Public Affairs Specialist

Placements24; Bloemfontein; Hybrid; ZAR 320,000 - 480,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Public Affairs Specialist to join its remote team. The role focuses on shaping public image, building stakeholder relationships, and advocating for the organization’s mission from a home office in South Africa.

You will develop communication strategies, engage with media, craft press materials, and monitor public discourse while collaborating with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• At least 3 years in public affairs, government relations, or PR.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing and public speaking skills.
• Understanding of public policy issues relevant to non-profit work.
• Experience in media relations and managing public perception.
• Ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with communication tools and social media platforms.
• Genuine passion for social impact and community development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies supporting organizational goals.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, community leaders, and officials.
• Craft press releases and communications highlighting impact and initiatives.
• Monitor public discourse and media coverage relevant to the sector.
• Organize public engagement events and information sessions.
• Respond to media inquiries and manage public perception.
• Collaborate with internal teams for consistent messaging.
• Develop advocacy campaigns and policy-related communications.
• Manage the organization’s online presence from a public affairs perspective.
• Analyze effectiveness of public affairs initiatives and report outcomes.

Skills

Stakeholder relationship management

Writing & editing

Public speaking

Media relations

Social media proficiency

Research & analysis

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Content management systems

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent non-profit organization dedicated to community development, is seeking a dedicated Public Affairs Specialist to join their remote team. This role is crucial for managing the organization's public image, fostering relationships with stakeholders, and advocating for its mission. You will be responsible for developing communication strategies, engaging with media, and disseminating information about the organization's impact and initiatives. This is a fantastic opportunity for a passionate individual to contribute to meaningful work from the comfort of their home office, playing a key role in shaping public perception and support for important causes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies to support organizational goals.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with media, community leaders, and government officials.
• Craft compelling narratives, press releases, and communication materials that highlight the organization's work and impact.
• Monitor public discourse and media coverage related to the organization's sector.
• Organize and facilitate public engagement events and information sessions.
• Respond to media inquiries and manage public perception of the organization.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Assist in developing advocacy campaigns and policy-related communications.
• Manage the organization's online presence from a public affairs perspective.
• Analyze the effectiveness of public affairs initiatives and report on key outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in public affairs, government relations, communications, or PR.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent writing, editing, and public speaking skills.
• Understanding of public policy issues relevant to the organization's mission.
• Experience in media relations and managing public perception.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong research and analytical skills.
• Proficiency with communication tools and social media platforms.
• A genuine passion for social impact and community development.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary and a fully remote work arrangement, promoting excellent work-life balance. The benefits package includes comprehensive health coverage, generous leave policies, and opportunities for professional development in areas such as advocacy and non-profit management. This role provides a chance to make a tangible difference in the community while advancing your career in a flexible and supportive environment, based operationally out of Bloemfontein, Free State .