Senior Media Relations Manager

Placements24; George; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Media Relations Manager to lead PR efforts in George, Western Cape. The role demands strategic leadership, managing high-stakes media interactions, and shaping corporate narratives to support business objectives.

The ideal candidate will have 8+ years in media relations, including 3+ years in management, a Master’s in a related field, and an extensive national media network.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, or related field.
• 8+ years in media relations/PR with at least 3 in management.
• Proven ability to develop and execute complex PR strategies for large organizations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong public speaking skills.
• Extensive network of national media contacts.
• Experience in crisis communications and high-pressure environments.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans aligned with organizational goals.
• Oversee creation and dissemination of press releases, statements, and communications.
• Build and maintain relationships with key media contacts nationally and internationally.
• Identify media opportunities and manage reactive inquiries with professionalism.
• Serve as primary spokesperson when required; ensure consistent messaging.
• Develop crisis communication protocols and act as point person during crises.
• Monitor media coverage and provide strategic leadership recommendations.
• Lead and mentor PR team to high performance.
• Collaborate with marketing, legal and executive teams to align PR with business strategy.
• Ensure brand messaging consistency across all public communications.

Skills

Media relations

Leadership

Crisis comms

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder mgmt

Public speaking

Education

Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent national media group, is seeking an experienced Senior Media Relations Manager to lead their public relations efforts in George, Western Cape . This senior role requires a strategic thinker with a proven track record in managing high-stakes media interactions and shaping corporate narratives. You will be responsible for developing and executing sophisticated PR strategies that enhance the company's reputation, manage public perception, and support business objectives. This is a leadership position offering significant influence and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on the organization's public profile within the region and beyond. The successful candidate will embody professionalism and a deep understanding of communication dynamics.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic media relations plans to support organizational goals.
• Oversee the creation and dissemination of press releases, official statements, and other communications.
• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with key media contacts nationally and internationally.
• Proactively identify media opportunities and manage reactive media inquiries with professionalism and speed.
• Serve as a primary spokesperson when required, ensuring consistent and accurate messaging.
• Develop and implement crisis communication protocols and act as a key point person during sensitive situations.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
• Manage and mentor a team of PR professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment.
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, including marketing, legal, and executive teams, to align PR activities with broader business strategies.
• Ensure brand messaging is consistent across all public communications.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in media relations and public relations, with at least 3 years in a management capacity.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing complex PR strategies for national or international organizations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including superior public speaking and presentation abilities.
• Extensive network of contacts within the national media landscape.
• Proven ability to manage crisis communications effectively and calmly.
• Strong leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities with a keen understanding of business objectives.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Experience within the media industry is highly advantageous.

Benefits

• This role offers a highly competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package.
• Our client provides a dynamic and challenging work environment, opportunities for professional growth and development, and the chance to lead significant PR initiatives for a respected national entity in George, Western Cape .
• The role also includes performance-based bonuses and support for continuous learning.
• Join our client and shape the future of public discourse.