Media Relations Specialist

Role overview

The media buying consultant will develop and execute media buying strategies across broadcast, print, and digital platforms in line with client goals and campaign intent. The consultant will guide clients in making data-informed media investment decisions, manage third-party costs and production budgets, and ensure transparent reporting and skill transfer throughout the engagement.

Key responsibilities

Client-focused media strategy

• Develop tailored media relations strategies aligned with client communication objectives, key messages, and stakeholder landscape.
• Provide strategic counsel on media trends, opportunities, and risks.

Media engagement and relationship building

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, producers, and influencers across all media tiers in South Africa.
• Secure media coverage by proactively pitching stories, coordinating interviews, and facilitating client access to the right media platforms.
• Act as a spokesperson or media liaison on behalf of clients when required.

Content development and storytelling

• Draft compelling press releases, op-eds, thought leadership articles, media advisories, briefing notes, and speaking points tailored to different media tiers.
• Translate complex technical or policy-driven content into accessible, newsworthy narratives for mainstream and community outlets.

Media monitoring and reporting

• Track and analyse media coverage across all platforms, providing clients with insights and reports.
• Deliver media clippings, coverage reports, sentiment analysis, and recommendations for future engagement.

Issues and crisis communication

• Support clients with media preparedness and rapid response during reputational risks or crises.
• Develop holding statements, media FAQs, and reactive messaging aligned with client reputation strategies.

Required qualifications and experience

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, media studies, communications, journalism, or related field.
• Minimum five years’ experience in media relations or journalism, ideally in an agency setting working with both public and private sector clients.
• Proven ability to secure media coverage across national, regional, and community/niche media.
• Solid understanding of government communication protocols and corporate brand positioning.
• Strong network of South African media contacts across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.

Key skills and attributes

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.
• Sharp news sense with the ability to identify media opportunities across sectors.
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple accounts.
• Culturally sensitive, able to craft messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools and platforms (e.g., Meltwater, Newsclip).

Why join Rito Group?

• Be part of a passionate, values-driven team that thrives on co-creating with clients.
• Gain exposure to high-impact projects across industries, government departments, state-owned enterprises, and the development sector.
• Work in an agency that values transformation, innovation, and meaningful storytelling.

To apply

Send your CV, cover letter, and two to three media samples (e.g., press release, media strategy, or published article) to acirfa.puorgotir@ofni with the subject line: Media relations specialist application – [Your Name].

Company Description

About Rito Group

Rito Group is a full-service, black-owned integrated marketing communications agency trusted by public and private sector clients for impactful solutions across PR, media relations, brand strategy, events, and stakeholder engagement. We’re looking for a results-oriented Media Buying Consultant to help us deliver strategic, cost-effective media placement solutions for our clients.

Posted on 28 Mar 11:01, Closing date 30 Apr