Senior Public Relations Specialist - Remote

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

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Professional development

Flexible work arrangements

Cutting-edge PR tools

Competitive salary

Medical aid and retirement fund

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Senior Public Relations Specialist for a fully remote role across South Africa. The successful candidate will drive PR strategy, manage media relations, and shape brand narrative from a home office. Strong writing, relationship management, and crisis comms experience are essential.

Remote-first culture emphasizes collaboration and impact. The ideal candidate has 5–7 years in PR or corporate communications, with a proven track record in campaigns, monitoring, and reporting.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic leader in the media landscape, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Public Relations Specialist to join their innovative team. This is a fully remote position, offering flexibility and the opportunity to work from anywhere within South Africa. The ideal candidate will be instrumental in shaping and amplifying our client's brand narrative across various platforms. You will develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies, manage media relations, and ensure consistent brand messaging. This role demands a strategic thinker with a proven track record in public relations, excellent communication skills, and a passion for storytelling. If you are a proactive individual looking to make a significant impact in a remote-first environment, this opportunity is for you. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and supportive remote culture, ensuring all team members feel connected and valued. The successful candidate will be a key player in driving our client's public image and communications efforts from the comfort of their home office.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic public relations plans to enhance brand visibility and reputation.
• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key media contacts, influencers, and stakeholders.
• Craft compelling press releases, media kits, and other PR materials.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends, providing regular reports and insights.
• Manage crisis communications and provide strategic counsel during sensitive situations.
• Organize and coordinate press conferences, media events, and interviews.
• Collaborate with internal marketing and communications teams to ensure integrated campaign efforts.
• Measure and report on the effectiveness of PR campaigns and initiatives.
• Identify new opportunities for media engagement and brand storytelling.
• Act as a brand ambassador, upholding the company's values and messaging.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5-7 years of progressive experience in public relations or corporate communications, preferably within a fast-paced agency or in-house setting.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing successful PR campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with media outlets and journalists.
• Experience in media monitoring, analysis, and reporting.
• Strong understanding of current media and PR landscape, including digital and social media.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet tight deadlines in a remote setting.
• Proficiency in PR software and tools (e.g., Cision, Meltwater).
• Resilience and a calm demeanor when handling crisis situations.

Benefits

• Competitive annual salary package.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
• A fully remote work environment, promoting work-life balance.
• Access to cutting-edge PR tools and technologies.
• Collaborative and supportive virtual team culture.
• Performance-based bonuses and incentives.