Freelance writer with PR background is preferred

Generation of intelligent, accurate and effective written content that delivers on our clients’ requirements. Specifically: 600-word press releases, 900-word features/ op-eds/ profiles, 5 000-word papers, and editing content.

MAIN OUTPUTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THIS POSITION:

Strategic Planning and SEO

• Gain a solid understanding of the client’s industry, business and objectives
• Contribute to developing content themes, key messages and angles for annual and campaign plans
• Assist with researching and defining a set of keywords and content themes per brand, for search engine optimisation purposes
• Keep abreast with industry trends and latest news

Quality Control

• Ensure that the written content produced is of quality, aligned to the brief, and is relevant to the reader, the medium and publication(s)
• Thoroughly proof read and edit written content to ensure that the spelling and grammar is correct, including names
• Accountable for fact checking, including figures
• Deliver on the pre-agreed content within the agreed timeframes

External Relationship Development and Management

• Build and manage client and spokesperson relationships through all interactions
• Attend client briefings and events and liaise with them as required
• Set-up and attend interviews with spokespersons and manage the approval process
• Effectively manage client expectations, revisions and the approval process

Internal Collaboration, Reporting and Billing

• Liaise with the line-manager and content managers and PR team regarding brief clarity, implementation, quality control and approvals
• Regular, clear verbal and written communication as required
• Attending meetings as required
• Adhere to established processes
• Timeous reconciliation of agreed requirements and invoicing for completed work

Job Evaluation Criteria

Formal Education

• Minimum relevant tertiary degree or higher-diploma qualification in Journalism, English, Marketing, PR or Communications

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience of generating quality written content for a range of media channels and publications
• Minimum 5 years of editing, proof reading and fact checking experience
• Project management
• Relationship development and management.
• Must have experience writing on the following: Current Affairs, Energy, Environment, Education, Business and Finance

Knowledge

• Strong knowledge of related industries such as Marketing, Communications, PR Advertising and Digital
• Highly knowledgeable in Writing, Journalism and Media.
• Knowledge of media in specific industries including Education; Health; NGOs; Financial; Environmental

Skills

• Strong planning ability including multitasking and prioritisation
• Strong organisational and administration skills
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Work well in a team environment
• Problem solving skills
• Strong MS Office (Word; PowerPoint)
• Ability to work with limited supervision i.e. self-managed

Attributes

• Service oriented
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to take responsible initiative
• Positive attitude with a willingness to learn
• Approachable
• Team player
• Ability to take constructive criticism to develop