Communications Specialist, South Africa + SADC at TikTok

Job Purpose 

• The communications team is a group of storytellers, reputation guards, credibility builders and image shapers. For this role, you should have a proven ability to easily distill and communicate complex issues on a short deadline. The ideal candidate has excellent media relations skills, the ability to analyze opportunities and risks associated with media inquiries, and the strategic judgment to respond accordingly. You're good at connecting the dots and seeing the bigger picture. You work well under pressure, thrive in an entrepreneurial environment, and you're able to respond to and collaborate on a range of situations with empathy and a people-first mindset.

Responsibilities:

• Support sub-regional strategy at market level, that will feed into the wider Sub-Saharan Africa & METAP strategies to build trust in our content, ad services, our product and our company.
• Keep a close eye on surrounding markets covered in sub-region to help pre-empt any potential challenges that may arise 
• Develop and execute communications campaigns to support TikTok's strategic objectives in the market, linked to clear goals and metrics.
• Draft and review internal documents
• Work with teams across the company including operations, marketing, partnerships, product, and policy to provide strategic guidance and local insights
• Assist the Communications Lead by collaborating with cross-functional teams on blog posts, media pitches, and launch materials etc
• Support spokespeople in preparation for media interviews, presentations, and other speaking engagements
• Build and maintain relationships with media and influencers across different beats that will help us serve our reputation management, as well as support cross-function team goals
• Managing positive working relationships with local cross-function teams 
• Provide counsel to cross-function teams during issues or crisis 
• Provide ongoing product and policy risk review and counsel
• Support team with local language translations where required
• Work closely with PR agencies to ensure meticulous execution of tasks 

Qualifications

• Based in Johannesburg
• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or related field
• 5+ years proven communications and PR experience (B2C PR/Comms agency, corporate communications experience preferable)
• Understanding of local media and creator market and trends
• Good understanding of TikTok as a user 
• Strong existing media relationships
• Strong project management skills 
• Able to develop campaigns/comms strategies and execute these independently 
• Strong written and oral communication skills in English and excellent interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to handle multiple projects and positive about working in a fast-paced environment
• Highly organized with attention to detail
• Self-starter and an independent worker
• Tech industry experience advantageous