Media Relations Manager - Richards Bay

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Performance bonus

Training programs

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a seasoned Media Relations Manager to lead our client’s communications and elevate their public profile from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will craft strategic media plans, nurture journalist relationships, and drive positive media coverage across channels.

You’ll write press materials, manage inquiries, monitor outcomes, and guide crisis communications while collaborating with internal teams to align messaging with business goals.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in media relations, PR, or journalism.
• Track record of securing significant media placements and managing media campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling.
• Proven ability to build and nurture relationships with media professionals.
• Crisis communication experience is essential.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and analysis software.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the Richards Bay and broader KwaZulu-Natal media landscape is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic media relations plan to achieve organizational communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Proactively pitch compelling story ideas and secure favorable media coverage.
• Write and edit high-quality press releases, media advisories, backgrounders, and other PR materials.
• Serve as a primary media spokesperson and manage media inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze results, and provide comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies and protocols.
• Organize and manage media events, press conferences, and interviews.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of messaging and PR initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging media platforms.

Skills

Media relations

Storytelling

Media monitoring

Crisis communication

Stakeholder relations

Strategic thinking

Time management

Education

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

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a seasoned and strategic Media Relations Manager to lead their communications efforts. This exciting role will be based in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, and involves developing and executing comprehensive media strategies to enhance our client's public profile and brand reputation. You will be responsible for cultivating relationships with media outlets, pitching compelling stories, and managing all media inquiries. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of the media landscape, excellent communication skills, and a proven track record of securing positive media coverage. This is a pivotal position for an experienced professional looking to make a significant impact within a growing organization. You will play a critical role in shaping our client's public narrative and ensuring consistent, impactful communication.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic media relations plan to achieve organizational communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers across print, broadcast, and digital media.
• Proactively pitch compelling story ideas and secure favorable media coverage.
• Write and edit high-quality press releases, media advisories, backgrounders, and other PR materials.
• Serve as a primary media spokesperson and manage media inquiries promptly and effectively.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze results, and provide comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Develop and implement crisis communication strategies and protocols.
• Organize and manage media events, press conferences, and interviews.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to ensure alignment of messaging and PR initiatives.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging media platforms.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressive experience in media relations, PR, or journalism.
• Demonstrated success in securing significant media placements and managing media campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for storytelling.
• Proven ability to build and nurture strong relationships with media professionals.
• Experience in crisis communication and management is essential.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and analysis software.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of the Richards Bay and broader KwaZulu-Natal media landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

The role is based in our Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal office, offering a stable and supportive work environment. We are committed to fostering career growth and providing employees with the resources they need to succeed.

• Additional benefits include a performance bonus structure and access to industry-leading training programs.