Audi PR

**Job Description and Responsibilities**:

- To liaise and interact daily with the media in order to establish networks and communications channels to heighten visibility and enhance image of Audi SA and its products
- To supply accurate product, consumer and corporate information and photographic services to the media to enhance and promote the Audi brand
- To initiate, plan and support the Events Manager to execute local and international press launches and conferences to South African media/press
- To draft, process and distribute media releases about Audi products, projects and topical agenda points in order to build the Audi corporate brand.
- To monitor and analyse new product and brand publicity generated through AVE reporting with agency partners.
- To act as a company spokesperson for Audi South Africa.
- To facilitate customer service / experience concerns which have received heightened attention in the media and on social media channels.
- To attend to and draft official responses on behalf of Audi through the Customer Interaction Centre’s query system
- To curate and compile Audi brand content (lifestyle, consumer, corporate and product) for Audi SA owned channels (MyAudiWorld, Audi.co.za, Audi SA social media channels).
- Effective management and campaign support of Audi Brand Ambassadors, Audi Influencers and other publicity programmes and media partnership initiatives which may arise
- Responsible for issuing accurate Audi brand related content timeously for internal news platforms and for CRM and social media purposes
- Supporting internal communications department with Audi content in order to build an internal Audi brand at Volkswagen Group South Africa
- Control and management of Audi PR budget with monthly KPI updates for NSO Controlling and Audi Division Head
- Facilitating support and supervising the press road test programme for Audi with VW Group Communications fleet team
- Overseeing the operational management of Audi SA Press demonstrator Fleet with support from VW Group Communications and regional Fleet Managers, including maintenance of vehicles to achieve optimal usage targets
- Coordination of projects (including the Audi Corporate PR profiling / local relevance project) in conjunction with agencies
- Provide support to Audi brand marketing campaigns, projects and events in planning and leveraging any PR opportunities which may be presented
- Effectively manage the Audi PR and social media agency with regards to promoting, building and integrating the Audi brand narrative, personality and brand agenda points within the broader marketing strategy
- Effectively plan and execute Audi of South Africa’s CRM strategy and activity plan to communicate a sustained presence with Audi prospects and customers that enhances Audi SA’s corporate reputation and loyalty targets

**Education and Experience**:

- A formal 3-year National diploma or Bachelor’s degree from a recognised institution in Marketing / Communications Science / Journalism / Public Relations / Commerce
- A relevant post-graduate qualification / Honours degree would be advantageous
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in automotive Marketing and Communications

**Skills, Attributes & Other requirements**:
ESSENTIAL:

- Knowledge and understanding of marketing principles, brands and brand image
- Knowledge of existing and emerging social media platforms
- Knowledge of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) practice and principles
- Previous Marketing Communications, Journalistic and/ or Public Relations experience would be advantageous
- Sound knowledge of Audi structures, products and premium market competitors
- Appropriate insight and understanding of the automotive market and overall competitive environment
- Exhibit a suitably professional demeanor to serve as ambassador of the Audi Brand in dealing with the public and South African media
- Strong ability to plan, manage and direct the PR strategy for Audi across the sub-segments of product, brand and corporate pillars
- Keen interest in and sound understanding of CRM, digital / social media marketing, communication strategies and media principles
- Ability to listen and communicate effectively at all levels with astute verbal and written communication skills; and an excellent command of the English language in facilitating public speaking opportunities and drafting written responses and copy on behalf of the Audi brand.
- Well-developed interpersonal skills across all levels of the organization
- Ability to act as a PR champion and advisor to the Audi Leadership team in managing their speaking opportunities, presentations and engagements with the media
- Ability and confidence to negotiate and interact with main stream media, brand influencers and other public representatives on all levels
- Excellent rapport in internal / external customer relationship management and networking skills
- Ability to plan and organise effectively in supporting the Events Manager wit