Public Relations Manager Africa & Middle East at Sage

The Public Relations Manager will drive and manage all public relations and media activity for the Africa Middle East region (AME) while working closely with the Communications Director to define and deliver on the overarching regional strategy.

This role is responsible for creating our Segment PR strategy with the responsibility for developing and writing a wide range of communications in support of the Sage public relations strategy, including press releases, articles, speeches, blogs and other related documents. They will develop and maintain lines of communication with media contacts and other external audience groups while leading projects with PR agencies that generate positive media coverage to build Sage’s brand awareness and reputation in the technology and business markets, promoting our strategy, products and services, and establishing thought leadership throughout target industries.
This person will work closely with the extended Marketing organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Setting PR strategy at business unit/segment level, feeding into overall AME marketing and communications objectives, to include development of thought leadership campaigns and topics.
• Close collaboration and planning with the regional business and marketing teams to ensure an integrated Public Relations and Marketing plan to support the business to reach its objectives.
• External communications content development including press releases, messaging, interview/event talking points, FAQs, etc.
• Management of budget and resources for PR activities, campaigns, and programs.
• External media and/or analyst relations – proactive and reactive program, thought leadership, traditional media, analyst, blogger and influencer outreach.
• Drive clear integration of communication strategy with Social and Content Marketing.
• Management and co-ordination of external resources, such as PR agency, and/or freelancers supporting business unit/segment strategy execution, driving achievement of KPIs for all Public Relations activities.
• Build, own and extend relationships with priority business, technology media and influencers.
• Executive/Spokesperson coaching, message development, management of appointments virtually and in person.
• Identify and work with local spokespeople to build their public profile and position them in target media.
• Produce regional content to drive organic Public Relations success – press releases, thought leadership articles, advisories, news commentary, etc.
• Monitor relevant topics and discussions in target media to identify opportunities for Sage to provide relevant commentary.
• Manage product communication.
• Coordination with media and thought leaders at Sage Events.
• Support the Sage Foundation and the roll-out of Sage Group campaigns in South Africa.