Public Relations Manager

Energy Capital & Power; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 200 000 - 300 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy firm in Cape Town is seeking a strategic and proactive Public Relations Manager. This role is vital for enhancing brand reputation and visibility. Responsibilities include developing PR strategies, managing media relations, and ensuring quality coverage across platforms. Candidates should have a Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or related fields, along with at least 5 years of experience in PR, particularly in the energy sector. Exceptional communication skills and an extensive network in the media are essential. Competitive compensation offered.

Qualifications

• 5 years of proven PR experience, ideally within the energy sector.
• Strong network of media contacts in energy and mining industries.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute public relations strategies for events.
• Build and maintain relationships with global energy media.
• Draft and distribute press releases and media advisories.

Skills

Public Relations

Media Relations

Crisis Communication

Content Development

Project Management

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Tools

PR Software

Media Monitoring Tools

Job description

Position Overview

We are seeking a strategic and proactive Public Relations (PR) Manager to join our growing team. This newly created role is integral to enhancing ECP's brand reputation and visibility across our portfolio of events, publications and services. The PR Manager will be responsible for developing and executing public relations strategies that align with ECP's goals, build strong media relationships across the energy, mining and mainstream sectors, and deliver measurable results in terms of coverage and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic PR Planning

• Collaborate with the Marketing Director, Project Directors, Commercial Director and Managing Editor to design and implement PR strategies tailored to events, publications and services objectives, target audience and messaging.
• Develop messaging frameworks and timelines aligned with key campaign milestones.

Media Relations

• Build, maintain and nurture relationships with global energy and mining industry media, international press and local outlets in key markets.
• Proactively pitch stories, announcements and interviews to relevant journalists and media outlets.
• Ensure ECP receives consistent high‑quality coverage in targeted media platforms before, during and after each event.

Content Development and Distribution

• Draft and distribute press releases, media advisories and executive quotes for announcements, partnerships and speaker confirmations.
• Tailor communications to fit different platforms and target audiences (trade, business, mainstream).
• Work with Managing Editor to align content and messaging.

Media Engagement and Management

• Maintain and regularly update the ECP media contact database.
• Handle media invitations and accreditation processes for each event.
• Coordinate media interviews with clients, speakers and senior leadership onsite.
• Coordinate press briefing sessions pre‑event and onsite.
• Manage the media center and press operations at events ensuring smooth operations and journalist satisfaction.

Local PR & Agency Management

• Engage with appointed local PR and communications agencies in local markets.
• Brief and manage local PR agencies to ensure alignment with global messaging and objectives.
• Oversee the delivery of services by partner agencies and ensure accountability on agreed KPIs and timelines.

Media Partnerships

• Support the negotiation and execution of media partnership agreements with key outlets.
• Coordinate deliverables with partners and ensure visibility of media partners before and during events.

Crisis Communication

• Develop and maintain crisis communication plans in coordination with senior leadership.

Reporting and Analysis

• Track media coverage and compile post‑event PR reports detailing reach, sentiment, placements and ROI.
• Provide strategic recommendations for improvement based on performance analysis.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or a related field.
• 5 years of proven PR experience, ideally within the energy sector.
• Ability to travel internationally on a regular basis.
• Strong network of media contacts, particularly in energy, mining, business and international media.
• Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects, stakeholders and tight deadlines.
• Experience working onsite at events and coordinating media activities.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and PR software.