Head Of Strategic Communications And Reputation

Recruitment Matters Africa (Pvt) Ltd; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 800 000 - 1 000 000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic recruitment agency in Johannesburg is looking for a Head of Communications & Public Relations to serve as a strategic leader. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in corporate communications and at least 3 years in a senior leadership role. Responsibilities include overseeing media relations, managing internal and external communications, and enhancing the organization's reputation. This role requires effective leadership skills and a strong background in brand management.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate communications, brand management, or public relations.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proven experience in financial services, insurance, or multi-brand environments.

Responsibilities

• Execute a 24-month Visibility Blueprint.
• Manage communications rhythm, media calendar, and analytics dashboards.
• Protect and enhance organizational reputation through disciplined governance.
• Oversee all media relations and public statements.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the PR and Content Leads.

Skills

Corporate communications

Brand management

Public relations

Leadership

Media relations

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing

Postgraduate qualification in Strategic Marketing or Corporate Affairs

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

CMS platforms

Media monitoring tools

Analytics software

CRM platforms

Job description

Overview

Our client is seeking a Head of Communications & Public Relations who will be a strategic leader responsible for ensuring that every public and internal touchpoint reflects the organization’s standards of precision, discipline, and reliability. This role coordinates media relations, content creation, reputation management, and governance processes to deliver sustained visibility aligned with business strategy.

Key Recipients of Work

Key Recipients of Work: Managing Executive: Marketing

Primary Objectives

• Execute a 24-month Visibility Blueprint.
• Manage communications rhythm, media calendar, and analytics dashboards.
• Protect and enhance organizational reputation through disciplined governance.
• Measure and report performance via monthly dashboards and quarterly reviews.
• Strengthen brand cohesion and consistency across all business divisions.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Planning & Governance:

• Lead execution of the 24-month Visibility Blueprint, ensuring delivery of key milestones.
• Develop and manage communication strategies that reflect organizational priorities and support cross-divisional initiatives.
• Maintain the Governance Archive and ensure compliance with approval workflows and documentation standards.
• Oversee risk and issue management frameworks related to brand reputation.

Operational Management:

• Coordinate the full communications rhythm, including media planning, editorial calendars, and publication schedules.
• Establish and enforce operational systems for content creation, review, and approval.
• Manage departmental budgets, ensuring cost efficiency and financial discipline.
• Track, analyse, and report performance data (reach, sentiment, ROI) through monthly and quarterly dashboards.

Media, Content & Communications:

• Oversee all media relations, public statements, and thought leadership campaigns.
• Manage written, digital, and visual content for accuracy, tone, and strategic alignment.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, editors, and partner publications.
• Serve as spokesperson or media liaison during key announcements or reputation events.
• Develop internal communications that reinforce brand narrative and employee engagement.

Reputation & Crisis Management:

• Act as first responder to reputational incidents or crises, issuing factual statements within 24 hours.
• Implement and monitor reputation recovery and stakeholder engagement plans.
• Coordinate executive communications during sensitive or high-visibility situations.

Team Leadership & Development:

• Lead, mentor, and manage the PR and Content Leads, ensuring delivery excellence and continuous skill development.
• Build a high-performance team culture focused on accountability, creativity, and alignment with growth principles.
• Facilitate collaboration across departments to drive integrated communications.
• Perform other tasks as required for the smooth operation of the department.

Behavioural Expectations

• Demonstrate professionalism and respect in interactions with internal and external stakeholders.
• Consistently align behaviour with organizational values: Inspire, Innovate, Improve:
• Inspire: Motivate creativity and enthusiasm within the team and stakeholders.
• Innovate: Encourage experimentation and embrace change to improve processes, products, and services.
• Improve: Strive for excellence by refining processes, enhancing skills, and learning from experience.

Communication

• Collaborate effectively with departments to ensure timely, accurate, and relevant communication.

Leadership

• Exhibit strong leadership attributes consistently.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in corporate communications, brand management, or public relations.
• At least 3 years in a senior leadership role managing multi-disciplinary teams.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or Marketing.
• A postgraduate qualification in Strategic Marketing or Corporate Affairs is advantageous.
• Proven experience in financial services, insurance, or multi-brand environments.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, CMS platforms, media monitoring tools, analytics software, and CRM platforms.