Senior Communications Officer (Remote)

Placements24; Mtubatuba Local Municipality; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 840,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 in South Africa seeks a Senior Communications Officer to lead strategic communication efforts for a national community development organization. This remote-first role demands expert storytelling, media relations, and oversight of digital content across websites, social media, newsletters, and annual reports.

You will shape public messaging, engage diverse stakeholders, manage internal communications, and mentor junior staff while coordinating with program teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and building relationships with journalists.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools.
• Experience in crisis communication planning and execution.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS) and analytics tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans to advance organizational goals and public profile.
• Manage media relations activities, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries, and facilitating interviews.
• Create engaging content for press releases, website copy, social media, newsletters, and annual reports.
• Oversee the organization's digital presence, including website updates and social media engagement.
• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to keep staff informed and engaged.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with program teams to translate complex information into accessible communications.
• Manage communication budgets and vendor relationships where applicable.
• Ensure all communications align with brand guidelines and organizational values.
• Provide guidance and support to junior communications staff on projects.

Skills

Written & verbal communication

Editing & proofreading

Media relations

Social media management

Crisis communication

Remote work discipline

Analytical thinking

CMS & analytics tools

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field

Tools

CMS

Analytics tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national organization focused on community development and public awareness, is seeking a highly skilled Senior Communications Officer to join their fully remote team. This position is ideal for a seasoned professional who excels in crafting compelling narratives and managing diverse communication channels to achieve organizational objectives. As a remote employee, you will have the autonomy to manage your workflow and contribute strategically from anywhere in South Africa. The role demands expertise in developing and implementing comprehensive communication strategies, including media relations, content creation, and internal communications. You will be instrumental in shaping public perception, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This remote-first role requires a proactive individual with exceptional organizational skills and a commitment to driving impactful communication initiatives. The ability to work independently and collaborate effectively with a virtual team is paramount for success in this position.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communication plans to advance organizational goals and public profile.
• Manage all media relations activities, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries, and facilitating interviews.
• Create engaging and informative content for various channels, such as press releases, website copy, social media, newsletters, and annual reports.
• Oversee the organization's digital presence, including website content updates and social media engagement.
• Develop and implement internal communication strategies to keep staff informed and engaged.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing analysis and recommendations.
• Collaborate with program teams to translate complex information into accessible communications.
• Manage communication budgets and vendor relationships where applicable.
• Ensure all communications are aligned with brand guidelines and organizational values.
• Provide guidance and support to junior communications staff on projects.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing successful communication strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and building relationships with journalists.
• Proficiency in social media management and digital communication tools.
• Experience in crisis communication planning and execution.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a remote environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in using content management systems (CMS) and analytics tools.

Benefits

• This fully remote position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive health benefits including medical and dental coverage, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• Our client provides opportunities for continuous professional development through online courses, workshops, and conferences.
• The flexibility of a remote work arrangement allows for excellent work-life balance.
• You will be part of a dedicated and collaborative virtual team, contributing to meaningful work.
• Performance-based incentives and annual leave are also provided.
• Join an organization that values impactful communication and supports its remote employees' growth and well-being.