PR & Communications Specialist

LekkeSlaap; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accommodation booking app in Cape Town is seeking a PR & Communications Specialist to manage their public image and digital reputation. This hybrid position involves building relationships with media and influencers, drafting press releases, and monitoring online presence. The ideal candidate has 3+ years of PR experience and is proficient in Afrikaans and English. The role offers flexible work hours, competitive benefits, and a collaborative team environment.

Benefits

Discovery Medical Aid contributions

Flexible leave policy with 15 annual leave days

Flexible start times

Free lunch on in-office days

Team budget for learning and courses

Travel discounts

High-end laptops and workstation setup

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in PR, communications, or digital PR.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Afrikaans and English.
• Proven track record of securing coverage in reputable publications.
• Experience managing influencer partnerships.
• Familiarity with platform verification processes is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with journalists and online publications.
• Manage LekkeSlaap’s presence in reputable online sources.
• Identify and negotiate with influencers for campaigns.
• Monitor online mentions and identify potential reputation issues.
• Draft press releases and media kits.

Skills

Strong network of media and influencer contacts

Project management skills

Strategic thinking

SEO principles understanding

Hands-on execution

Education

Tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing

Tools

Google Alerts

Brandwatch

Similarweb

Job description

📢 Lead public image and media presence across digital and traditional channels

📰 Build strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers

🌍 Manage brand reputation, online verification, and internet presence

🤝 Collaborate with marketing and operations to align messaging across campaigns

💬 Monitor media mentions, drive platform recognition, and support crisis communication when needed

📍 Hybrid in V&A Waterfront, Cape Town (1 day in-office)

Who we are at Tripco:

LekkeSlaap is South Africa’s leading accommodation booking app known for its user-friendliness, exceptional customer experience, and extensive local accommodation options. Owned by Tripco, a travel technology company based in Cape Town, LekkeSlaap is dedicated to delivering innovative solutions and maintaining high standards in travel technology.

We’re looking for a PR & Communications Specialist to help shape LekkeSlaap’s public image and build our digital credibility. In this role, you’ll be at the forefront of managing our reputation by blending traditional PR with digital influence and online credibility.

Reporting directly to the CMO, you’ll take ownership of securing high-impact media coverage, managing our online presence and mentions, driving platform recognition initiatives, and working closely with influencers and media personalities to expand our reach.

Responsibilities:

• Media Relations & Coverage
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and online publications in travel, lifestyle, tech, and business sectors.
• Draft, pitch, and distribute press releases and case studies to secure reputable coverage.
• Build and manage a database of high-value media contacts.
• Track and report on coverage, backlinks, and overall brand sentiment.
• Digital Reputation & Verification
• Manage LekkeSlaap’s presence in reputable online sources to build notability
• Coordinate Wikipedia article creation and ongoing updates, ensuring compliance with Wikipedia’s editorial guidelines.
• Oversee submissions and appeals for business verification processes with online platforms (Meta, WhatsApp, Google).
• Ensure brand mentions and profiles are consistent across all online platforms.
• Influencer Relations
• Identify, vet, and negotiate with influencers.
• Manage contracts, content approvals, and deliverables for influencer campaigns.
• Collaborate with Marketing Coordinators on influencer-driven campaigns.
• Build long-term relationships with key influencer partners.
• Monitoring & Crisis Support
• Monitor online mentions, media coverage, and social media chatter to identify opportunities and risks.
• Flag and escalate potential reputation issues early.
• Support crisis communications with prepared holding statements and quick-turnaround media handling.
• Content & Storytelling
• Draft press releases, media kits, and brand stories.
• Support thought leadership by preparing talking points, quotes, and interviews.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to align messaging across paid, owned, and earned channels.

• Tertiary qualification in communications, public relations, marketing, or a related field.
• 3+ years of experience in PR, communications, or digital PR (agency or in-house).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both Afrikaans and English.
• Proven track record of securing coverage in reputable publications.
• Experience managing influencer partnerships.
• Familiarity with platform verification processes (Meta, Google, Wikipedia) is a strong advantage.
• Travel, lifestyle, or tech sector experience preferred.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong network of media and influencer contacts in South Africa.
• Strategic thinking and hands-on execution skills.
• Strong project management and organisational skills.
• Familiarity with PR tools (e.g., Google Alerts, Brandwatch, Similarweb).
• Understanding of SEO principles and how digital PR drives authority.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

• Hybrid work setup (1 day in our office based in the beautiful Cape Town - V&A Waterfront) – parking included
• Flexible start times
• Free lunch on in-office days
• Discovery Medical Aid contributions & Vitality Health subscription.
• Retirement Annuity fund contribution
• Flexible leave policy 15 annual leave days, increasing with 1 day yearly to a max of 20
• Get a half-day off every month (which adds up to 6 extra days!)
• Showers on site
• Travel discounts
• High-end laptops and workstation setup for both in-office and home

• Team budget for learning, online courses, and conferences