Senior Communications Strategist (Remote-First)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Comprehensive health insurance

Generous paid time off

Professional development opportunities

Remote work culture

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Communications Strategist for a remote-first role that supports clients across South Africa, with emphasis on the Pietermaritzburg region. You will craft narratives, lead high-impact campaigns, and manage media relations from your home office.

The ideal candidate has 7+ years in media & public relations, strong writing skills, and the ability to work independently in a remote environment, while shaping client public images and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in media and public relations.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Craft press releases, media advisories, and executive talking points.
• Manage media relations and secure positive media coverage.
• Oversee social media content strategy and engagement to boost brand visibility.
• Conduct media monitoring and provide actionable insights and reports.
• Develop crisis communication plans and support during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across channels.
• Advise clients on public perception and best practices in strategic comms.
• Identify opportunities to elevate client profiles and market position.
• Prepare and deliver engaging presentations to clients and stakeholders.

Skills

Exceptional written and verbal comms

Media relations

Social media strategy

Crisis communications

Strategic thinking

Independent work

Remote collaboration

Education

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

Master's degree (a plus)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking media and public relations firm, is seeking an exceptional Senior Communications Strategist to join their fully remote team. This pivotal role is designed for a seasoned professional who excels at crafting compelling narratives and managing high-impact communication campaigns across various platforms. As a remote-first organization, we champion flexible work arrangements and foster a collaborative digital environment. The ideal candidate will possess a strategic mindset, a proven track record in public relations, and the ability to thrive in an independent work setting. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's public image and stakeholder engagement initiatives, working from your home office. This is a fantastic opportunity to leverage your expertise in a role that offers significant autonomy and impact, contributing to the success of diverse clients in the **Pietermaritzburg** region and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with client objectives.
• Craft persuasive press releases, media advisories, and executive talking points.
• Manage media relations, cultivate relationships with journalists, and secure positive media coverage.
• Oversee social media content strategy and engagement initiatives to enhance brand visibility.
• Conduct media monitoring and analysis, providing actionable insights and reports.
• Develop crisis communication plans and provide support during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all channels.
• Advise clients on public perception and strategic communication best practices.
• Proactively identify opportunities to elevate client profiles and strengthen their market position.
• Prepare and deliver engaging presentations to clients and stakeholders.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in media and public relations, with a demonstrable history of successful campaign management.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media contacts and influencers.
• In-depth understanding of media relations, social media platforms, and digital communication trends.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Familiarity with the business landscape in **South Africa** is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A supportive and collaborative remote work culture.
• Access to cutting-edge communication tools and technologies.
• The flexibility and autonomy of a fully remote role, allowing for a healthy work-life balance.
• Contribution to diverse and impactful client projects.