Remote Senior Media Relations Strategist

Placements24; Soweto; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary with bonuses

Global health benefits

Flexible remote work arrangement

Professional growth opportunities

Collaborative virtual team environment

Home office and internet expense allot

Generous leave and paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Media Relations Strategist to lead strategic media campaigns for a fully remote team in South Africa. You will craft compelling narratives, secure high-impact placements, and guide spokespersons, leveraging a robust media network across national and international platforms.

The role requires 6–8 years in media relations, exceptional storytelling, and the ability to work independently in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing strategic media relations campaigns, securing significant media coverage.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and persuasion.
• Strong understanding of the national and international media landscape, including digital and social media channels.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring, analytics, and PR software.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet demanding deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Must have a dedicated home office space and reliable high-speed internet access.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative media relations strategies to achieve corporate communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, productive relationships with key media contacts, journalists, and influencers.
• Proactively identify and secure high-impact media opportunities, including securing placements in top-tier publications and online platforms.
• Craft compelling press releases, media pitches, talking points, and other essential communication materials.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and provide strategic guidance to spokespersons.
• Oversee media monitoring and analysis, providing insights and reports on coverage and sentiment.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Collaborate closely with remote marketing, communications, and executive teams to ensure message alignment.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging media technologies, and best practices in media relations.
• Contribute to the overall communications strategy, ensuring media efforts are integrated and impactful.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic planning

Crisis management

Storytelling

Networking

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism

Master's degree

Tools

PR software

Media monitoring

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking industry leader, is seeking a highly strategic and experienced Senior Media Relations Strategist to join their fully remote team. This role offers the ultimate flexibility to work from any location in South Africa, driving impactful media campaigns and strengthening the company's public image on a national and international scale. The ideal candidate will possess deep expertise in media outreach, a proven ability to craft compelling narratives, and a strong network within the media ecosystem. This is a unique opportunity for a seasoned PR professional who thrives in a remote-first environment and is passionate about building brand authority through strategic communication. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's narrative and achieving significant media milestones. We are looking for a self-motivated, results-driven individual adept at virtual collaboration and strategic planning. Your vision and execution will be key to our client's communication success.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative media relations strategies to achieve corporate communication objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, productive relationships with key media contacts, journalists, and influencers.
• Proactively identify and secure high-impact media opportunities, including securing placements in top-tier publications and online platforms.
• Craft compelling press releases, media pitches, talking points, and other essential communication materials.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and provide strategic guidance to spokespersons.
• Oversee media monitoring and analysis, providing insights and reports on coverage and sentiment.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Collaborate closely with remote marketing, communications, and executive teams to ensure message alignment.
• Stay informed about industry trends, emerging media technologies, and best practices in media relations.
• Contribute to the overall communications strategy, ensuring media efforts are integrated and impactful.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 6-8 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications.
• Proven track record of successfully developing and executing strategic media relations campaigns, securing significant media coverage.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and persuasion.
• Strong understanding of the national and international media landscape, including digital and social media channels.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring, analytics, and PR software.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects concurrently, and meet demanding deadlines in a remote setting.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent networking and relationship-building skills.
• Must have a dedicated home office space and reliable high-speed internet access.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses.
• Comprehensive global health and wellness benefits.
• Flexible remote work arrangement, offering freedom and autonomy.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, skill development, and industry engagement.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team environment.
• Allowance for home office setup and internet expenses.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Direct influence on national and global brand perception and communication strategy.