Media Relations Specialist

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

Health benefits

Career development opportunities

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Klerksdorp, North West seeks an experienced Media Relations Specialist to cultivate relationships with media, journalists and influencers and to secure positive coverage. Hybrid role balancing in-office collaboration in Klerksdorp with remote flexibility.

The ideal candidate has a 4+ year track record in media relations, strong writing and interview coordination skills, and a proactive approach to reputation management.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in PR, communications, journalism or related field.
• Minimum 4 years in media relations, PR or journalism.
• Proven ability to secure media coverage and manage relationships.
• Strong writing and verbal communication skills with persuasive storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations plans to boost visibility and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Craft press releases, advisories, fact sheets and bios.
• Pitch stories and secure coverage across platforms (print, online, broadcast).
• Manage inquiries and coordinate interviews with spokespeople.
• Monitor coverage, analyze trends, and report sentiment and impact.
• Maintain an up-to-date media contact database.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements through coaching.
• Assist crisis communication development and execution.
• Collaborate with internal teams for consistent messaging.

Skills

Media relations

Press materials

Media monitoring

Crisis communication

Stakeholder engagement

Interview coordination

Story pitching

Education

Bachelor's degree in PR/Communications/Journalism

Job description

About the Role Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Media Relations Specialist to join their esteemed team in Klerksdorp, North West . This role is pivotal in cultivating and managing relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers to ensure positive and effective media coverage for our client. The Specialist will be responsible for developing compelling media materials, coordinating press activities, and monitoring media presence. This position operates on a hybrid model, allowing for a blend of in-office collaboration in Klerksdorp and remote flexibility. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven ability to secure media placements and manage reputation. The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and a proactive approach to building strong, lasting relationships with key media contacts. This is a significant opportunity to contribute to the communication success of a prominent organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Build and maintain strong, positive relationships with journalists, editors, bloggers, and other media influencers.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and spokesperson bios.
• Pitch stories and secure positive media coverage across various platforms (print, online, broadcast).
• Manage incoming media inquiries and facilitate interviews with company spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on media sentiment and impact.
• Develop and maintain an up-to-date media contact database.
• Prepare spokespeople for media engagements through coaching and briefing.
• Assist in the development and execution of crisis communication strategies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication efforts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or journalism.
• Demonstrated success in securing media coverage and building media relationships.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for crafting persuasive narratives.
• Strong understanding of media relations principles and current media landscape.
• Experience with media monitoring and reporting tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively.
• Adaptability and a proactive approach to identifying opportunities.
• Knowledge of the local media scene in North West province is a plus.

Benefits

• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility.
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits.
• Opportunities for professional growth and skill development.
• Engaging and supportive team culture.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave.
• Access to industry events and networking opportunities.
• Modern office facilities in Klerksdorp .
• Retirement savings plan.
• Employee assistance program.