Pretoria Senior Media Relations Strategist

Placements24; Gauteng; On-site; ZAR 650,000 - 1,050,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Media Relations Manager to lead and execute comprehensive media relations strategies in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role focuses on shaping public perception, securing positive coverage, and serving as the primary media contact for inquiries.

The successful candidate will build strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across national and regional outlets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations or corporate communications.
• Proven track record of securing significant media placements.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and presentation skills.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African media landscape, especially Pretoria and surrounds.
• Strong media network with journalists and editors.
• Excellent judgment in high-pressure situations and crisis communications.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively in a team across departments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans to achieve corporate communication goals.
• Serve as primary spokesperson and media liaison, respond to inquiries and facilitate interviews.
• Cultivate and maintain long-term relationships with key media contacts.
• Identify opportunities for positive media coverage and pitch compelling stories.
• Write and edit press releases, media kits, backgrounders, and other PR materials.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and report to senior management.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and advise during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and integrated comms.
• Stay informed about industry trends, competitors, and media opportunities.
• Organize press conferences, media briefings, and media-related events.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic planning

Crisis comms

Press relations

Media monitoring

Stakeholder relations

Written communications

Spokesperson

News pitching

Education

Bachelor's in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a highly experienced Media Relations Manager to lead and execute comprehensive media relations strategies in Pretoria, Gauteng. This role focuses on shaping public perception, securing positive coverage, and serving as the primary media contact for inquiries.

The successful candidate will build strong relationships with journalists, editors, and influencers across national and regional outlets.