Media Relations Specialist

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 500,000 - 800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Professional development

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a proactive Media Relations Specialist to join the communications team. This fully remote position focuses on developing strategies to secure positive media coverage, handling press inquiries, and serving as a liaison for journalists across South Africa.

The role requires significant experience in media relations, strong storytelling, and a deep understanding of SA media cycles. You will collaborate with PR and marketing to amplify the client’s messaging and protect brand

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
• Proven track record of securing media coverage in national and local media outlets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and media influencers.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure positive media placements across outlets.
• Respond to media inquiries promptly and professionally, acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Draft compelling press releases, media advisories, and other PR materials.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze results, providing reports to senior management.
• Identify and manage potential communication crises, developing response strategies.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Journalism

Communication

Storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a proactive and experienced Media Relations Specialist to join their communications team. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to manage media outreach and build relationships from anywhere. You will be responsible for developing and executing strategies to secure positive media coverage, managing press inquiries, and acting as a key point of contact for journalists and media outlets. This role demands exceptional communication skills, a strategic mindset, and a deep understanding of the media landscape in South Africa. You will work collaboratively with the PR and marketing teams to ensure our client's message is effectively communicated to the public and stakeholders, enhancing their brand reputation significantly.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, and media influencers.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure positive media placements across various outlets.
• Respond to media inquiries promptly and professionally, acting as a spokesperson when required.
• Draft compelling press releases, media advisories, and other PR materials.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze results, providing reports to senior management.
• Identify and manage potential communication crises, developing response strategies.

Requirements

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
• Proven track record of securing media coverage in national and local media outlets.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling abilities.
• In-depth understanding of the media landscape and news cycles.
• Experience working in a remote setting.
• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and performance incentives.
• Fully remote work opportunity with flexible hours.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Professional development allowance and access to industry events.
• A collaborative and supportive team culture focused on achieving impactful results.