Senior Communications Strategist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive pay & bonuses

Hybrid work model

Executive health benefits

Retirement planning

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist to guide public relations and corporate communications from the Sandton office. Lead development and execution of sophisticated strategies aligning with business goals and managing brand reputation.

You will mentor junior team members, oversee crisis communications, and shape the company voice across external communications, ensuring impact and consistency.

Qualifications

• Master's degree is required.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications or public relations with significant leadership.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate reputation management and crisis communications.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities, including executive-level presentation skills.
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and managing agency relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee integrated, long-term communication strategies.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts.
• Manage high-level media relationships and advise leadership on communications matters.
• Oversee content strategy for all external communications with brand consistency.

Skills

Executive communication

Crisis management

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder management

Education

Master's degree in Communications/Public Relations/Business Administration

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly experienced Senior Communications Strategist to guide their public relations and corporate communications efforts from their Sandton office. This leadership role involves developing and implementing sophisticated communication strategies that align with overarching business goals, manage brand reputation, and engage key stakeholders. You will be instrumental in shaping the company's voice, managing crisis communications, and overseeing major PR initiatives. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of communication theory, media dynamics, and digital engagement, with a proven track record of success in complex environments, driving strategic initiatives and mentoring junior team members within the communications department.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the execution of integrated, long-term communication strategies.
• Lead crisis communication planning and response efforts.
• Manage high-level media relationships and serve as a senior advisor to leadership on communication matters.
• Oversee the content strategy for all external communications, ensuring brand consistency and impact.
• Conduct research and analysis to inform communication strategies and measure effectiveness.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure communication alignment across the organization.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 10+ years of progressive experience in strategic communications or public relations, with significant leadership experience.
• Demonstrated expertise in corporate reputation management and crisis communications.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Superior written and verbal communication abilities, including executive-level presentation skills.
• Experience navigating complex stakeholder environments and managing agency relationships.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package including salary and significant bonuses.
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility and balance.
• Comprehensive executive health benefits and retirement planning.
• Generous allowance for professional development and continued learning.
• Opportunity to shape the strategic direction of communications for a leading firm in Sandton .