Senior Public Relations Manager - Remote First

Placements24; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive package

Fully remote work

Professional development opportunities

Access to PR tools and analytics

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Senior Public Relations Manager to lead our client’s PR and communications in a fully remote role within South Africa. You will shape strategies, manage media relationships, and guide crisis communications from a distributed team.

The role requires strategy, senior-level media experience, and strong storytelling skills to elevate brand reputation and visibility across channels and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor-level degree in PR/communications or related field.
• Minimum 7 years in public relations with senior experience.
• Proven success in PR campaigns and media relations.
• Strong writing, presentation and stakeholder skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic PR plans for brand visibility.
• Cultivate relationships with media outlets, journalists, and influencers.
• Craft press releases and media kits; manage inquiries promptly.
• Oversee crisis communications and reputational risk management.
• Monitor media coverage and report sentiment and results.
• Collaborate with marketing and internal comms for cohesive messaging.
• Identify thought-leadership opportunities and speaking engagements.
• Organize press conferences and virtual media briefings.

Skills

Media relations

Crisis management

Strategic communications

Leadership

Storytelling

Remote collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Public Relations/Communications/Journalism/Marketing

Tools

PR software

Media monitoring tools

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Public Relations Manager to join their dynamic communications team. This is a fully remote position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within South Africa . You will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing comprehensive public relations strategies that enhance our client's brand reputation and visibility across various media channels. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker, an exceptional communicator, and has a proven track record of successful media relations and crisis management. This role demands a proactive approach, strong leadership qualities, and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, virtual environment. You will be instrumental in developing compelling narratives and fostering strong relationships with journalists, influencers, and key stakeholders. Your contributions will directly impact our client's brand perception and market standing. We are looking for a seasoned professional who thrives in a remote setting and is adept at collaborating effectively with distributed teams. The Senior Public Relations Manager will champion our client's message and ensure consistent brand messaging across all external communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic PR plans to achieve brand visibility and enhance reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with media outlets, journalists, and key influencers.
• Craft compelling press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.
• Manage and respond to media inquiries promptly and professionally.
• Oversee crisis communication efforts, developing strategies to mitigate reputational damage.
• Monitor media coverage and provide regular reports on performance and sentiment.
• Collaborate with marketing and internal communications teams to ensure cohesive messaging.
• Identify opportunities for thought leadership and speaking engagements for company spokespeople.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, media events, and virtual briefings.
• Stay abreast of industry trends and competitor activities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in public relations, with a significant portion in a management or senior role.
• Proven success in developing and executing PR campaigns that deliver measurable results.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a talent for storytelling and persuasive writing.
• Strong media relations experience and an established network of contacts within the South African media landscape.
• Demonstrated ability to handle crisis communications effectively.
• Proficiency in using PR software and media monitoring tools.
• Ability to work independently and manage projects autonomously in a remote setting.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package.
• Fully remote work environment with flexible working hours.
• Opportunity to work with a leading organization and shape its public image.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• Access to cutting-edge PR tools and technologies.
• A collaborative and supportive virtual team culture.
• Contribution towards home office setup and connectivity.