Senior PR Communications Strategist (Johannesburg)

Job description

Interactive Brand Solutions (IBS) is an integrated communications and brand solutions agency working across public and private sector clients. We support clients with strategic communications, reputation management, media relations, campaigns, content, events and stakeholder engagement.

About the role

IBS is seeking a Senior PR Communications Strategist to lead integrated PR, media relations and strategic communications across multiple client accounts. This is a senior, client-facing role suited to someone who can move comfortably between strategy and execution. The successful candidate will advise clients on messaging, positioning and reputation, while also ensuring that PR activity, media engagement, content, events and reporting are delivered to a high standard.

The role reports to the head of strategy and  managing director and will work closely with internal teams across strategy, digital, creative and media buying.

Key client environments

The role may support clients across sectors such as:

• Manufacturing and industrial sectors
• Rail, infrastructure and related industries
• SETAs and skills development entities
• Economic development agencies
• DFIs, SEZs, trade and investment bodies
• Public sector and institutional clients
• Corporate and executive leadership teams

Key responsibilities

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement integrated PR and communications strategies
• Provide senior counsel to clients on positioning, messaging and reputational risk
• Translate client objectives into clear communication frameworks
• Lead narrative development across campaigns, milestones and thought leadership platforms
• Support reputation-building strategies for institutional and corporate clients

Media relations and publicity

• Drive proactive media engagement across print, broadcast, digital and specialist platforms
• Secure high-value media opportunities including interviews, profiles, features and commentary
• Build, manage and maintain relevant media databases and engagement platforms
• Prepare clients for interviews, press engagements, briefings and public-facing moments
• Support media briefings, press conferences, launches and campaign announcements

Content development and thought leadership

• Write and oversee press releases, media statements, opinion pieces and media responses
• Develop executive thought leadership, speeches, talking points, Q and A's and briefing documents
• Shape executive profiling strategies for CEOs, boards and senior leadership teams
• Ensure all written work is clear, accurate, polished, strategic and aligned to client objectives

Stakeholder and reputation management

• Design and support stakeholder engagement strategies
• Help clients build credibility, visibility and trust with key audiences
• Manage sensitive communication issues with maturity and discretion
• Support crisis communications and reputational risk responses where required

Campaign, event and project management

• Lead PR delivery across multiple campaigns and accounts simultaneously
• Coordinate with internal strategy, creative, digital and media buying teams
• Align PR activity with the broader PESO model (paid, earned, shared and owned)
• Support communications around events, conferences, activations and stakeholder engagements
• Develop media angles, run-of-show communications and post-event coverage plans
• Manage VIP protocol and executive participation where required

Reporting and analytics

• Produce monthly and campaign reports
• Analyse media coverage, reach, sentiment and campaign performance
• Track ROI, AVE and other relevant PR reporting metrics where required
• Use reporting insights to refine communications strategy and demonstrate client value

Minimum requirements

• 12 years experience in PR, communications, media relations or strategic communications
• Proven experience in an agency or multi-client environment
• Strong experience working with senior clients, executives or leadership teams
• Excellent writing, editing and messaging skills
• Strong media relations experience and established media networks
• Experience working with public sector, DFIs, development agencies, institutional or corporate clients
• Proven ability to develop communication strategies and execute campaigns
• Ability to manage multiple accounts, deadlines and stakeholders at the same time
• Strong project management, reporting and analytical skills
• Johannesburg-based, with availability for remote work and local travel to client sites when required

Advantageous experience

• Crisis communications experience
• Experience in branding, advertising or integrated campaigns
• Experience supporting events, conferences, activations or stakeholder engagements
• Experience working across public sector and private sector portfolios
• Existing relationships with national, business, sector-specific and broadcast media

Technical skills

• Advanced Microsoft Office skills
• Media database and media monitoring experience
• Mailchimp or similar campaign/database management platform experience
• Canva or similar content development tool experience
• PR reporting, media tracking and analytics tool experience

How to apply