Senior Media Relations Officer

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 700,000 - 1,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development

Generous leave

Exposure to technology projects

Collaborative team in Durban

Job summary

Placements24 is partnering with a leading technology firm in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, to hire a Senior Media Relations Officer who will manage the public profile, cultivate relations with journalists, draft compelling narratives, and secure positive coverage of the company’s innovations.

In a hybrid Durban-based role, you will coordinate with marketing and executive teams, respond to media inquiries, help manage crises, plan media events, and contribute to thought leadership while staying attuned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar communications role, preferably within the technology industry.
• Proven track record of securing positive media placements and managing journalist relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling and pitching abilities.
• Deep understanding of the South African media landscape, particularly within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and reporting.
• Experience in crisis communications and issue management.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid setting.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to our Durban office for scheduled in-office days.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to support company objectives and brand messaging.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers.
• Write and distribute press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and other PR materials.
• Proactively pitch story ideas and secure positive media coverage across various platforms.
• Manage incoming media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and act as a company spokesperson or support spokespersons.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of media relations efforts.
• Assist in the development and implementation of crisis communication strategies.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, communications, and executive teams to ensure alignment of messaging.
• Organize media events, press briefings, and influencer engagements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the company's public image and thought leadership.

Skills

Media relations

Storytelling

Pitching

Journalist relations

Crisis communications

Team collaboration

Media monitoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications / PR / Journalism / Marketing

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role Our client, a leading technology firm with a strong presence in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, ZA , is seeking a highly experienced Senior Media Relations Officer to manage and enhance its public profile. This dynamic role involves building and maintaining strong relationships with media outlets, crafting compelling narratives, and ensuring positive coverage of the company's innovations and achievements. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing proactive media strategies, responding to inquiries, and managing potential crises. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a fast-paced industry, working alongside a dedicated team of communication professionals. The hybrid work model provides a balance between collaborative in-office work in Durban and focused independent work, allowing for flexibility and efficiency. We are looking for a strategic thinker with a proven track record in media relations and a passion for storytelling within the technology sector. This role is crucial for amplifying our client's voice and reinforcing their position as an industry leader in Durban .

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans to support company objectives and brand messaging.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, positive relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers in the technology and business sectors.
• Write and distribute press releases, media kits, fact sheets, and other PR materials.
• Proactively pitch story ideas and secure positive media coverage across various platforms.
• Manage incoming media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and act as a company spokesperson or support spokespersons.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on the effectiveness of media relations efforts.
• Assist in the development and implementation of crisis communication strategies.
• Collaborate with internal marketing, communications, and executive teams to ensure alignment of messaging.
• Organize media events, press briefings, and influencer engagements.
• Identify opportunities to enhance the company's public image and thought leadership.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in media relations, public relations, or a similar communications role, preferably within the technology industry.
• Proven track record of securing positive media placements and managing journalist relationships.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong storytelling and pitching abilities.
• Deep understanding of the South African media landscape, particularly within KwaZulu-Natal.
• Proficiency in media monitoring tools and reporting.
• Experience in crisis communications and issue management.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a hybrid setting.
• Must be based in or willing to commute to our Durban office for scheduled in-office days.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of ZAR .
• Hybrid work model offering flexibility.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.
• Opportunities for professional development and training.
• Generous leave policy.
• Exposure to innovative technology projects and key industry players.
• A supportive and collaborative team environment in Durban .