Hybrid Executive Communications Strategist | Media & PR

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

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Health benefits

Generous annual leave

Retirement contribution

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Hybrid Senior Communications Strategist to lead strategic communications initiatives from their Paarl, Western Cape offices. You will shape narratives, manage media relations, and align messaging across channels, partnering with executive leadership to define objectives and drive measurable results.

The role requires a master’s degree and 8+ years in strategic communications or PR leadership, with strong leadership, crisis management, and digital trend expertise.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, PR, Marketing, Journalism or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years progressive experience in strategic communications or PR leadership.
• Proven track record in developing and executing complex comms strategies with measurable results.
• Exceptional written, verbal and presentation skills with persuasive storytelling.
• Experience in media relations, crisis comms, and stakeholder management.
• Strong understanding of digital comms trends and their integration into broader strategies.
• Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills to influence and collaborate.
• Proficiency in communication planning tools and media analysis software.

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 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.
• Guide and mentor junior team members to foster excellence.
• Monitor and report on the effectiveness of strategies with data-driven adjustments.

Skills

Stakeholder mgmt

Crisis comms

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Narrative development

Education

Master's degree in Communications

Tools

Media analysis software

Communication planning tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Hybrid Senior Communications Strategist to lead strategic communications initiatives from their Paarl, Western Cape offices. You will shape narratives, manage media relations, and align messaging across channels, partnering with executive leadership to define objectives and drive measurable results.

The role requires a master’s degree and 8+ years in strategic communications or PR leadership, with strong leadership, crisis management, and digital trend expertise.