Senior Public Relations Specialist - Media Relations

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; Hybride; ZAR 500 000 - 750 000; Plein temps

Avantages offerts par ce poste

Health insurance

Professional development opportunities

Paid time off

Company-sponsored social events

Résumé du poste

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Public Relations Specialist to shape and disseminate the public image of its client portfolio in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. You will lead the development and execution of innovative PR strategies, manage media relationships, and drive brand visibility across channels.

You will craft compelling press materials, organize media events, monitor coverage, and provide strategic counsel on crisis communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in PR/communications/journalism/marketing or related field.
• 5–7 years in PR/media relations/corporate communications, ideally in agency or fast-paced environment.
• Proven media outreach success and positive placements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with strong storytelling.
• Strong media relations knowledge, press release formats and monitoring tools.
• Crisis communication experience is desirable.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency with social media and digital PR strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and stakeholder rapport building.
• Knowledge of Pietermaritzburg/KwaZulu-Natal media landscape is a plus.

Responsabilités

• Develop and implement PR strategies to build brand awareness and manage reputation for multiple clients.
• Cultivate relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media professionals across platforms.
• Write press releases, media advisories, and PR materials with clarity and brand alignment.
• Organize press conferences, media events, and interviews.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and report on campaign performance.
• Serve as spokesperson or media liaison as needed.
• Provide crisis communication counsel and timely responses during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with marketing/communications teams for integrated campaigns.
• Identify and pursue new media opportunities to expand reach.

Connaissances

Public relations

Media relations

Press releases

Storytelling

Social media

Crisis communications

Interpersonal skills

Formation

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

Outils

Media monitoring tools

Press release formats

Description du poste

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and forward-thinking media and communications firm, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Public Relations Specialist to join their esteemed team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal . This pivotal role will be instrumental in shaping and disseminating the public image of our client and its diverse portfolio of clients. You will be at the forefront of developing and executing innovative PR strategies that enhance brand visibility, manage corporate reputation, and foster strong relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, and the broader community. This position offers a stimulating environment where creativity and strategic thinking are highly valued, contributing directly to the success and growth of our client's brand presence. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about storytelling and possesses a keen understanding of the media landscape in South Africa and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies to enhance brand awareness and manage reputation for our client and their clients.
• Cultivate and maintain strong, trusted relationships with journalists, bloggers, influencers, and media professionals across various platforms.
• Craft compelling press releases, media advisories, and other PR materials, ensuring accuracy, clarity, and adherence to brand guidelines.
• Organize and manage press conferences, media events, and interviews, ensuring smooth execution and effective communication.
• Monitor media coverage, analyze trends, and provide regular reports on PR campaign performance and sentiment.
• Act as a key spokesperson or media liaison when required, representing our client with professionalism and expertise.
• Manage crisis communication initiatives, providing strategic counsel and timely responses during sensitive situations.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and communications teams to ensure integrated campaign efforts.
• Identify and pursue new media opportunities to expand reach and impact.

Requirements

• A Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, or corporate communications, preferably within an agency or fast-paced corporate environment.
• Proven track record of successful media outreach and securing positive media placements.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a flair for persuasive writing and storytelling.
• Strong understanding of media relations principles, press release formats, and media monitoring tools.
• Experience in crisis communication management is highly desirable.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in social media platforms and digital PR strategies.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• A deep understanding of the Pietermaritzburg and KwaZulu-Natal media landscape would be advantageous.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive remuneration package commensurate with experience and expertise.
• Employees will benefit from a comprehensive health insurance plan, including medical aid and gap cover.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning are actively encouraged, with access to industry workshops and training programs.
• A supportive and collaborative work environment fosters personal and professional growth.
• Furthermore, this role provides the chance to work on diverse and high-profile projects, significantly enhancing your career trajectory within the Media & PR sector in South Africa .
• Employees also enjoy paid time off and company-sponsored social events.