Specialist: Media Relations

Job Advert Summary
Purpose Statement

To develop and support the implementation of media relations operational plan aimed at enhancing effective relations with the media as well as support the broader reputation enhancement of the SABS.

About SABS

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) is mandated to develop, promote and maintain South African National Standards (SANS), promote quality in connection with commodities, products and services, and render conformity assessment services and assist in matters connected therewith. Working for the SABS opens the mind to the world around you. We offer diverse career paths in dynamic environment that nurtures and recognises talent and potential. Become part of our vision of being a trusted standardisation and business assurance solution provider and join a team that fosters accountability, excellence and innovation in an inclusive workplace.

SABS is an equal opportunities employer, and our recruitment will be done in line with the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and our EE Policy. Please note that applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

Minimum Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS AND SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS/REGISTRATION

• Diploma + Advanced Diploma / B-Degree in Public Relations, Journalism or Communication or a related field. (NQF Level 7)

EXPERIENCE

• 8 years relevant work experience in media relations (Operational Level)
• 4 years specialist experience (Operational Level)
• Proven track record in developing media relations strategies and annual media plans at corporate level (Operational Level)
• Proven track record in writing and disseminating media releases. (Operational Level)

Duties and Responsibilities
Functional Management

• Contribute to the development of and implement a media relations operational plan in collaboration with the Head.
• Develop and implement an annual media plan with quarterly deliverables in collaboration with the Head.
• Provide subject matter expertise to the organisation regarding media relations protocols and processes.
• Communicate overall media trends and results to the various business unit managers in consultation with the Head.
• Act as media liaison for the SABS, when required.
• Review media policies and procedures in consultation with the Head, as and when required.
• Identify opportunities to improve media exposure.
• Resolve media relations queries professionally within scope of control and timeously according to approved standard operating procedures, in consultation with the Head.
• Develop and maintain appropriate relationships with the media.
• Responsible for the dissemination of media releases in consultation with the Head, and management of a media list.
• Ensure the effective media monitoring of SABS operations.
• Release disseminated press releases to the SABS Marketing & Communications business unit for inclusion on relevant channels (e.g., website, social media, internal email, etc.) in consultation with the Head.
• Implement all media initiatives according to the approved standard operating procedures to minimize all brand risk and build the SABS corporate identity in the market.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders on media initiatives when required.
• Provide input and compile reports and presentations as requested
• Research and update the head regarding the latest media best practice

Risk and Compliance Management

• Assist in identifying and adhering to fraud controls, risk prevention principles, sound governance and compliance processes, and tools to identify and manage risks.
• Monitor changes in the regulatory environment and ensure that appropriate operational controls are implemented to address new requirements.
• Support and provide evidence to all internal and external audit and regulatory requirements.
• Adhere to all relevant laws, policies and Standard Operating Procedures throughout the organisation.

Stakeholder Management

• Identify and mitigate internal systems and procedural barriers to enhance excellent customer service.
• Build and maintain effective internal and external stakeholder relationships for the purpose of expectations management, knowledge sharing and integration, and to manage the organisation's reputation.
• Represent and participate in the organisation's committees and tasks teams when required.
• Convene and attend meetings and present findings and business cases to relevant stakeholders when required.
• Actively liaise and build relationships with SABS clients and service providers to ensure that the service standards are met appropriately.
• Effectively manage customer complaints through timeous resolution and/or escalation as required.
• Analyze queries and develop mechanisms to proactively resolve common issues and share lessons learned.

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