Media Relations Manager

Placements24; LegKraal Gate; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Home office allowance

Performance-based bonuses

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Media Relations Manager to lead outreach across South Africa in a fully remote role. You will manage media relationships, craft compelling narratives, and drive brand visibility from anywhere within the country.

Key duties include developing strategic plans, securing coverage, pitching stories, drafting releases, monitoring sentiment, and handling crisis communications with rapid responses. A strong media network and 5–7 years of PR experience are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 5–7 years of experience in media relations or PR with proven coverage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to enhance brand visibility.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media contacts across national, regional, and trade publications.
• Pitch stories, secure media placements, and manage interview opportunities for spokespeople.
• Draft and disseminate press releases, media advisories, and other materials.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on impact and sentiment.
• Manage crisis communications with rapid response strategies.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic communications

Crisis management

Storytelling

Networking

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/Comms

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Media Relations Manager to lead their outreach efforts across South Africa. This fully remote position allows you to manage media relationships and develop impactful communication strategies from anywhere. You will be responsible for building and maintaining strong connections with journalists, bloggers, and media influencers, securing positive coverage, and managing the company's reputation. This role demands exceptional communication skills, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and the ability to craft compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences. You will play a critical role in shaping public perception and driving brand visibility through effective media engagement.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to enhance brand visibility and positive perception.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with key media contacts across national, regional, and trade publications.
• Proactively pitch stories, secure media placements, and manage interview opportunities for company spokespeople.
• Draft and disseminate press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide comprehensive reports on media impact and sentiment.
• Manage crisis communications, developing and implementing rapid response strategies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations or public relations, with a proven track record of securing significant media coverage.
• Extensive network of media contacts across various sectors and platforms.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong understanding of media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, negotiation abilities, and the capacity to work under pressure.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible remote work arrangement with a generous home office allowance.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and industry recognition.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team environment focused on impact.