Public Relations Director - Sandton

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level package

Private healthcare

Retirement annuities

Leadership development

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a visionary Public Relations Director in Sandton, Gauteng to lead the organization’s communications and public affairs. The role requires strategic influence, expert media management, and a track record of shaping corporate reputation at the highest level.

The position is hybrid, with regular on-site work in Sandton and flexible remote arrangements. You will guide executive messaging, manage crises, and drive impactful PR campaigns aligned with business objectives.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10+ years of senior-level experience in PR, media management or corporate communications.
• Postgraduate degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing or related field.
• Proven ability to lead high-impact PR strategies for large organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement long-term PR strategies for the organization.
• Oversee media relations, crisis management, and spokesperson training.
• Manage corporate reputation and maintain consistent brand messaging.
• Build strong relationships with media outlets, influencers and stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the PR team and advise executive leadership on communications.
• Monitor media landscape, analyze trends and advise on opportunities and risks.
• Develop and manage the PR budget and resource allocation.
• Drive thought leadership and raise the organization’s public profile.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Brand management

Education

Masters in PR

MBA preferred

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prestigious organization operating from Sandton, Gauteng, is seeking a visionary Public Relations Director to spearhead their communications and public affairs efforts. This senior leadership role demands a strategic and influential individual capable of shaping brand perception, managing critical media relationships, and driving impactful PR campaigns. You will be instrumental in defining and executing the overarching PR strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and fostering positive stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate possesses extensive experience in high-level PR, a strong understanding of corporate reputation management, and a proven ability to navigate complex communication challenges. This is a hybrid position, requiring regular engagement at our Sandton office alongside flexible remote work arrangements.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive, long-term public relations strategies for the organization.
• Oversee all aspects of media relations, including proactive outreach, crisis management, and spokesperson training.
• Manage corporate reputation and ensure consistent brand messaging across all internal and external communications.
• Build and nurture strong relationships with key media outlets, industry influencers, and stakeholders.
• Lead and mentor the PR team, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Provide strategic counsel to the executive leadership team on communication and public affairs issues.
• Monitor the media landscape, analyze trends, and advise on relevant opportunities and risks.
• Develop and manage the PR budget, ensuring efficient allocation of resources.
• Drive thought leadership initiatives and enhance the organization's public profile.

Requirements

• Postgraduate degree (Masters or MBA preferred) in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10+ years of senior-level experience in public relations, media management, or corporate communications, with a proven track record of success.
• Extensive experience in developing and executing high-impact PR strategies for large organizations.
• Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and decision-making capabilities.
• Superb written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to craft sophisticated messaging.
• Proven expertise in crisis communications, reputation management, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong network of national and international media contacts is highly desirable.
• Experience in a hybrid work environment, balancing remote autonomy with strategic on-site collaboration in Sandton.
• Ability to influence and engage effectively with C-suite executives and board members.
• Deep understanding of the Gauteng business and media landscape.

Benefits

• Executive-level salary and comprehensive bonus structure.
• Generous benefits package including private healthcare and retirement annuities.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Hybrid work model providing excellent flexibility.
• Strategic leadership role in a prominent Sandton-based company.
• Access to cutting-edge resources and a high-performing team.