Senior Communications Strategist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Professional development budget

Remote work culture

Home office stipend

Cutting-edge PR tools

Paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist to lead strategic media relations and brand communications for a remote-first team. You will shape public messaging, build strong journalist relationships, and guide crisis communications while driving integrated campaigns across digital and traditional PR channels.

The role requires 7+ years in PR/media, exceptional storytelling, and the ability to operate autonomously in a remote environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field (Master’s preferred).
• 7+ years in media relations, PR, corporate comms, or agency PR.
• Proven success in strategic comms plans with measurable results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, storytelling skills.
• Proven media relationships and crisis communications experience.
• Proficient in PR software and social media tools.
• Strong analytical abilities to inform strategy.
• Able to work independently and remotely, handling multiple projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with objectives.
• Write press releases, media advisories, and other materials.
• Build relationships with journalists and media contacts.
• Manage crisis communications with timely, accurate messaging.
• Oversee social media content strategy and engagement.
• Monitor coverage and report campaign effectiveness to leadership.
• Advise leadership on strategy and reputational risks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging.
• Identify trends and opportunities in media and PR.

Skills

Media relations

Public relations

Corporate comms

Agency PR

Crisis comms

Storytelling

Written comms

Verbal comms

Remote work

Data-driven strategy

Education

Bachelor's degree (communications/PR/marketing/journalism)

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

PR software

Social media management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking media and PR firm, is seeking an exceptionally talented and experienced Senior Communications Strategist to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role is designed for a strategic thinker who thrives on developing and executing impactful communication plans. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's public image and fostering strong relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and the public. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to a growing organization while enjoying the flexibility and autonomy of a remote-first work environment. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of media landscapes and a proven track record of successful campaign management, with a strong emphasis on digital and traditional PR channels. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where every voice is valued and heard.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, and other communication materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key media contacts across various platforms.
• Manage crisis communication efforts, providing timely and accurate information to stakeholders.
• Oversee social media content strategy and engagement to enhance brand visibility.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze campaign effectiveness, providing regular reports to senior management.
• Advise leadership on communication strategies and potential reputational risks.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand voice.
• Identify emerging trends and opportunities within the media and PR space.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, corporate communications, or agency-side PR.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic communication plans that achieve measurable results.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
• Proven ability to build and nurture relationships with media professionals.
• Experience in crisis communications management and rapid response.
• Proficiency in using PR software and social media management tools.
• Strong analytical skills and ability to interpret data to inform strategy.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent understanding of the media landscape in Johannesburg, Gauteng, ZA and beyond.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and company holidays.
• Professional development opportunities and budget for ongoing learning.
• Access to cutting-edge PR tools and technologies.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work culture.
• Opportunity to work on high-impact campaigns for a reputable client.
• Contribution towards home office setup and internet expenses.