PR Account Manager - Contract

Our client, a leading PR consultancy firm, is seeking a dynamic and strategic PR Account Manager to manage a portfolio of clients across various industries. You will oversee the development, implementation, and optimization of PR strategies that position clients effectively in the media landscape. This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution, build trusted client relationships, manage multi-channel projects, and collaborate closely with internal teams to deliver high-quality, meaningful work. Reports to: Client Service Director Industry: Public relations, Media and communication Location: Johannesburg Schedule: Monday - Friday, 08:00-17:00 Set-up: Hybrid, with required in-office days as determined by the client Contract Type: Contractor Experience level: Performance-driven (typically 2-5 years, but we value capability over tenure) Salary: Market-related and commensurate with experience

Responsibilities:

Client Partnership & Strategic Leadership

• Act as the primary point of contact for assigned clients, developing a deep understanding of their goals, needs, and industries.
• Build strong, authentic client relationships based on trust, reliability, and strategic value.
• Proactively anticipate challenges and provide solutions before they escalate.
• Manage expectations, timelines, and communication with clarity and consistency.
• PR Strategy Development & Execution
• Develop and implement PR and communication strategies that align with client objectives.
• Craft strategic media plans, content calendars, and messaging frameworks.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality execution of campaigns across earned, owned, and shared channels.
• Lead internal project kick-offs, ensuring teams have clarity on briefs, timelines, and objectives.

Media Relations & Content Creation Cultivate and maintain relationships with key journalists, editors, and influencers. Draft compelling press releases, media alerts, pitches, thought leadership pieces, and PR materials. Secure targeted media coverage across print, broadcast, digital, and social channels. Prepare spokespeople for media engagement where required. Project & Campaign Management Coordinate multi-channel initiatives to ensure they are delivered on time, within budget, and on brief. Manage internal collaboration with content creators, designers, strategists, and digital teams. Maintain proactive communication and ensure Monday.com (or similar tools) is updated daily. Track time, deliverables, and approvals with attention to detail and accountability. Insights, Reporting & Industry Awareness Monitor industry trends, news cycles, and competitor movements to identify opportunities or risks for clients. Conduct meaningful research to support strategic recommendations. Analyze campaign performance using relevant tools and deliver insightful reports. Translate data into meaningful narratives that show impact, value, and learnings. Business Growth & Internal Value Contribute ideas to enhance client growth, campaign effectiveness, and internal processes. Support new business development through proposal input, brainstorming, or presentations where needed. Participate in internal collaboration sessions and contribute to a culture of creativity and continuous improvement Qualifications & Skills Bachelor's degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, Media Studies, or similar. 3–5+ years’ experience in PR account management or similar roles (agency experience advantageous). Strong understanding of the South African media and communications landscape. Existing media relationships (advantageous but not essential if you demonstrate capability). Exceptional written and verbal communication skills; able to craft compelling narratives, pitches, and media materials. Strong strategic thinking with the ability to design and implement effective PR and communication plans aligned to client goals. Proficiency in PR insight tools, media databases, digital communication channels, and analytics platforms. Excellent organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple campaigns simultaneously. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build client trust through reliability, clarity, and understanding. Collaboration-driven mindset with the ability to integrate PR activities with digital, creative, and content teams. Ability to work independently, operate under pressure, and maintain high-quality delivery standards. Leadership capability to support, guide, or mentor junior team members where needed.

Competencies:

Strategic thinking Analytical ability Proactive problem-solving Client relationship management Stakeholder management Project management Organizing and planning Attention to detail Strong written and verbal communication Accountability Adaptability Resilience Collaboration Innovation Time management Professionalism Results-driven mindset

How to Apply:

Ready to take the next step?

• If you meet the requirements and are eager to join a dynamic PR environment, please apply.
• We look forward to reviewing your application.