Senior Pr Communications Strategist

Interactive Brand Solutions (IBS) is an integrated communications and brand solutions agency working across public and private sector clients. We support clients with strategic communications, reputation management, media relations, campaigns, content, events and stakeholder engagement. About the role IBS is seeking a Senior PR Communications Strategist to lead integrated PR, media relations and strategic communications across multiple client accounts. This is a senior, client-facing role suited to someone who can move comfortably between strategy and execution. The successful candidate will advise clients on messaging, positioning and reputation, while also ensuring that PR activity, media engagement, content, events and reporting are delivered to a high standard. The role reports to the head of strategy and  managing director and will work closely with internal teams across strategy, digital, creative and media buying. Key client environments The role may support clients across sectors such as: Manufacturing and industrial sectorsRail, infrastructure and related industriesSETAs and skills development entitiesEconomic development agenciesDFIs, SEZs, trade and investment bodiesPublic sector and institutional clientsCorporate and executive leadership teamsKey responsibilities Strategic Communications Develop and implement integrated PR and communications strategiesProvide senior counsel to clients on positioning, messaging and reputational riskTranslate client objectives into clear communication frameworksLead narrative development across campaigns, milestones and thought leadership platformsSupport reputation-building strategies for institutional and corporate clientsMedia relations and publicity Drive proactive media engagement across print, broadcast, digital and specialist platformsSecure high-value media opportunities including interviews, profiles, features and commentaryBuild, manage and maintain relevant media databases and engagement platformsPrepare clients for interviews, press engagements, briefings and public-facing momentsSupport media briefings, press conferences, launches and campaign announcementsContent development and thought leadership Write and oversee press releases, media statements, opinion pieces and media responsesDevelop executive thought leadership, speeches, talking points, Q and A's and briefing documentsShape executive profiling strategies for CEOs, boards and senior leadership teamsEnsure all written work is clear, accurate, polished, strategic and aligned to client objectivesStakeholder and reputation management Design and support stakeholder engagement strategiesHelp clients build credibility, visibility and trust with key audiencesManage sensitive communication issues with maturity and discretionSupport crisis communications and reputational risk responses where requiredMinimum requirements 12 years experience in PR, communications, media relations or strategic communicationsProven experience in an agency or multi-client environmentStrong experience working with senior clients, executives or leadership teamsExcellent writing, editing and messaging skillsStrong media relations experience and established media networksExperience working with public sector, DFIs, development agencies, institutional or corporate clientsProven ability to develop communication strategies and execute campaignsAbility to manage multiple accounts, deadlines and stakeholders at the same timeStrong project management, reporting and analytical skillsJohannesburg-based, with availability for remote work and local travel to client sites when requiredAdvantageous experience Crisis communications experienceExperience in branding, advertising or integrated campaignsExperience supporting events, conferences, activations or stakeholder engagementsExperience working across public sector and private sector portfoliosExisting relationships with national, business, sector-specific and broadcast mediaHow to apply Please submit your CV, a short cover note and examples of relevant work to: [[zanda@interactivebs.co.za]] In your application, please briefly outline: 1. Your senior PR and communications experience 2. Your experience managing multiple clients or accounts 3. Your public sector, institutional, DFI, development agency or corporate experience 4. One example of a communications campaign, media project or executive profiling project you have led Closing date: 25 June 2026 Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applicants must be based in Johannesburg.