Press Secretary

Placements24; Paarl; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Retirement plan

Hybrid role

Job summary

Placements24 in Paarl is seeking a seasoned Press Secretary to lead media communications within a dynamic Media & PR environment. The hybrid role combines spokesperson duties with strategic messaging, handling press inquiries and crisis responses to maintain consistent, accurate public communications.

You will craft statements, brief senior management on media coverage, organize press conferences, monitor coverage, and foster strong journalist relations while aligning messaging with the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations or spokesperson roles.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and public speaking.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle crisis communications.
• Strong media landscape understanding and journalist relationships.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary contact for media inquiries.
• Develop and draft press releases, statements, speeches, and other communications.
• Brief senior management on media coverage and risks.
• Organize and manage press conferences and media briefings.
• Monitor coverage and correct inaccuracies proactively.
• Build relationships with journalists and media professionals.
• Advise leadership on messaging strategies.
• Manage responses to sensitive issues and crises.
• Ensure consistent branding across all channels.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Public speaking

Strategic communications

Spokesperson experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or Communications

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic organization in the Media & PR sector located in Paarl, Western Cape , is seeking a highly skilled and articulate Press Secretary. This hybrid role involves acting as a primary spokesperson and managing media communications for the organization. You will be responsible for crafting statements, handling press inquiries, and ensuring that all public communications are accurate, timely, and consistent with the organization's messaging. This is an excellent opportunity for a seasoned communication professional to play a key role in shaping public perception and managing media relations within a supportive environment in Paarl, Western Cape .

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Develop and draft press releases, statements, speeches, and other official communications.
• Brief senior management on media coverage and potential communication challenges.
• Organize and manage press conferences and media briefings.
• Monitor media coverage and respond proactively to inaccuracies or misinformation.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media professionals.
• Advise leadership on communication strategies and messaging.
• Manage the organization's response to sensitive issues and crisis situations.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging across all communication channels.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in media relations, journalism, or a spokesperson role.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong public speaking abilities.
• Proven ability to think critically and respond effectively under pressure.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape and journalist relationships.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing remote and on-site responsibilities.
• Discretion and sound judgment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and media monitoring tools.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits package including medical and retirement plans, and opportunities for professional growth. The hybrid nature of this role allows for flexibility while ensuring crucial on-site engagement in Paarl, Western Cape . This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your career in the Media & PR field with a respected organization.