Senior PR & Communications Specialist (Remote-First)

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybrid; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health, dental, and eye/

Generous PTO and holidays

Remote work stipend for home office

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior PR & Communications Specialist to join a fully remote team. You will shape and amplify the brand narrative across media, social channels, and corporate communications.

The role requires strategic thinking, media relations, and content creation with collaboration across internal and external partners. The ideal candidate has 5–7+ years in PR or corporate communications, strong writing skills, and the ability to manage crises calmly in a remote setting.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5-7 years in public relations, media relations, or corporate communications.
• Strong writing and storytelling abilities.
• Experience in crisis communications and media outreach.
• Remote work experience and ability to work independently.
• Understanding of SA media landscape (advantageous).

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative public relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, and pitches tailored for diverse media outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key media contacts nationwide.
• Manage and respond to media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans to safeguard the company's reputation.
• Create engaging content for various channels, including social media, blogs, and corporate publications.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular reports and insights.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure consistent brand messaging.
• Oversee the execution of PR campaigns from conception to completion.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to junior team members.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis communications

Content creation

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations or Communications

Master's degree (plus)

Tools

PR monitoring tools

Media databases

Job description

About the Role Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking media and PR firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior PR & Communications Specialist to join their entirely remote team. This is a pivotal role where you will be instrumental in shaping and amplifying our client's brand narrative across various platforms. You will collaborate closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies. As a remote-first organization, we foster a culture of autonomy, trust, and continuous professional development, ensuring you have the resources and support to thrive in a distributed work environment. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact within a leading PR agency while enjoying the flexibility and benefits of a remote career. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a proven track record in media relations, crisis communications, and content creation.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement innovative public relations strategies to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, and pitches tailored for diverse media outlets.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key media contacts nationwide.
• Manage and respond to media inquiries, ensuring timely and accurate communication.
• Develop and execute crisis communication plans to safeguard the company's reputation.
• Create engaging content for various channels, including social media, blogs, and corporate publications.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular reports and insights.
• Collaborate with marketing and other departments to ensure consistent brand messaging.
• Oversee the execution of PR campaigns from conception to completion.
• Provide strategic guidance and support to junior team members.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field. A Master's degree is a plus.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or corporate communications, preferably within an agency setting.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing successful PR campaigns and securing media placements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail and storytelling.
• Strong understanding of media landscapes, including traditional and digital platforms.
• Proven ability to manage crisis communications effectively and calmly under pressure.
• Experience with PR monitoring and measurement tools.
• Proficiency in social media management and content creation.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a remote setting.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Experience in the **Pietermaritzburg** region or a strong understanding of the South African media landscape is advantageous.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary of R .
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off (PTO) policy and company holidays.
• Opportunities for professional development, training, and conference attendance.
• Retirement savings plan with employer matching contributions.
• Remote work stipend for home office setup and internet expenses.
• Access to cutting-edge PR tools and technologies.
• A supportive and inclusive remote work culture that values work-life balance.
• Regular virtual team-building activities and social events.
• Career advancement opportunities within a growing organization.