Remote Public Relations Strategist

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully remote work

Medical aid and retirement fund

Home office setup allowance

International travel for events

Cutting-edge PR tools

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct seeks a seasoned Remote Public Relations Strategist to lead client PR initiatives across South Africa. You will craft campaigns, build media relationships, and guide a dispersed team to deliver measurable results.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, crisis communications, and collaboration with marketing and content teams in a fully remote setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or corporate communications, with a focus on strategy development.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing successful PR campaigns with measurable outcomes, preferably in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to articulate complex ideas clearly.
• Proven track record of building and managing strong media relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive PR strategies for a portfolio of clients, aligned with their objectives and brand positioning.
• Identify target audiences and media influencers; craft tailored outreach plans to achieve goals.
• Write and edit high-quality PR materials, including press releases, thought leadership, case studies, and speeches.
• Foster robust relationships with journalists, bloggers, and industry stakeholders across sectors.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure media placements in national outlets; monitor and analyze media coverage.

Skills

Strategic PR planning

Media relations

Crisis communications

Remote collaboration

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations

Master's degree in Communications

Tools

Cision

Meltwater

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is a forward-thinking organization seeking a highly experienced and innovative Remote Public Relations Strategist to join their esteemed team. This role is fully remote, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa, with a focus on managing PR initiatives for clients nationwide. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of media landscapes, strong strategic planning capabilities, and a proven ability to build impactful brand narratives. You will be instrumental in developing and executing cutting-edge PR campaigns, fostering key media relationships, and driving positive brand perception for a diverse clientele. This position is perfect for a seasoned PR professional who excels in a virtual environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional communication strategies and measurable results. You will collaborate with a dispersed yet highly connected team of communication experts.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage comprehensive PR strategies for a portfolio of clients, aligned with their business objectives and brand positioning.
• Identify target audiences and key media influencers, and craft tailored outreach plans to achieve strategic communication goals.
• Write and edit high-quality PR materials, including press releases, thought leadership articles, case studies, and speeches.
• Cultivate and maintain robust relationships with journalists, bloggers, media personalities, and industry stakeholders across various sectors.
• Proactively pitch stories and secure media placements in national and international outlets.
• Oversee media monitoring and analysis, providing insightful reports on coverage, sentiment, and competitive landscape.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans, providing strategic counsel during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate effectively with internal marketing, social media, and content teams in a remote setting to ensure integrated campaign execution.
• Stay ahead of emerging PR trends, technologies, and best practices to continuously enhance strategies.
• Mentor and guide junior team members virtually, fostering a culture of collaborative success and professional development.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's or Master's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or corporate communications, with a significant portion of experience focused on strategy development.
• Demonstrated expertise in developing and executing successful PR campaigns with measurable outcomes, preferably in a remote or distributed team environment.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a strong ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Proven track record of building and managing strong media relationships.
• In-depth knowledge of the South African and international media landscapes.
• Proficiency with PR software, media monitoring tools, and digital communication platforms.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret data and make strategic recommendations.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and adept at managing priorities in a remote work setting.
• Experience with crisis communications and reputation management is essential.

Benefits

• Competitive remote salary and performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Fully remote work arrangement, allowing for maximum flexibility and work-life balance.
• Generous allowance for home office setup and professional development.
• Opportunity to work with a diverse and exciting client base without geographical limitations.
• Access to cutting-edge PR tools and resources.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and collaborative sessions.
• Opportunities for international travel for key industry events or client meetings as required.