Senior Communications Leader - Hybrid, PR & Strategy

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

Benefits offered by this job

Performance bonuses

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Communications Manager in Bloemfontein to lead our client's communication strategy, safeguard public image, manage media relations, and align internal and external messaging. The role supports the Free State region and national outreach, with a hybrid work arrangement and a focus on strategic leadership.

The ideal candidate has a master's in communications, 7+ years in PR/ corporate comms (including 3+ years in management), and proven crisis response and stakeholder

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in communications or PR, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Proven success in developing and implementing impactful communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of media landscape in the Free State and nationally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Crisis communications and reputation management experience.
• Experience in internal communications and employee engagement.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communications strategies, including PR, media relations, and corporate messaging.
• Manage day-to-day media relations, serving as a primary spokesperson and cultivating relationships with key journalists.
• Oversee external communications: press releases, statements, and online content.
• Lead internal communications across the organization.
• Proactively manage reputational risks with crisis plan development.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze communication effectiveness, reporting to senior management.
• Advise executive leadership on messaging strategies.
• Collaborate with marketing for cohesive brand messaging across touchpoints.
• Organize press conferences, stakeholder events, and media briefings.
• Stay informed on industry trends and best practices.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Storytelling & presentation

Education

Master's degree in Communications or related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Placements24 seeks a Senior Communications Manager in Bloemfontein to lead our client's communication strategy, safeguard public image, manage media relations, and align internal and external messaging. The role supports the Free State region and national outreach, with a hybrid work arrangement and a focus on strategic leadership.

The ideal candidate has a master's in communications, 7+ years in PR/ corporate comms (including 3+ years in management), and proven crisis response and stakeholder