Senior Communications Strategist

Placements24; Midrand; Hybrid; ZAR 720,000 - 960,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

On-site amenities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist to shape and execute comprehensive strategies that elevate brand reputation and drive media presence in South Africa. The role requires 5–7 years in public relations or corporate communications with strong media relations expertise.

You’ll lead integrated campaigns, manage crises, and collaborate with marketing, corporate affairs, and leadership teams. A degree in communications or related fields is essential; a Master’s is a plus.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
• Strong understanding of media relations, journalistic principles, and the South Africa media landscape.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and digital communication platforms.
• Experience with crisis communication management and issue resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communication strategies across channels.
• Craft and pitch press releases, advisories, and thought leadership articles.
• Manage relationships with media contacts, analysts, and stakeholders.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends; provide reports to leadership.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and act as spokesperson when needed.
• Oversee engaging content creation for various platforms; maintain brand messaging.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive communication efforts.
• Measure and report campaign effectiveness against KPIs.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Verbal communication

Strategic storytelling

Analytics

Collaboration

Education

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

Master's degree is a plus

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking media organization, is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Strategist to join their vibrant team in Midrand, Gauteng . This pivotal role involves shaping and executing comprehensive communication strategies that enhance brand reputation, engage key stakeholders, and drive media presence. The ideal candidate will be adept at navigating the complexities of modern PR, adept at crafting compelling narratives, and skilled in managing both traditional and digital media landscapes. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing communication plans that align with the company's strategic objectives, ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact within a growing sector, working collaboratively with marketing, corporate affairs, and executive leadership teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated communication strategies across various channels, including media relations, social media, internal communications, and crisis management.
• Craft and pitch compelling press releases, media advisories, and thought leadership articles to key journalists and influencers.
• Manage and cultivate relationships with media contacts, industry analysts, and relevant stakeholders.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular reports and insights to leadership.
• Develop and manage crisis communication plans and act as a spokesperson when required.
• Oversee the creation of engaging content for various platforms, ensuring brand consistency and messaging alignment.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure cohesive communication efforts across the organization.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of communication campaigns against set KPIs.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations, preferably within a corporate or agency setting.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful communication strategies and campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
• Strong understanding of media relations, journalistic principles, and the media landscape in South Africa .
• Proficiency in social media management tools and digital communication platforms.
• Experience with crisis communication management and issue resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits program.
• This includes medical aid, a provident fund, and generous paid time off.
• You will also have access to professional development opportunities, including training and workshops, to further your career growth.
• The hybrid work model offers a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility, situated in the accessible business hub of Midrand, Gauteng .
• Employees can also enjoy access to on-site amenities and a supportive, dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and teamwork.