Wilderness is looking for a dynamic and creative Communications and PR professional to join their growing Corporate Communications team. In this role you will be tasked with media relationship management and creating newsworthy, innovative and compelling content to help build and grow Wilderness reputation as a world-leading conservation and hospitality company across all PR and media channels locally, nationally and internationally.
You have a passion for investigating new and interesting angles and trends, expertly crafting content pieces and various media/PR pitches, including, but not limited to, press releases, thought-leadership pieces, promotion of story angles, biographies and interesting impact stories. With excellent people skills, you also have a positive impact on building and nurturing media relationships, using the power of PR to help grow Wilderness brand and its positive reputation across various channels and markets.
Youll work closely with team members from across the Wilderness Group, as well as collaborate closely with Marketings other teams: Creative, Brand & Content, Digital and Trade & Partnerships, as well as the Trade and Media team to host targeted A-list media at Wilderness camps; helping to build the brand through press trips and the promotion of news, events, changes, campaigns and successes across a range of media, whether print, digital, video, podcasts or events and presentations.
Were looking for an experienced communications and PR account executive, who is excited about both offline and online experiences, and who understands how to use investigative journalism to bring corporate communications and PR copywriting requirements to life, as well as harnessing the power of PR to build media relationships and increase Wilderness coverage, ultimately increasing brand awareness and sales.
The applicant will play an important role in ensuring that the Wilderness Safaris brand not only remains present in the relevant markets, but grows in line with the companys overall strategic business and marketing goals, driving consumer awareness and ultimately sales.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the media team with all PR copywriting requirements to build Wilderness brand and reputation across various markets in the form of copy and collateral, including but not limited to: press releases, award applications, opinion pieces, identification and promotion of story angles and compiling media pitches, tourism board and stakeholder engagement etc.
- Identify newsworthy angles and story ideas to write compelling, interesting and industry-leading content for various niche journalists and markets.
- Answer a range of media queries and interviews, pushing the relevant key messages.
- Edit and fact-check externally produced copy for media.
- Write wholly or partially article-style reports of travels to Wilderness camps or trend pieces for use in media or on websites.
- Conduct interviews with business stakeholders to gain insights for content angles.
- Work with the PR Managers to drive the companys PR and media relations for various identified markets, including growing A-list media targets, coverage, overseeing the logistical planning and bookings of press trips, media liaison, event planning etc.
- Assist with goal setting and PR strategies as required to strategically drive targeted publicity opportunities and generate sales, nurturing and growing key media and stakeholder relationships.
- Contribute to the broader marketing team through exceptional understanding and knowledge of Wilderness, our culture, values, as well as our business, marketing and impact strategies.
- Ensure that our brand values are consistently and accurately portrayed throughout the business, driving brand consistency across all company communications.
- Contribute to regular workshops on Wilderness marketing, brand and impact strategies, and assist with any reasonable task related to the function of the marketing, communications, PR and media relations teams.
- Excellent analytical and communication skills, both written and oral.
- Excellent understanding of PR and media relations and the ability to source, build, nurture and grow new contacts from various identified markets.
- Ability to think and write strategically and conceptually to develop innovative story angles.
- A deep understanding of how to write unique content marrying creativity with business acumen.
- Confidence, energy and dynamism with the ability to work with an array of internal and external stakeholders.
- Experience in creating briefs and working with other marketing departments to create collateral required for high-end media and other external comms requirements.
- Strong attention to detail and creative understanding of what makes a good story while adhering to brand guidelines and key messages.
- Strong interpersonal skills.
- Maturity and groundedness to work with an array of internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
- Strong eye for detail and passionate about ensuring only the best work leaves the door.
- A passion for current trends coupled with a deep understanding of PR and corporate communications.
- Open to feedback with confidence required to know how and when to defend writing choices.
- Qualification: Bachelors degree in English, Journalism, Marketing or PR Communications.
- 5+ years of experience in corporate communications or PR, 3 of which within the travel and/or conservation tourism sector. Wide knowledge of the safari industry and luxury tourism a plus.
- Exposure to a range of different marketing channels, both offline and online
- A passion for travel, wildlife and a commitment to impact and conservation
- A love for PR and media, relationship building and crafting expertly-written copy
- Wilderness is a world-leading conservation and hospitality company, operating in seven countries and across more than 60 exceptional camps and lodges. Located in some of the continents most remote, pristine and game-rich wilderness areas, the company offers unforgettable and exclusive adventures that help protect biodiversity, conserve wildlife and uplift local communities. Wilderness believes in creating impactful journeys, which it has been doing for some four decades. The companys purpose today is stronger than ever in its dedication to conserving and restoring Africas wilderness and wildlife.
