Senior Communications Manager

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

About the Role

Our client, a respected organization with a significant presence in Bloemfontein , seeks a highly experienced Senior Communications Manager to lead their communication strategy. This role is pivotal in shaping and safeguarding the company's public image, managing media relations, and ensuring effective internal and external stakeholder communication. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, proven leadership capabilities, and extensive experience in PR, corporate communications, and stakeholder engagement. You will be responsible for developing and implementing communication plans that support the organization's goals, enhance its reputation, and foster strong relationships within the Free State region and nationally. This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, promoting flexibility and work-life balance in Bloemfontein .

Key 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 when required and cultivating relationships with key journalists.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of all external communications, including press releases, statements, and online content.
• Lead internal communications efforts, ensuring alignment and engagement across all levels of the organization.
• Proactively manage and mitigate reputational risks, developing crisis communication plans.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze communication effectiveness, reporting key insights to senior management.
• Advise executive leadership on communication strategies and messaging nuances.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure cohesive brand messaging across all touchpoints.
• Organize and manage press conferences, stakeholder events, and media briefings.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in communication.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in communications or public relations, with at least 3 years in a management role.
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing impactful communication strategies.
• Strong understanding of the media landscape in the Free State and nationally.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with superior storytelling and presentation abilities.
• Proven experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Experience in managing internal communications and employee engagement.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and project management skills.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work setting based in Bloemfontein .

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, comprehensive medical aid, and retirement fund benefits. The hybrid work model provides flexibility for employees. This role presents an exciting opportunity to lead communication initiatives for a significant organization, contribute to its strategic direction, and grow professionally within the dynamic environment of Bloemfontein . You will work with a dedicated team and have a direct impact on the organization's public profile and stakeholder relations.