Senior Media Relations Manager

Placements24; Vereeniging; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based bonuses

Training and advancement opportunities

Opportunity to influence public image

Job summary

WhatJobs Direct in Vereeniging, Gauteng, is seeking a Senior Media Relations Manager to lead our Media & PR initiatives and shape the company’s public narrative. This in-office role requires strategic planning, strong media relations, and the ability to manage a PR team, build journalist relationships, and steer crisis communications.

You will oversee press materials, media inquiries, and monitoring, delivering insights to senior management while collaborating with marketing to align messaging

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• 8+ years in media relations and public relations with strategic planning and execution.
• Proven success in securing high-profile media placements and managing media relationships.
• Expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing a PR team.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and PR materials.
• Manage all incoming media inquiries with timely, strategic responses.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide actionable insights to senior management.
• Lead crisis communication efforts and develop response plans.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to align messaging.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media tours, and PR events.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the PR team.
• Stay informed about industry developments and competitive activities.

Skills

Strategic planning

Leadership

Crisis communications

Media relations

Written/verbal/presentation skills

Stakeholder management

Media contacts network

Education

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

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, WhatJobs Direct, is seeking a strategic and highly experienced Senior Media Relations Manager to lead their Media & PR initiatives. This is an in-office position based in Vereeniging, Gauteng. You will be responsible for developing and executing comprehensive media relations strategies, building and nurturing strong relationships with key media contacts, and managing the company's reputation. The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of the media landscape, exceptional strategic planning skills, and a proven track record of securing positive media coverage. This leadership role requires a proactive individual who can guide the PR team and effectively represent our client to the public and media. You will be instrumental in shaping our client's narrative and public perception.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement impactful media relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with journalists, editors, and media influencers across various platforms.
• Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media kits, and other essential PR materials.
• Manage all incoming media inquiries, providing timely and strategic responses.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide actionable insights and comprehensive reports to senior management.
• Lead crisis communication efforts, developing and implementing effective response plans.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure alignment of messaging and communication objectives.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media tours, and other key PR events.
• Mentor and guide junior members of the PR team.
• Stay informed about industry developments and competitive activities to identify opportunities.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in media relations and public relations, with a strong emphasis on strategic planning and execution.
• Demonstrated success in securing high-profile media placements and managing complex media relationships.
• Expertise in crisis communications and reputation management.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Proven leadership abilities and experience managing a PR team.
• Strong network of media contacts within Gauteng and nationally.
• Proficiency in media monitoring and analysis tools.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a professional office environment.
• Strategic thinker with excellent problem-solving capabilities.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary.
• Medical aid.
• Pension fund.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Training and advancement opportunities.
• Opportunity to work in a dynamic Media & PR department in Vereeniging.
• Chance to make a significant strategic impact on the company's public image and media presence.