Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid leave

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in Upington, Northern Cape, is seeking an experienced Media Relations Manager to lead our client's media outreach. You will craft proactive strategies, maintain relationships with journalists and influencers, and steer the company's public image across media channels.

Reporting to senior leadership, you will manage press materials, coordinate events, monitor coverage, and guide crisis communications while aligning messaging with marketing goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in PR/Communications or related field.
• 5+ years in media relations with proven results.
• Strong journalist/influencer network within South Africa.
• Crisis communications experience.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with national, regional, and online media.
• Proactively identify and pitch compelling story ideas and news angles to target media outlets.
• Manage all media inquiries, providing timely and accurate information.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and corporate statements.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of media relations efforts.
• Develop crisis communication plans and act as a key spokesperson when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align media messaging with overall marketing and communication goals.
• Organize press conferences, media events, and interviews, ensuring smooth execution.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communication

Storytelling

Pitching

Media monitoring

Relationship building

Strategic thinking

Project management

Self-management

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/Communications

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished name in the Media & PR industry, is seeking an experienced Media Relations Manager to join their team in Upington, Northern Cape. This hybrid role requires a strategic and well-connected professional to lead media outreach initiatives, build strong relationships with journalists and influencers, and manage the company's public image. You will be responsible for developing proactive media strategies, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring consistent, positive representation across all media channels. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned PR professional to take a leadership role in a growing organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with national, regional, and online media.
• Proactively identify and pitch compelling story ideas and news angles to target media outlets.
• Manage all media inquiries, providing timely and accurate information.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and corporate statements.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of media relations efforts.
• Develop crisis communication plans and act as a key spokesperson when necessary.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align media messaging with overall marketing and communication goals.
• Organize press conferences, media events, and interviews, ensuring smooth execution.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, with a proven track record of success.
• Exceptional media contacts and strong relationships within the South African media landscape.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling and pitching abilities.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and reporting platforms.
• Strong strategic thinking, project management, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, demonstrating strong self-management.
• Experience in the Media & PR sector is highly valued.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and potential bonus structure.
• Comprehensive health insurance and wellness programs.
• Generous paid leave and public holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement in Upington.
• A flexible hybrid work model that balances office and remote work.
• Be part of a forward-thinking team driving impactful PR initiatives in the Media & PR field.