Senior Media Strategist (Remote)

Placements24; Klerksdorp; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote working

Health insurance

Paid time off

Professional growth opportunities

Retirement savings plan

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Media Strategist to craft and execute data-driven media and PR strategies for a premier national brand. You will lead proactive media relations, guide crisis communications, and collaborate with cross-functional teams in a fully remote setup.

You will drive audience segmentation, messaging frameworks, and thought leadership content while mentoring junior staff and staying ahead of media trends.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or equivalent in Communications, PR, Marketing or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in media relations, PR, and strategic communications with emphasis on strategy development.
• Proven success in large-scale PR campaigns with measurable impact.
• Strong strategic thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Superior writing, editing and verbal communication abilities.
• Experience managing complex media environments and crises.
• Extensive experience with digital PR, social media strategy and online reputation management.
• Ability to work autonomously in a remote workload and mentor teams virtually.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute data-driven media and PR strategies.
• Identify target audiences and craft messaging frameworks for campaigns.
• Lead proactive media relations and build relationships with journalists and influencers.
• Manage crisis communications with timely responses.
• Oversee creation of press releases and thought leadership content.
• Analyze media coverage and campaign performance to provide insights.
• Collaborate with marketing, digital and executive teams on integrated campaigns.
• Mentor junior PR staff in a virtual setting.
• Stay updated on media trends, tech advances and competitive landscapes.
• Represent the company in select high-level engagements.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Media relations

Crisis communications

Writing & editing

Digital PR

Leadership

Education

Master's degree in Communications/PR/Marketing

Tools

PR tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier national media conglomerate, is actively seeking a highly experienced and visionary Senior Media Strategist to join their fully remote team. This critical role is designed for a seasoned professional who can independently develop and implement groundbreaking media and PR strategies to significantly enhance the company's market presence and brand equity. As a remote-first position, you will operate with a high degree of autonomy, collaborating virtually with cross‑functional teams across the country. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of integrated communications, audience segmentation, and the evolving media landscape, with a proven ability to drive measurable results. You will be instrumental in shaping narratives, identifying strategic communication opportunities, and guiding the PR function from a distance. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, leadership, and the ability to excel in a self‑managed, remote work environment. While the team is headquartered near **Klerksdorp, North West**, this position offers the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, making it ideal for top talent seeking unparalleled remote work opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive, data‑driven media and public relations strategies.
• Identify target audiences and craft compelling messaging frameworks for diverse campaigns.
• Lead proactive media relations efforts, building and maintaining strong relationships with key journalists and influencers.
• Manage and advise on crisis communications, ensuring timely and effective responses.
• Oversee the creation of high‑impact press releases, thought leadership content, and communication materials.
• Analyze media coverage and campaign performance, providing strategic insights and recommendations.
• Collaborate closely with marketing, digital, and executive leadership teams on integrated campaigns.
• Mentor and guide junior PR staff in a virtual setting, fostering a culture of excellence.
• Stay abreast of emerging media trends, technological advancements, and competitive landscapes.
• Represent the company's public face in select high‑level engagements.

Requirements

• Master's degree or equivalent experience in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in media relations, public relations, and strategic communications, with a strong emphasis on strategy development.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing large‑scale PR campaigns with measurable impact.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical, and problem‑solving skills.
• Superior writing, editing, and verbal communication capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex media environments and navigate crisis situations.
• Extensive experience with digital PR, social media strategy, and online reputation management.
• Proven ability to work autonomously, manage a remote workload efficiently, and deliver results.
• Experience in leading and mentoring teams in a virtual capacity.
• Must possess strong digital literacy and proficiency with PR and collaboration tools.

Benefits

• A leading annual salary of ZAR.
• A fully remote working arrangement offering significant lifestyle flexibility.
• Executive‑level health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous vacation allowance and company‑observed holidays.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth, executive training, and conference attendance.
• Access to premium digital tools and resources for strategic planning.
• A comprehensive retirement savings plan.
• The chance to shape the media narrative for a major national brand.