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

On-site role

Career development

Public image leadership

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to lead Media & PR efforts in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. This on-site role shapes public image, manages external relationships, and advises senior leadership on communications strategy.

Ideal candidate has 6+ years in external communications, strong SA media knowledge, and proven crisis management experience. East London base with opportunities to influence external messaging for the organization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in external communications or PR management.
• Proven track record in media relations and crisis management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong storytelling.
• Deep understanding of SA media landscape and best practices.
• Experience in developing external communication strategies.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop external communication strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage media relations: pitches, press releases, inquiries.
• Build relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Oversee reputation management and crisis communication.
• Create content for external channels: press releases, speeches, website, social media.
• Monitor media coverage and provide leadership with insights.
• Represent the company at events and forums.
• Coordinate with internal stakeholders on messaging alignment.
• Track and report campaign effectiveness.
• Provide strategic counsel on external communication practices.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Media relations

Crisis communication

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking an experienced External Communications Manager to lead their Media & PR efforts in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA. This on-site role offers a significant opportunity to shape our client's public image and manage critical external relationships. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies that enhance brand reputation, manage media relations, and ensure consistent, impactful messaging to external audiences. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of corporate communications, public relations, and stakeholder engagement within the Eastern Cape context. You will be a key advisor to senior leadership, acting as a primary point of contact for media and external stakeholders. This position requires a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and a proactive leader dedicated to building and protecting our client's reputation in East London and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive external communication strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Manage all media relations activities, including pitching stories, issuing press releases, and responding to media inquiries.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with key media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Oversee the company's reputation management and crisis communication efforts.
• Craft compelling content for external channels, including press releases, speeches, website copy, and social media updates.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing analysis and strategic recommendations to leadership.
• Represent the company at industry events and public forums as needed.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of external messaging.
• Track and report on the effectiveness of external communication campaigns.
• Provide strategic counsel on external communication best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in external communications, media relations, or public relations management.
• Proven track record of successful media relations and crisis communication management.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Deep understanding of the South African media landscape and communication best practices.
• Experience in developing and executing external communication strategies.
• Strong leadership, project management, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving capabilities.
• Based in East London, Eastern Cape, ZA.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R.
• On-site position in a professional setting in East London.
• Opportunity to lead external communications for a key organization.
• Engage with a dedicated and experienced Media & PR team.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Contribute to building and safeguarding the company's public image.