Writer

The writer will be responsible for the production of editorial and PR content within Ogilvy Public Relations South Africa. He/She needs to be innovative and live up to the challenges of a demanding yet rewarding media relations portfolio.

Main Job Tasks and Responsibilities

1. Working closely with the Editorial Director, Business Unit Direction and client service teams, he/she will be required to develop and identify media opportunities, story angles, editorial content, PR media releases, features, opinion articles, and surveys/advertorials, as well as internal and external communications for clients.
2. In-depth knowledge of the media landscape with the ability to specify the role of each medium – why it has been chosen and what it will do for any campaign.
3. Setting overall communication objectives, by medium, i.e. reach and frequency targets.
4. Assist in developing content strategies that give direction in terms of content and timings.
5. Develop and implement media interaction programmes for clients.
6. Where necessary, work with the MD to develop media strategies.
7. Constantly up-to-date with the news.
8. Develop and maintain strong media relationships with media outlets.

Skills Required

1. Develop media opportunities for clients.
2. Ability to work up usable news angles appropriate to client objectives and media audiences.
3. Excellent editorial and creative writing skills.
4. Sound skills in Microsoft Office Suite.
5. Good analysis and interpretation skills.
6. Ability to work with speed under pressure – accurately.
7. Responsible and reliable.

Knowledge Required

1. Knowledge and understanding of Consumer client’s business.
2. Productive (must be a self-starter, able to work alone).
3. Interrogation of target markets and understanding the consumer.
4. Fully proficient on local media trends and international trends.