Senior Media and Communications Strategist

Placements24; Sandton; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance-based bonuses

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Media and Communications Strategist for its Sandton team. You will craft and execute innovative communication strategies, manage media relations, and advise leadership on strategic initiatives to elevate brand reputation.

The role emphasizes crisis management, storytelling excellence, and cross‑functional collaboration with marketing to drive public engagement in a dynamic South African market.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years in media relations, strategic communications, or PR with emphasis on strategy.
• Proven track record of successful campaigns and strong storytelling/presentation skills.
• Deep knowledge of media landscape in Sandton, Gauteng and SA.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media and communication strategies aligned with goals.
• Craft press releases, speeches, articles, and digital assets for broad audiences.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Monitor media coverage and sentiment, analyze trends and impact.
• Provide strategic counsel to leadership on communications and crisis management.
• Oversee internal and external channels for consistent messaging.
• Plan media events and campaigns to boost brand visibility.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments for integrated comms.
• Stay updated on emerging communication tech and best practices.
• Measure outcomes and report on effectiveness of strategies.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Crisis management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a distinguished entity in the Media & PR sector, is looking for an exceptional Senior Media and Communications Strategist to join their dynamic team in Sandton, Gauteng . This role is critical for developing and implementing innovative communication strategies that enhance brand reputation and drive public engagement. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of media dynamics, public perception, and digital communication trends. You will be responsible for crafting compelling narratives, managing media relationships, and advising senior leadership on strategic communication initiatives. This hybrid position allows for a balance between collaborative office work and remote flexibility, catering to modern work preferences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive media and communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Craft engaging content, including press releases, speeches, articles, and digital assets.
• Manage and cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key influencers.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, analyzing impact and identifying trends.
• Provide strategic counsel to leadership on communication matters and crisis management.
• Oversee internal and external communication channels to ensure consistent messaging.
• Plan and execute media events and campaigns to enhance brand visibility.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments for integrated communication efforts.
• Stay abreast of emerging communication technologies and best practices.
• Measure the effectiveness of communication strategies and report on outcomes.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in media relations, strategic communications, or public relations, with a strong emphasis on strategy development.
• Proven track record of success in developing and implementing impactful communication campaigns.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with superior storytelling and presentation abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of the media landscape and current affairs, particularly within Sandton, Gauteng and broader South Africa.
• Demonstrated experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking capabilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and adapt to changing priorities.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid, a provident fund, and performance-based bonuses.
• This hybrid role offers a dynamic work environment that blends office collaboration with remote flexibility.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement are abundant within the organization.
• Join a forward-thinking team in the vibrant hub of Sandton, Gauteng , and play a pivotal role in shaping the company's public profile and communication legacy.