Senior PR Communications Strategist

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.

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Write and oversee press releases, media statements, opinion pieces and media responses
• Develop executive thought leadership, speeches, talking points, Q & 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

Please submit your CV, a short cover note and examples of relevant work to:

In your application, please briefly outline:

Closing date: 25 June 2026

Please note:

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be based in Johannesburg.