Senior Media Relations Manager

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement savings plan

Professional development opportunities

Hybrid work model

Generous annual leave

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Media Relations Manager for a dynamic media and PR environment in Midrand, Gauteng. The role blends strategic oversight with hands-on media engagement, stakeholder management, and crisis communication.

You will build relationships with journalists, craft press materials, guide spokespeople, and measure campaign impact, while collaborating across teams in a hybrid work setup.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field; Master's is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media stakeholders.
• Craft press releases, advisories, fact sheets, and other PR materials.
• Pitch stories and manage media inquiries to secure coverage.
• Monitor media landscape and provide insights and recommendations.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews through media training and briefing.
• Manage crisis communication plans and messaging.
• Organise press conferences and media events.
• Measure and report on campaign impact and coverage.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent brand messaging.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Storytelling & persuasive writing

Media relations & relationship work

Strategic thinking

Project management

Ability to work under pressure

Education

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

Master's degree is a plus

Tools

MS Office Suite

PR software

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation within the media and public relations sector, is seeking to appoint an accomplished Senior Media Relations Manager. This pivotal role is based in the bustling commercial hub of Midrand, Gauteng. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping and executing strategic communication plans, cultivating robust relationships with media outlets, and ensuring the consistent delivery of compelling narratives that enhance our client's brand reputation. This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional to make a significant impact in a fast-paced environment, contributing directly to the company's visibility and public perception. The role offers a blend of strategic oversight and hands‑on execution, ensuring a challenging and rewarding career path. We are committed to fostering a collaborative work environment where innovation and strategic thinking are highly valued, and where your contributions are recognised and celebrated. The scope of this position is broad, encompassing both reactive and proactive media engagement, crisis communication, and the development of comprehensive press materials.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive media relations strategies aligned with organisational objectives.
• Build and maintain strong, long‑lasting relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers, and other media stakeholders across various platforms.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, fact sheets, and other PR materials.
• Proactively pitch stories and manage media inquiries to secure positive press coverage in target outlets.
• Monitor media landscape for relevant news, trends, and opportunities, providing timely insights and recommendations.
• Prepare spokespeople for media interviews through targeted media training and briefing.
• Manage and execute crisis communication plans, ensuring timely and accurate messaging.
• Organise and manage press conferences, media events, and other PR‑driven activities.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of media relations campaigns, analysing coverage and impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent brand messaging across all communications.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or corporate communications, preferably within the Gauteng region.
• Demonstrable success in securing high-profile media coverage.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of storytelling and persuasive writing.
• Proven ability to build and nurture relationships with media professionals.
• Experience in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and familiarity with PR software.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Strong strategic thinking and problem‑solving capabilities.
• Exceptional organisational and project management skills.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a generous annual salary and performance‑based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from comprehensive health insurance coverage, including medical and dental plans.
• We also provide a robust retirement savings plan.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are abundant, with access to training programs and industry conferences.
• A supportive and collaborative work culture fosters employee growth and well‑being.
• Additionally, employees enjoy generous annual leave and paid time off.
• This role also offers a flexible working arrangement, recognising the importance of work‑life balance, which includes a hybrid work model allowing for both office‑based and remote workdays, thereby enhancing flexibility for our esteemed employees in Midrand.
• We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive environment where every team member feels valued and empowered.