PR & Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private health insurance

Pension fund

Generous vacation time

Hybrid work model

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is hiring a senior PR & Media Relations Manager in Sandton, Gauteng. You will lead communications, build journalist and influencer relationships, manage crises, and ensure consistent brand messaging across channels.

Ideal candidates have a proven track record in PR campaigns, excellent storytelling, and a robust media network. The role offers a hybrid work model with opportunities for growth and impact within a dynamic team.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in public relations or media relations, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven track record of successful PR campaigns and securing significant media placements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Established network of media contacts across various sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management and reputation protection.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with media monitoring and reporting tools.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid setting, balancing in-office and remote work responsibilities.
• Proactive, creative, and strategic thinking capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR and media relations strategies to support business objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, local, and industry-specific media contacts.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials.
• Serve as a primary media spokesperson or prepare spokespersons for interviews.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interview requests, and facilitate media coverage.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, providing swift and accurate responses.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on PR campaign effectiveness and ROI.
• Collaborate with marketing, social media, and other internal teams for integrated campaigns.
• Organize and manage press events, product launches, and media briefings.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, competitor activities, and emerging communication channels.

Skills

Public relations

Media relations

Crisis management

Leadership

Storytelling

Media monitoring

Campaign planning

Stakeholder relationships

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced and strategic PR & Media Relations Manager to lead their communications efforts in Sandton, Gauteng. This key role involves developing and implementing innovative PR strategies, managing all media interactions, and enhancing the company's public image. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and a proven ability to craft compelling narratives. You will be responsible for building and maintaining relationships with journalists and key influencers, managing crisis communications, and ensuring consistent brand messaging. This position offers a dynamic work environment with a Hybrid work model, combining office presence with remote flexibility.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive PR and media relations strategies to support business objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with national, local, and industry-specific media contacts.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials.
• Serve as a primary media spokesperson or prepare spokespersons for interviews.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interview requests, and facilitate media coverage.
• Develop and implement crisis communication plans, providing swift and accurate responses.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on PR campaign effectiveness and ROI.
• Collaborate with marketing, social media, and other internal teams for integrated campaigns.
• Organize and manage press events, product launches, and media briefings.
• Stay abreast of industry developments, competitor activities, and emerging communication channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in public relations or media relations, with demonstrated leadership experience.
• Proven track record of successful PR campaigns and securing significant media placements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including strong storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Established network of media contacts across various sectors.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis management and reputation protection.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with media monitoring and reporting tools.
• Excellent project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a Hybrid setting, balancing in-office and remote work responsibilities.
• Proactive, creative, and strategic thinking capabilities.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package. This includes private health insurance, a pension fund, and generous vacation time. The Hybrid work model offers a flexible work-life balance, allowing you to work effectively from home and in our Sandton office. We provide continuous opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement. Join a reputable organization where you can make a significant impact and grow your career in PR and media relations.