Public Relations and Communications Director

Placements24; Noord-Kaap; Hybride; ZAR 1 200 000 - 1 600 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Executive-level salary

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Leadership role in academia

Performance bonuses

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking an accomplished Public Relations and Communications Director in Kimberley, Northern Cape, SA, to lead strategic messaging for an esteemed academic institution. The role blends in-office collaboration with strategic remote work, and focuses on strengthening reputation, media relations, branding, and stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate will have a master's in communications and at least 10 years' PR/communications experience, including leadership, with a background

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications or related field.
• Minimum 10 years in PR and communications with leadership experience.
• Experience in higher education and stakeholder engagement.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement comprehensive PR and communication strategies.
• Lead media relations and secure positive coverage.
• Oversee all institutional communications: press releases, newsletters, website, social media.
• Develop crisis communication plans and guide leadership.
• Provide strategic guidance to senior leadership on communications.
• Manage brand identity with consistent messaging across platforms.
• Foster relationships with faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community.
• Oversee PR budget and engage external agencies as needed.
• Monitor media trends and provide insights to leadership.
• Lead and mentor a team of communications professionals.

Connaissances

Leadership

Media relations

Crisis communications

Brand management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Formation

Master's degree in Communications

Description du poste

About the Role

About the Role Our client, a distinguished academic institution, is seeking an accomplished Public Relations and Communications Director to lead their strategic communication initiatives. Located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA , this senior role is responsible for shaping and disseminating the institution's message to internal and external audiences, enhancing its reputation, and managing all aspects of public relations. You will oversee media relations, develop communication strategies, guide crisis communications, and manage branding efforts. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in public relations and communications, exceptional leadership qualities, and a deep understanding of stakeholder engagement, preferably within the education sector. This position offers a unique opportunity to influence the public perception and strategic direction of a respected institution in Kimberley . The hybrid work model allows for essential in-office collaboration and strategic planning while offering flexibility for focused work. We are looking for a dynamic leader to elevate our client's communication impact and public profile in the Kimberley region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations and communication strategies aligned with the institution's mission and goals.
• Lead and manage the institution's media relations, cultivating relationships with journalists and securing positive coverage.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of all institutional communications, including press releases, newsletters, website content, and social media updates.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and protocols.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to senior leadership on communication matters.
• Manage the institution's brand identity and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Foster strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the community.
• Oversee the public relations budget and manage external PR consultants or agencies as needed.
• Monitor public opinion and media trends, providing insights and recommendations to institutional leadership.
• Lead and mentor a team of communications and public relations professionals.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in public relations and communications, with at least 5 years in a leadership or directorial role.
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful communication strategies and managing complex stakeholder relations.
• Extensive experience in media relations, crisis communications, and strategic messaging.
• Strong understanding of branding principles and digital communication channels.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Outstanding written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Experience within the higher education sector is highly preferred.
• Ability to work effectively in a hybrid environment, balancing strategic office-based collaboration with focused remote work.
• Must be based in or willing to relocate to Kimberley, Northern Cape, ZA for this on-site role.

Benefits

• Executive-level annual salary of ZAR .
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plan.
• Generous paid time off and professional development opportunities.
• Significant opportunities for impact and leadership within the education sector.
• Hybrid work model offering professional flexibility.
• A stimulating academic environment in Kimberley .
• Potential for annual performance bonuses.