Media Relations Specialist

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 420,000 - 650,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Team strategy sessions

Travel allowance

Networking events

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a skilled Media Relations Specialist to join their team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. You will build relationships with journalists, craft compelling narratives, and manage media outreach to secure positive coverage.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong writing, and the ability to monitor sentiment and report on media impact. This hybrid position offers in-office collaboration for planning and a flexible schedule to engage with media across South Africa and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, or related discipline.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations or PR.
• Proven success in securing media coverage in top-tier publications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment.

Responsibilities

• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.
• Develop and execute media outreach strategies to secure positive news coverage.
• Write and distribute compelling press releases, media advisories, and pitch materials.
• Serve as a media spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Monitor media coverage and provide comprehensive reports on press mentions and sentiment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop communication strategies aligned with business goals.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and public appearances.
• Identify and assess potential reputational risks and develop mitigation plans.
• Manage media events, press conferences, and site visits.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging media channels.

Skills

Writing skills

Editing

Storytelling

Interpersonal skills

Networking

Crisis communication

Project management

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

Media monitoring tools

PR analytics

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a skilled and strategic Media Relations Specialist to join their growing team in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal. This role is crucial for developing and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets, ensuring positive coverage, and effectively communicating our client's key messages. The position operates on a hybrid model, allowing for flexibility while maintaining essential in-office collaboration for team synergy and strategic planning. You will be responsible for identifying media opportunities, crafting compelling narratives, and managing all aspects of media outreach. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking organization and shape its public perception within the vibrant KwaZulu-Natal region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and nurture relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.


• Develop and execute media outreach strategies to secure positive news coverage.


• Write and distribute compelling press releases, media advisories, and pitch materials.


• Serve as a media spokesperson and primary point of contact for media inquiries.


• Monitor media coverage and provide comprehensive reports on press mentions and sentiment.


• Collaborate with internal teams to develop communication strategies aligned with business goals.


• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews and public appearances.


• Identify and assess potential reputational risks and develop mitigation plans.


• Manage media events, press conferences, and site visits.


• Stay abreast of industry trends and emerging media channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related discipline.


• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations or public relations.


• Demonstrated success in securing media coverage in top-tier publications.


• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling abilities.


• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.


• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.


• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.


• Experience in a hybrid work environment, demonstrating self-discipline and collaboration.


• Knowledge of crisis communication principles is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.


• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Generous annual leave and sick leave allocation.


• Hybrid work model offering work-life balance.


• Opportunities for professional development and training.


• Regular team collaboration and strategy sessions.


• Travel allowance for work-related meetings.


• Access to industry conferences and networking events.


• Supportive work environment in Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.