Media Liason Officer

Description

• Develop and implement media relations plans and initiatives that support the Municipality's communication, marketing and stakeholder engagement objectives.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with journalists, editors, publishers, broadcasters, digital media practitioners and other media stakeholders.
• Coordinate and manage media enquiries, interview requests, press conferences, media briefings and media engagements involving municipal leadership and officials.
• Draft, edit and distribute media releases, media statements, feature articles, speeches, media advisories, opinion pieces and other communication content for publication and broadcast.
• Facilitate positive media coverage of municipal programmes, projects, events, service delivery initiatives and strategic interventions.
• Monitor print, broadcast, digital and social media coverage relating to the Municipality and prepare media analysis, press clipping and reputation management reports.
• Identify media opportunities and proactively promote municipal achievements, development programmes, investment opportunities and service delivery successes through appropriate media platforms.
• Coordinate the development and dissemination of communication content for newspapers, magazines, radio, television, websites, newsletters and other approved communication channels.
• Provide media liaison and publicity support for municipal events, outreach programmes, stakeholder engagements, campaigns and official functions.
• Assist with the preparation of media responses, talking points, key messages, speeches and briefing notes for the Mayor, Speaker, Municipal Manager and other authorised spokespersons.
• Ensure the accuracy, consistency and appropriateness of information released to the media in accordance with municipal communication policies and protocols.
• Monitor public sentiment and emerging issues in the media environment and provide recommendations on reputation management and communication interventions.
• Maintain and regularly update media databases, stakeholder contact lists, media distribution lists and communication records.
• Coordinate advertising placements and public notices in print, broadcast and digital media platforms to ensure legislative compliance and public awareness.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with media organisations and communication stakeholders to enhance municipal visibility and public engagement.
• Support crisis communication and emergency communication initiatives by facilitating timely and accurate dissemination of information to the public and media.
• Compile weekly, monthly and quarterly media performance reports, media monitoring reports and communication impact assessments.
• Represent the Communications Unit at meetings, workshops, stakeholder forums and events as delegated by management.
• Perform any other media relations, publicity and communication duties assigned by the Manager: Communications.

Requirements

• National Higher Diploma or Degree in Public Relations or equivalent
• 2 - 3 years' experience
• ICT Literacy and competence will be an added advantage
• Valid Driver's licence will be an added advantage