Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement savings plan with employer

Generous vacation policy

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Media Relations Manager to lead outreach from our Nelspruit office. You will develop media strategies, craft compelling narratives, and serve as a primary spokesperson liaison, coordinating with national, regional and trade media.

Responsibilities include writing press releases, monitoring coverage, preparing spokespeople, and managing crisis communications. The role offers an opportunity to shape the company’s public profile and collaborate within the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 5-7 years in media relations, PR, or journalism.
• Proven success in securing media coverage and managing complex media landscapes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Extensive network of media contacts.
• Experience in crisis communications management.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to achieve communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, regional, and trade media.
• Write and disseminate press releases, media alerts, and other materials.
• Pitch stories and respond to media inquiries, as a primary contact.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide strategic insights.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and public engagements.
• Manage crisis communications effectively with timely messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Press outreach

Crisis communications

Public speaking

Networking

Press releases

Story pitching

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Communications / Journalism or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned Media Relations Manager to lead their outreach efforts from their Nelspruit office. This critical role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with media professionals, securing positive press coverage, and managing the company's public profile. You will be responsible for developing media strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and serving as a key spokesperson liaison. This is an office-based position, offering significant opportunity for direct impact and collaboration within the communications department.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to achieve communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with national, regional, and trade media.
• Write and disseminate press releases, media alerts, and other communication materials.
• Proactively pitch stories and respond to media inquiries, serving as a primary point of contact.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide strategic insights and reports.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and public engagements.
• Manage crisis communications effectively, ensuring timely and accurate messaging.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
• Proven success in securing media coverage and managing complex media landscapes.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong presentation abilities.
• Extensive network of media contacts.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications management.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Generous vacation policy and paid holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and exposure to high-profile projects.