Public Relations and Events Specialist

Job description

• Develop and implement integrated public relations strategies that enhance the NEF's reputation and corporate profile.
• Manage media relations, including proactive media engagement, media queries, interview coordination and media monitoring.
• Identify and secure thought leadership and profiling opportunities for the CEO, Board Chairperson and executives.
• Draft media releases, speeches, briefing notes, talking points, opinion pieces and other communication materials.
• Coordinate crisis communication responses in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Manager.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver corporate events, launches, conferences, stakeholder engagements, exhibitions and internal events.
• Manage event logistics, suppliers, budgets and project plans to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate sponsorship activations and maximise brand visibility at sponsored events.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, industry stakeholders, government departments and strategic partners.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports evaluating the impact of public relations and events activities.
• Support integrated communication campaigns across traditional, digital and social media platforms.
• Manage appointed PR and event service providers where applicable.
• Ensure all activities comply with the NEF brand identity and corporate communications standards.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum five 5 years' experience in public relations, corporate communications and event management.
• Experience coordinating executive profiling and media engagements.
• Experience planning and delivering corporate events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Experience managing communication service providers and suppliers.
• Experience within government, development finance institutions, public entities or corporate organisations will be an advantage.

Skills

• Excellent media relations skills.
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Event planning and project management.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Crisis communication.
• Budget management.
• Vendor and supplier management.
• Excellent organisational and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree NQF Level 7 in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Corporate Communications or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Communications, Marketing or Business Management will be an added advantage.
• Professional registration with PRISA or a recognised communications body will be advantageous.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised with excellent planning abilities.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Professional and diplomatic.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Team player with the ability to work independently.
• Customer and stakeholder focused.
• Adaptable and solution oriented.