Senior Communications Strategist

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 540,000 - 750,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist to shape and execute comprehensive communication strategies for a dynamic media and communications firm. This remote-first role is based in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, and offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in SA.

You will oversee PR, media relations, crisis communications, and strategic messaging, coordinating with leadership and marketing teams to protect and enhance the brand across digital and traditional

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• 5-7 years of experience in communications or public relations with a proven ability to develop and execute strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations, including pitching stories and managing press conferences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with persuasive storytelling.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with media monitoring and analytics software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting, managing multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape is highly desirable.
• Experience in crisis communications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication and public relations strategies across digital and traditional media channels.
• Craft compelling press releases, speeches, social media content, and other corporate communications materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media contacts, influencers, and key stakeholders.
• Manage crisis communication efforts, providing timely and accurate information to the public and internal teams.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze campaign effectiveness, providing regular reports and recommendations.
• Advise senior leadership on communication strategies and potential reputational risks.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
• Oversee and manage the organization's social media presence and online reputation.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in communications and public relations.

Skills

Media relations

Press conferences

Crisis comms

Strategic messaging

Public relations

Stakeholder mgmt

Content creation

Social media

Analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Analytics software

Social media management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and rapidly growing media and communications firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Communications Strategist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA-based position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa. You will be instrumental in shaping and executing comprehensive communication strategies that enhance brand reputation, drive engagement, and achieve key business objectives. We are looking for a creative thinker with a proven track record in public relations, media management, and strategic messaging. This role is crucial for maintaining and elevating our client's public image across various platforms and stakeholder groups. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing and interpersonal skills, a deep understanding of the media landscape, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, remote-first environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement integrated communication and public relations strategies across digital and traditional media channels.
• Craft compelling press releases, speeches, social media content, and other corporate communications materials.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with media contacts, influencers, and key stakeholders.
• Manage crisis communication efforts, providing timely and accurate information to the public and internal teams.
• Monitor media coverage and analyze campaign effectiveness, providing regular reports and recommendations.
• Advise senior leadership on communication strategies and potential reputational risks.
• Collaborate with marketing and sales teams to ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment.
• Oversee and manage the organization's social media presence and online reputation.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and best practices in communications and public relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in a communications or public relations role, with a proven ability to develop and execute successful strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in media relations, including pitching stories and managing press conferences.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and a talent for persuasive storytelling.
• Proficiency in social media management tools and platforms.
• Strong analytical skills and experience with media monitoring and analytics software.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• A strong understanding of the South African media landscape is highly desirable.
• Experience in crisis communications is a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in South Africa.
• Comprehensive health insurance and retirement savings plan.
• Generous paid time off and holidays.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conference attendance.
• A supportive and collaborative team culture that values innovation and employee well-being.
• The chance to make a significant impact on a growing organization's brand and reputation.