Senior Media Relations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement fund

Hybrid role

Professional development

Paid time off

Wellness programs

Job summary

Placements24 in Johannesburg seeks a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead strategic media campaigns, manage crisis communications, and cultivate relationships with national and international outlets. The role demands a track record of driving positive coverage and a deep understanding of the South African media landscape.

The role combines in-office collaboration with remote flexibility, requiring exceptional storytelling, leadership, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
• Master's degree is a plus.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in media relations or corporate communications.
• Proven success in media relations strategies and crisis communications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong storytelling and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative media relations strategies to achieve organizational objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with national and international media outlets, journalists, and key influencers.
• Proactively identify media opportunities and craft compelling press materials, including press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and pitches.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and provide strategic counsel to spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and report on the effectiveness of media relations campaigns.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans, acting as a key point of contact during sensitive situations.
• Organize press conferences, media briefings, and other media events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging media platforms, and competitive activities.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Stakeholder relationships

Storytelling

Leadership

Education

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

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking organization in the Media & PR sector, is seeking a highly experienced and results-oriented Senior Media Relations Manager to join their esteemed team in **Johannesburg, Gauteng**. This is an exciting opportunity to lead impactful communication strategies, shape public perception, and enhance brand visibility. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in developing and executing comprehensive media relations plans, managing crisis communications, and fostering strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders. You will be instrumental in crafting compelling narratives that resonate with target audiences and uphold our client's reputation as a leader in their field. This role offers a unique chance to contribute significantly to the strategic direction of communication efforts within a vibrant industry. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of the South African media landscape and a proven track record of success in high-stakes communication environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative media relations strategies to achieve organizational objectives.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with national and international media outlets, journalists, and key influencers.
• Proactively identify media opportunities and craft compelling press materials, including press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and pitches.
• Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and provide strategic counsel to spokespeople.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze sentiment, and report on the effectiveness of media relations campaigns.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans, acting as a key point of contact during sensitive situations.
• Organize press conferences, media briefings, and other media events.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Stay abreast of industry trends, emerging media platforms, and competitive activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, preferably within the Media & PR industry.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing media relations strategies that yield significant positive coverage.
• 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.
• Experience in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape, including key publications, broadcast channels, and digital platforms.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a generous annual salary.
• Employees benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, a robust retirement fund, and opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• This hybrid role provides a balance between in-office collaboration and remote flexibility.
• You will be part of a supportive and innovative work environment that values creativity and strategic thinking.
• Additional benefits include paid time off, performance-based bonuses, and access to wellness programs.
• Join a team committed to excellence and making a tangible impact in the Media & PR industry in **Johannesburg, Gauteng**.