Strategic Public Affairs & Media Relations Lead - Durban

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual bonus

Comprehensive medical aid plan

Pension fund with employer contrib.

Generous paid time off

Company vehicle or travel allowance

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Public Affairs and Media Relations Officer based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will manage relationships with government and media, craft narratives, respond to inquiries, and disseminate information timely.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong policy understanding, and ability to engage diverse stakeholders; you will organize press events and advise management on public perception and policy impacts. Durban-based with potential travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, Journalism or related field.
• Minimum 6 years in public affairs, media relations, or government relations.
• Proven media relations and public perception management.
• Strong understanding of government processes and policy environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication with persuasive writing.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build trust.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public affairs strategies.
• Serve as primary media contact and respond to press inquiries.
• Draft and distribute press releases and statements.
• Cultivate relationships with local, regional, and national media.
• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment.
• Organise press conferences, media briefings, and interviews.
• Advise management on public perception and policy impacts.
• Engage with government officials and community leaders.
• Support CSR initiatives.
• Analyse policy developments and implications.

Skills

Public affairs

Media relations

Policy understanding

Persuasive writing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or Journalism

Tools

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Placements24 is seeking a Public Affairs and Media Relations Officer based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. You will manage relationships with government and media, craft narratives, respond to inquiries, and disseminate information timely.

The role requires strategic thinking, strong policy understanding, and ability to engage diverse stakeholders; you will organize press events and advise management on public perception and policy impacts. Durban-based with potential travel.