Senior Communications Specialist

Placements24; Vereeniging; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Generous leave

Hybrid work

PD & conferences

Team environment

Career growth

Job summary

Placements24 in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to lead strategic messaging, brand visibility, and stakeholder engagement.

You will develop integrated communication plans across channels, manage media relations, create press materials, and advise senior management on reputation and crisis response; collaborate with marketing, HR and leadership; monitor coverage and report on effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field.
• 5–7 years in communications or PR.
• Proven record in media relations strategies.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Strong knowledge of traditional and digital media.
• Crisis communication and reputation management experience.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem solving.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Based in or able to commute to Vereeniging.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage integrated communication strategies across channels.
• Lead media relations, build journalist relationships, pitch stories, handle press inquiries.
• Create high-quality content for press releases, speeches, websites, social media, and internal comms.
• Oversee the company’s social media presence and engagement strategies.
• Manage crisis communication and execution of response plans.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, HR, and leadership for consistent messaging.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report effectiveness.
• Organize communication events such as press conferences and town halls.
• Provide strategic communication counsel to senior management.
• Ensure communications comply with brand guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Media relations

Strategic thinking

Crisis communication

Content creation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, or related field

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly skilled and strategic Senior Communications Specialist to join their dynamic team in **Vereeniging, Gauteng**. This pivotal role involves crafting and implementing comprehensive communication strategies to enhance brand visibility, manage reputation, and engage key stakeholders. The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in media relations, content creation, and strategic communication planning. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact within a prominent organization located in the industrial heartland of **Gauteng, South Africa**. We are looking for an experienced professional who can lead impactful communication initiatives and contribute to the overall success of the brand. The hybrid work model offers a flexible and balanced work environment, blending office collaboration with remote autonomy. Your expertise will be crucial in navigating complex communication landscapes and driving positive outcomes for our client in **Vereeniging**.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and manage integrated communication strategies across various channels.
• Lead media relations efforts, including building relationships with journalists, pitching stories, and managing press inquiries.
• Create compelling and high-quality content for press releases, speeches, website copy, social media, and internal communications.
• Oversee the company's social media presence and engagement strategies.
• Manage crisis communication situations, developing and executing response plans.
• Collaborate with internal teams (marketing, sales, HR, leadership) to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of communication initiatives.
• Organize and manage communication-related events, including press conferences and internal town halls.
• Provide strategic communication counsel to senior management.
• Ensure all communications adhere to brand guidelines and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in communications, public relations, or a related role.
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful communication and media relations strategies.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to craft clear, concise, and persuasive messages.
• Strong understanding of traditional and digital media landscapes, including social media best practices.
• Experience in crisis communication and reputation management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to **Vereeniging, Gauteng**.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Generous annual leave and paid time off.
• Hybrid work arrangement offering flexibility and work-life balance.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and attending industry conferences.
• A dynamic and collaborative work environment.
• Chance to lead significant communication initiatives for a respected company.
• Potential for career advancement within the organization.