Senior Media Relations Executive

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Home office allowance

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Media Relations Executive to lead and expand media outreach from a fully remote position in South Africa. You will craft strategic media campaigns, cultivate relationships with journalists, and advise leadership on messaging and crisis communication.

The role requires a proven track record securing top-tier coverage and managing multiple programs across national outlets. You will collaborate with internal teams to align communications, monitor trends, and develop

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in media relations, PR, or corporate communications with a focus on earned media.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a track record of securing significant placements.
• Deep understanding of the South African media landscape and journalist relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead strategic media relations plans to achieve objectives.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers across platforms.
• Craft press releases, advisories, talking points, and backgrounders.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communication

Strategic thinking

Written communication

Verbal communication

Relationship building

Remote work

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

PR databases

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an accomplished Senior Media Relations Executive to lead and enhance their media outreach efforts. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from home while playing a critical role in shaping our client's public perception. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in media relations, a strategic mindset, and a proven ability to secure positive coverage in top-tier publications. You will be responsible for cultivating strong relationships with journalists, developing compelling media materials, and advising senior leadership on media strategy. This role demands a proactive, results-driven individual capable of managing complex media landscapes from anywhere in the country.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans to achieve organizational objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, proactive relationships with key journalists, editors, and media influencers across various platforms.
• Craft high-quality press releases, media advisories, spokesperson talking points, and backgrounders.
• Proactively pitch compelling story ideas and manage inbound media inquiries.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment and trends, and provide comprehensive reports to stakeholders.
• Serve as a primary media contact and spokesperson for designated company initiatives.
• Develop and manage crisis communication strategies, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent and impactful messaging.
• Identify opportunities for thought leadership and executive profiling.
• Stay abreast of industry developments and emerging media trends.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, with a strong focus on earned media.
• Proven track record of securing significant media placements in reputable outlets.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Deep understanding of the South African media landscape and established relationships with key media contacts.
• Experience in developing and executing crisis communication plans.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and PR databases. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-starter with strong initiative and ability to work independently in a remote setting.
• Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Benefits

• This remote role offers a competitive annual salary of ZAR.
• Our client provides a comprehensive benefits package, including excellent health insurance, a substantial retirement contribution, performance bonuses, and a home office allowance.
• We are committed to fostering a flexible and supportive remote work culture, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement.

Join our innovative team and make a significant impact on our client's media presence from wherever you are. This is an exceptional opportunity for a seasoned media relations professional.