Overview


As a PR Account Executive at MSL, you are a media relations expert, seamlessly managing media relationships and all interviews. You ensure the reporting process is slick – making sure your manager receives accurate, quality reports on time, and that clients receive regular, accurate coverage updates. You have good relationships with your clients and media, and frequently write... quality, media-ready content beyond media pitches.


Responsibilities

Media lists:


Take responsibility for work with Intern/AA/AE (if applicable) to ensure media lists are regularly updated, inform the broader agency of media changes, compile tailored media lists per client content piece, and keep master client media lists updated.
Media relations: Display an excellent knowledge of the South African media landscape (and an interest in the broader African media landscape), develop solid media relationships, and own the effective running of your team’s entire media relations process.
Pitching skills: Demonstrate an ability to effectively identify, write and pitch relevant story angles to targeted media, displaying creativity and an understanding of newsworthiness.
Writing: Regularly write basic media pitches, releases and content, beyond email communication.
Research: Demonstrate effective research skills, and assimilation and presentation of information.
MSL Newsdesk: Participate in daily Newsdesk/media meetings and write up relevant news and angles in email format to share with clients (with your AD’s/AM’s approval); take notes in Newsroom meeting if asked.
Project management skills: Assist AM/SAM with taking responsibility for specific projects from start-to-finish.
Computer skills: Strong proficiency in all Microsoft Office packages including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook (or other company-preferred applications), taking Marcel Classes to become an advanced user of these programmes.


Client services


Client knowledge: Continuously grow your understanding of clients’ business and knowledge of competitors, for effective idea generation.
Client relations: Demonstrate and build on personalised, friendly rapports with clients, and show an ability to manage their expectations.
Creativity: Confidently contribute own ideas to planning or brainstorm meetings, and encourage same in Intern/AA/AE.


Agency operations


Coverage: With Intern/AA/AE, take ownership of daily coverage tracking for reports and timeous client coverage updates.
Reporting: Ensure quality, timeous monthly reports are delivered to clients.
Timesheets: Demonstrate effective time recording and reporting (daily, accurate data logged on Chase, as per Groupe deadlines).
The MSL Way: Know and live MSL’s company values in all professional interactions and work, and encourage same in Intern/AA/AE (if applicable).
Know the agency and Publicis Groupe Africa (PGA): Demonstrate familiarity with both MSL and PGA's organisational structures and offerings.


People development


Grow your supervisory skills by coaching and assisting graduates/Interns/AAs.
Assist your fellow AEs with skill development and peer-to-peer mentorship.


Qualifications


Tertiary Qualification in Public Relations
3 Years in a PR Agency. 
Ad Agency experience is Advantageous.
Corporate brand experience beneficial
Based in CT
Corporate and/or financial services experience
Strong media relations
Strong reporting capabilities (Excel and PPT competent)
Good communication skills (written and speech)
Good organisational skills (timelines/deadlines/reporting/feedback loops)


Additional information


Taking initiative: Demonstrate consistent, proactive, positive contribution at all times, as well as a self-starter approach to your work.
Proactive upskilling: Display a good understanding of content for all clients (even beyond your portfolio) and clients’ industries, staying abreast of the broader news environment and spotting opportunities for media conversation building.
Communication skills: Demonstrate excellent face-to-face, telephonic and email etiquette (internal and external), and encourage this with your team’s Intern/AA/AE (if applicable).
Time management: Effectively use and manage your own time to meet deadlines and help Intern/AA/AE (if applicable) to manage their time.
Prioritisation: Demonstrate an excellent ability to prioritise tasks and apply urgency where needed.
Detail-orientated: Execute unwavering attention to detail in all aspects, including documents, presentations, emails and all other communiques, and encourage such attention to detail with your team’s Intern/AA/AE (if applicable).
Quality: Consistently deliver quality work to professional, MSL standards, quality checking
Intern/AA/AE work before it is sent to your manager/client.
Proactive learning: Regularly make use of the Marcel Classes portal (and other internal training sessions) to upskill yourself, taking initiative and responsibility for your learning journey
Respect: Acknowledge and respond to instructions from senior staff as soon as possible (email, instant message or spoken).
Profile: Manage and build your own profile within your team and the broader agency. more

Responsibilities

Strategic Resource Management


Lead the development and implementation of high-level resource allocation strategies to optimize capacity and utilization across all departments.
Collaborate with team leaders to forecast resource needs and align them with current and upcoming project requirements.
Monitor and analyze resource utilization metrics, providing insights to... the Studio Manager and Delivery Lead to inform decision-making.
Oversee the balance of capacity, identifying when to bring in contractors, freelancers, or vendors to support effective planning and maintain financial efficiency.


Operational Planning


Work alongside the Operations Manager to coordinate resource planning efforts and ensure alignment with agency priorities.
Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure resource needs are met in a timely and efficient manner.
Assist the studio manager in developing and implementing workflows and processes that enhance resource management capabilities.


Process Optimization


Continuously evaluate resource management processes and recommend improvements to enhance scalability and efficiency.
Support change management initiatives related to resource management and process adoption.
Document and maintain operational workflows that streamline resource allocation and capacity planning.


Technology and Tools


Utilize project management and resource scheduling tools to optimize resource planning and allocation.
Provide training to resource coordinators and team members on effective use of technology and tools.
Work with IT to ensure that resource management tools meet operational requirements.


Team Collaboration and Development


Foster a culture of collaboration and high performance among resource management staff.
Mentor and guide mid and junior resource coordinators, helping them to develop skills and enhance operational efficiency.
Promote effective communication and teamwork between creative, content, social media, brand, and production teams.


Reporting and Insights


Prepare and present regular reports on resource management operations, highlighting key metrics and insights.
Provide strategic input to Studio Manager and Delivery Lead for operational planning and resource allocation decisions.


Qualifications


At least 4-5 years' experience in a high paced advertising / agency environment
Strong strategic thinking and planning skills, with the ability to handle complex resource allocation challenges.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to facilitate collaboration with cross-functional teams.
Proficiency in using advanced project management and resource allocation software (e.g., Chase, Roar, Altair).
Ability to interpret data and translate insights into actionable strategies for process improvement.
Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
Capability to operate effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Extensive experience in resource management within a creative or advertising agency environment. more

Company description

Bartle Bogle Hegarty (BBH) is a world-famous creative agency that makes jaw-dropping, thumb-stopping, eye-opening work for brands across the globe. Founded in London in 1982, we now have offices in New York, Los Angeles, Stockholm, Mumbai, Singapore...