Senior Manager: Communication & Media at Absa Group Limited (Absa)

Job Description

• Managing incidents and issues as they arise in the interest of protecting and building Absa’s reputation.
• Developing and implementing a Group-wide issues response and crisis communications mechanisms.
• Managing media queries promptly, appropriately, and efficiently.
• Developing executive-level content and thought leadership from concept to writing.
• Developing appropriate media strategies, tactical plans and content in relation to corporate announcements.
• Maximising the dissemination of media coverage.
• Crafting effective press releases, media advisories, and media kits, often under pressure and with limited time.
• Serving as strategic advisor to Group stakeholders as well as media partners across the Group on strategic issues.
• Guiding media partners across the Group in support of compliance with relevant policies and standards.
• Developing or guiding social media and website content where appropriate.
• Arranging media-related visual elements (e.g. photography, videography, broadcasting).
• Producing media and/ or integrated reports daily, monthly, quarterly, annually and ad hoc, including advice and recommendations.
• Monitoring and reporting live issues and providing strategic advice.
• Proactively identifying media opportunities.
• Maintaining media lists.
• Maintaining the Group spokesperson’s list and advising spokespersons to improve effectiveness.
• Arranging / supporting / facilitating media training.
• Ensuring alignment with Group strategic themes and narrative across all content.
• Profiling of our capabilities, expertise, and functional prowess and leadership.
• Strategy key media relations services in support of building a universal, cohesive and bold Pan-African reputation, narrative and story.
• Support corporate communications in proactively shaping a universal cohesive external narrative and story boldly, and visibly.
• Managing and/or working with agency partners on selected projects.
• Minimum experience in mid-senior media relations role: 5 yrs
• Journalism experience preferrable
• Good understanding of business and financial matters, essential.
• Preferred qualifications: Degree in related field

Skills:

• Strong knowledge of implementing and maintaining media strategies
• Outstanding communication skills
• Ability to write exceptional quality content
• Have excellent working relationships with media
• Ability to make quick decisions in a high-pressure environment
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills
• Strong persuasion and influence abilities
• Familiarity with financial communications
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain effective media relationships

Education

• Bachelor`s Degrees and Advanced Diplomas: Communication Studies and Language (Required)