Lead PR Strategist

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid plan

Retirement annuity

Generous annual leave

Professional development opportunities

Exclusive company events

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a visionary Lead PR Strategist to steer our public relations and reputation initiatives. You will design high-level campaigns, collaborate with executives, marketing, and product teams, and drive measurable results in a competitive market.

With a strong background in media relations and digital PR, you will mentor a PR team, manage budgets, and stay ahead of industry trends.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• At least 10 years in public relations with a minimum of 3 years in leadership or strategic planning roles.
• Proven track record of developing and executing comprehensive PR campaigns.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong network of media contacts in South Africa and internationally.
• Expertise in crisis management and reputation protection.
• Proficiency with digital PR tools and social media analytics.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement overarching PR strategies aligned to business goals and brand reputation.
• Oversee media relations, including press releases, outreach, and spokesperson training.
• Cultivate relationships with key media figures, journalists, bloggers, and industry influencers.
• Manage the company's online reputation and digital PR initiatives.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans with timely responses.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales for integrated campaigns.
• Analyze campaign performance and provide ROI reports.
• Manage PR budgets and allocate resources effectively.
• Mentor junior staff to foster excellence and collaboration.

Skills

Media relations

Digital PR

Corporate communications

Leadership

Budget management

Strategic thinking

Education

Master's degree in Communications/PR/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

Digital analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is actively searching for a visionary Lead PR Strategist to spearhead their public relations efforts in **Cape Town, Western Cape**. This senior role requires a strategic thinker with a profound understanding of brand building, reputation management, and integrated communications. The Lead PR Strategist will be responsible for crafting and executing high-level PR campaigns that align with business objectives and enhance the company's market presence. This position is based in our client's **Cape Town, Western Cape** office and offers the chance to shape public perception through innovative and impactful storytelling. You will work closely with executive leadership, marketing, and product development teams to ensure a cohesive brand narrative. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in media relations, digital PR, and corporate communications, with a proven ability to drive measurable results in a competitive market. This is a critical leadership role within a respected organization.

Key Responsibilities Develop and implement overarching PR strategies that support business goals and enhance brand reputation. Oversee all media relations activities, including press release distribution, media outreach, and spokesperson training. Identify and cultivate relationships with key media figures, journalists, bloggers, and industry influencers. Manage the company's online reputation and digital PR initiatives. Develop and manage crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and effective responses. Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure integrated campaign messaging. Analyze campaign performance, track media coverage, and provide regular reports on PR effectiveness and ROI. Manage PR budgets and allocate resources effectively. Stay current with industry trends, new media technologies, and competitive PR activities. Mentor and guide junior PR staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Requirements Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A minimum of 10 years of experience in public relations, with at least 3 years in a leadership or strategic planning role. Proven track record of successfully developing and executing comprehensive PR campaigns. Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. Strong network of media contacts in South Africa and internationally. Expertise in crisis management and reputation protection. Proficiency in digital PR tools and social media analytics. Demonstrated ability to think strategically and translate complex ideas into clear, concise communications. Experience managing budgets and leading teams. Adaptability and resilience in a dynamic business environment. Benefits

This role offers a highly competitive salary package commensurate with experience. Employees receive an excellent medical aid plan, a comprehensive retirement annuity, and extensive opportunities for professional development and career advancement. While this position is office-based in **Cape Town, Western Cape**, our client provides a stimulating work environment and fosters a culture of innovation and collaboration. Additional perks include generous annual leave, performance incentives, and access to exclusive company events. Join a leading organization where your strategic vision will be valued and contribute directly to the company's success.