Senior PR & Communications Officer

Placements24; East London; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Professional development

Flexible remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior PR & Communications Officer for a remote, South Africa-wide role focused on elevating visibility, brand reputation and stakeholder engagement.

You will craft narratives, manage channels and ensure consistent messaging across platforms, reporting on PR impact and aligning with the organization's mission in education and development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Marketing or related field.
• 5–7 years of progressive PR/communications experience, preferably in non-profit.
• Proven ability to craft strategies and compelling narratives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; strong editing skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement PR and communications strategies aligned with goals.
• Manage media relations, pitch stories, respond to inquiries, build journalist relationships.
• Create content for press releases, website, social media, newsletters, annual reports.
• Oversee social media, content calendars and community management.
• Support internal communications to keep staff informed.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse in the sector.
• Plan and execute communications for events and campaigns.
• Ensure brand messaging consistency and adherence to guidelines.
• Measure and report PR/communication effectiveness.
• Stay updated on trends in non-profit communications.

Skills

Public relations

Content creation

Media relations

Social media management

Writing & editing

Remote collaboration

Education

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

Tools

MS Office Suite

Social media management tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a reputable non-profit organization focused on education and development, is seeking an experienced Senior PR & Communications Officer to lead their public relations and communications efforts. This is a remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa. You will be responsible for developing and implementing strategies that enhance the organization's visibility, strengthen its brand reputation, and engage key stakeholders, including donors, beneficiaries, and the media. The ideal candidate will possess exceptional writing skills, a strong understanding of media relations, and a passion for social impact. You will craft compelling narratives, manage communication channels, and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms. We are looking for a proactive and creative communicator who can drive positive public perception and support the organization's mission. This role offers the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to important social causes. We seek a dedicated professional with a strategic approach to PR and communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive public relations and communications strategies aligned with organizational goals.
• Manage media relations, including pitching stories, responding to inquiries, and cultivating relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Create engaging and informative content for various platforms, including press releases, website copy, social media posts, newsletters, and annual reports.
• Oversee the organization's social media presence, developing content calendars and community management strategies.
• Support internal communications efforts to ensure staff are informed and engaged.
• Monitor media coverage and public discourse related to the organization and its field.
• Assist in planning and executing communication components of special events and campaigns.
• Ensure consistent brand messaging and adherence to brand guidelines across all communications.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of PR and communication initiatives.
• Stay informed about trends in non-profit communications and public relations.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations and communications, preferably within the non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful PR and communication strategies.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with strong editing and proofreading abilities.
• Experience in media relations, social media management, and content creation.
• Strong understanding of the South African media landscape.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines in a remote environment.
• Excellent organizational and planning skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite and common social media management tools.
• A passion for the organization's mission and a commitment to social impact is essential.

Benefits

• competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• medical aid
• opportunities for professional development
• flexibility to work from anywhere in South Africa, enjoying a flexible work schedule and eliminating commute times