Lead, Public Relations and Media

**Job Advert Summary**:
**PURPOSE**:

- Responsible for proactively shaping the group external communication strategy, including social media and public relations, in alignment with our Sustainable Growth and Impact strategy objectives.
- Accountable for the strategic management and enhancement of Exxaro’s public image, credibility, and reputation across all media platforms and/or channels.
- Drive enhancement of Exxaro’s media presence through the shaping and development of consistent positive messaging and brand positioning across all media channels aimed at positioning Exxaro as an industry leader.
- Cultivate positive relationships with media stakeholders (media, journalists, influencers, media analysts, etc.) aimed at ensuring favourable coverage while aligning external communication with internal strategic objectives for an enhanced public profile.
- Accountable for the positive and favourable performance of our external communications showing visible growth in our share of voice in the market.
- Advise Exxaro’s leadership team on external communications through, among others, insights driven reporting as a thought leader.
- Empower the team to contribute effectively to value creation.

**MAJOR CHALLENGES**:

- Effectively managing and mitigating potential public relations crisis to protect the organisation’s public image and reputation.
- Proactive management of communication risks (including misinformation and fraud).
- Staying current with the evolving media trends and adapting tactics to maximise organisational brand exposure while still maintaining Exxaro’s ways of working.
- Ensuring consistent and positive messaging across all our strategic external communication channels.
- Engaging consistently with media stakeholders to enhance the organisation's presence and reputation.
- Tailoring communication strategies in consideration of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) factors.
- Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of PR efforts and quantifying the impact on the organisation's overall objectives through metrics reporting and achieved success indicators.
- Balancing the expectations and information needs of various stakeholder audiences across various channels, including Board Members, EXCO, employees, investors, customers, and the public.

**Minimum Requirements**:
**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- B Degree (Hons) (Relevant) (Essential/Minimum)
- Management Development Programme (Essential/Minimum)

**EXPERIENCE**:
8 years Relevant experience in external communications, PR, functional and people management. Experience in crisis communication and issues management. Be knowledgeable in diverse communications channels (including digital platforms) and demonstrate experience in social media tactics. (Essential/Minimum) Operational

**REQUIREMENTS**:

- Psychometric Assessment (Essential/Minimum)
- Certificate of Fitness (Essential/Minimum)
- Int. Assoc of Business Communication (Recommended/Desirable)
- Public Relations Institute of SA Acc (Recommended/Desirable)

**Duties & Responsibilities**:
**Compliance, Governance and Assurance**
- Ensure all initiatives are delivered in accordance with the Company and Corporate Communications policies, guidelines, procedures etc.
- Adhere to sound corporate governance principles and address discrepancies.
- Navigate legal and ethical considerations in external communication, ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining ethical standards in accordance with Exxaro’s policies.
- Stay abreast of and comply with legal/regulatory frameworks governing social media and PR, including data protection, cybersecurity, advertising standards, and disclosure requirements.
- Be responsible for the development and maintenance of Exxaro’s social media and PR policies outlining acceptable behaviour, content guidelines, and legal considerations.

**Functional Excellence**
- Develop, drive, and execute public and media relations excellence initiatives that improves the function.
- Co-own the Investor Relations and Liaison function and cross
- functional forums/Communities of Practice (COPs)/content councils as required to ensure alignment, coordination around best practice.
- Benchmark against global standards
- Develop, implement, and monitor sound metrics reporting.
- Identify and manage external communication risks.

**Internal Support**
- Provide group media relations service and support Executives with their media engagements.
- Arrange/facilitate media interviews including preparing spokespersons for media interactions.
- Monitor media opinions/coverage and report to Executives.
- Develop and communicate self-service tools to manage demand down for specialist support.
- Collaborate with internal teams (e.g., Sustainable Impact, SRG, Strategy and Growth) and maintain open communication with senior management.
- Guide local PR activities at BUs.

**People Management**
- Staffing: Select/appoint/onboard PR and media staff.
- performance.
- Talent development