Senior Specialist: Public Relations (3 years FTC), Pretoria

• To be responsible for speaking on behalf of the organization by presenting the company's views as well as communicating information to and from the media, government, and the public.

Key Performance Areas:

• Lead and direct the development of reports/ policies/ procedures and guide the process through the alignment of these documents to the overall RAF's Strategy.
• Ensure regular and periodic reports are prepared and submitted as and when required to provide progress updates and/or inform management decisions.
• Monitor news, updates, and research relevant to initiatives and sectors; recommend and create related content to distribute broadly and accordingly.
• Ensure online platforms and digital communications are key vehicles for initiative efforts with high quality, relevant, timely, brand-consistent, and fresh content.
• Monitor all digital properties and communications efforts to track and respond to sentiment, alerts, and opportunities.
• Collaborate with team to create other communications content, which may include training videos, toolkits, etc.
• Maintain a functional overarching communications function that services the needs of all stakeholders.
• Launch or showcase new products and services provided by the organization.
• Manage a damaged image in a skillful manner to erase the blemish and reclaim the positive image of the organization the public.
• Manage relationships with external consultants, media houses based on partnership principles of ensuring effective capacity-building, cross-learning, and communication.
• Maintain proactive and progressive relationships with key stakeholders incl. organised labour and Attorneys etc.
• Ensure adequate representation of the organization in relevant external activities and events.
• Design and develop a communication strategy, policies and protocols designed to support and enhance the Company's Employee and Value proposition.
• Lead the implementation of the communications operational plans that will ensure alignment with short-term and long-term objectives.
• Ensure the organisation of and attending of promotional events such as press conferences, exhibitions, tours and visits.
• Represent the organization in attending public interviews, press conferences and presentations.
• Create media materials; talking points, press briefings, press releases, press packages, and review and dissemination related materials.
• Create strategy and narratives for reputation management and crisis communications.
• Apply expertise regarding editorial content and digital distribution platforms to achieve maximum reach
• Measure engagement metrics for priority campaigns on digital platforms.
• Develop social media response to crisis communications.
• Monitor social media activities and respond as necessary.
• Research best practices and recommend strategies for effective promotional campaigns.
• Protect the organization's integrity in times of crisis or emergency by providing vivid answers to the unresolved queries.

Minimum Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communication/ Media/ Public relations/ Marketing.
• Post graduate qualification in Communication/ Media/ Public relations/ Marketing.
• Postgraduate qualification in Business Management or Administration will be an added advantage.
• Relevant 10 – 12 years' experience in External Communications and Media and Public Relations management of which 5 years must have been on senior management level/area of expertise.
• Experience as a well-seasoned Spokesperson with a strong Public Relations background.
• Proven experience in developing an effective communications support strategy.
• Highly experienced in working across all social media platforms, creating content and monitoring/evaluating social media chatter that affects the corporate environment.

Technical Competencies:

• Excellent media relations skills.
• Skilled in presenting content to a range of audiences.
• Strong social/digital communications skills.
• Ability to handle any challenging questions in a professional manner.
• Experience working on a website and intranet content management.
• Experience working with multiple internal “customers” to deliver content that meet needs.
• Experience working with external marketing partners.
• Advanced written and verbal communication skills.
• Brand Development.
• Research and Business Analysis.
• Campaign Management