Percy Mayaba

Johannesburg, ****

+277********,

ady56r@r.postjobfree.com

Professional Summary

Focused on managing news coverage in an accurate and results-driven manner to increase readers and publication profits. Well-versed in assigning stories, shaping content and directing highly qualified professionals to achieve demanding targets under tight deadlines.

Results-driven editing and team leader knowledgeable about managing content, assessing quality and writing policies. Advanced skills in conducting interviews, assigning stories and shaping pieces. Detail-oriented and systematic with a superior work ethic.

Goal-oriented news professional well-versed in leading reporters, designers and production staff to put together and publish targeted content. Strong communicator and planner with complex problem-solving skills, a proactive mentality and a solid record of locking in highly-desired interviews and breaking news stories.

Determined professional with high integrity and great communication skills. Never tires of investigating stories and covering important topics.

Experience

Managing Editor, 10/2015 - 07/2023

Banking And Investments Magazine - Johannesburg

Developed story ideas and assigned topics to team of writers.

Evaluated and fact-checked all copy to verify accuracy and quality of work.

Proofed written works, shaped content and helped improve overall work quality.

Coordinated workflows and delegated tasks within fast-paced publishing environment.

Developed rapport with government agencies, businesses and community leaders to stay on top of breaking news.

Wrote and scheduled social posts across multiple channels for all content pieces.

Enforced style guide requirements and adherence to industry best practices, supporting consistent quality.

Monitored and enforced deadlines, managing multiple workflows to support publications timelines.

Optimised all content for widest possible reach, implementing fundamental SEO practices to improve search results.

Collaborated with creative directors, graphic designers and producers to execute projects with precision and achieve project goals.

Selected images to accompany written copy, using stock photos and graphics in alignment with style guidelines.

Collaborated with writers to maintain individual voice while eliminating issues with factual accuracy, grammar and spelling.

Verified facts using standard reference sources and industry best practices to reduce risks of falsified data.

Implemented and improved strategies for online and print publications to optimise coverage, increase revenue and grow subscription numbers.

Assigned engaging blog posts, articles and freelance work to dynamic writer team.

Worked with authors to verify adherence to editorial standards, reviewing and preparing for sign-off.

Offered clear editorial advice to producers, working with content and context cues to improve quality and readability.

Reviewed finished work prior to publication, noting edits and approving final versions.

Collaborated with production staff to complete quality, on-time printings.

Organised interviews and prepared associated pieces covering important political and business figures.

Interviewed sources, contacts and leads to gather information for stories.

Used correct style, proper grammar and appropriate voice in journalistic pieces.

Read and reviewed work of junior journalists and advised on necessary changes to achieve journalistic standards or improve readership.

Researched topics and checked facts to maintain high standard of journalistic integrity.

Worked closely with top leaders and writing teams in finalising projects ranging in value and complexity.

Public Relations Manager, 03/2003 - 04/2020

New Africa Investments - Johannesburg, Gauteng

Responded to negative media stories and prepared statements to be issued on behalf of company to help manage company's reputation.

Supported head of PR in developing and delivering executive PR programme to raise visibility and credibility of company's management team.

Established positive relationships with business partners to foster opportunities for joint promotions.

Tracked trends in media reporting and changing media landscape around digital and social media channels to share new tactics with publicity team.

Managed agencies and contractors delivering work to company to verify outcomes complied with set guidelines.

Worked with subject matter experts to to develop PR and communications plans to support success of priority projects.

Identified and alerted senior staff to potential risks to company's reputation and worked together to mitigate risks.

Wrote clear and compelling letters, press releases and by-lined letters to achieve significant increases in brand awareness.

Created communications materials using simple language to make information easily understandable by all stakeholders.

Edited and proofread company deliverables before publication or distribution to verify formatting, aesthetics and content were in line with company standards and expectations.

Generated stories, case studies and other creative approaches to bring company's work to life.

Drew up and managed PR plans, budgets and performance measures to achieve corporate and strategic objectives.

Researched and evaluated PR opportunities for partnerships, sponsorships and advertising, using effective negotiation abilities to obtain best deals.

Strengthened integrity of communication channels.

Oversaw creation of information programmes to share company's plans, accomplishments and opinions.

Applied diplomatic principles to forge strong networks with desired contacts.

Created strategic plans to capture new business and better serve clients.

Refined internal communications for improved efficiency.

Prepared communication projects to promote new products and services.

Editor, 05/2023 - I currently work here

Eric Dale Analysis - Johannesburg, Gauteng

Developed story ideas and assigned topics to team of writers.

Evaluated and fact-checked all copy to verify accuracy and quality of work.

Optimised all content for widest possible reach, implementing fundamental SEO practices to improve search results.

Monitored and enforced deadlines, managing multiple workflows to support publications timelines.

Assigned categories, topics and tags to all content pieces in line with SEO best practices.

Selected images to accompany written copy, using stock photos and graphics in alignment with style guidelines.

Proofed written works, shaped content and helped improve overall work quality.

Developed rapport with government agencies, businesses and community leaders to stay on top of breaking news.

Wrote interesting story headlines and summaries to engage readers and support click-thru rates.

Assigned engaging blog posts, articles and freelance work to dynamic writer team.

Wrote and scheduled social posts across multiple channels for all content pieces.

Took inspiration from various sources to generate new ideas for content.

Researched content gaps in target market to guide new projects.

Produced and submitted drafts ahead of deadlines.

Conducted extensive research to obtain accurate information for projects.

Coordinated necessary revisions and edits with cross-functional team.

Presented well-constructed pitches to editors and managers.

Followed strict stipulated editorial guidelines when writing copy.

Proofread and edited written copy before submitting to publisher.

Completed keyword research to implement trends into blogs for SEO purposes.

Core Qualifications

Organising media resources

Generating headlines

Social media updates

Spelling mastery

Writing stories

Story shaping

Pitching articles

Editing expertise

Content meetings

Preparing pieces

Interviewing skills

Editing skills

Good eye for detail

Story summaries

Impeccable grasp of grammar

Verifying dates

Quality controls

Proofreading submissions

Assigning stories

Breaking news experience

Education

University of Johannesburg - Johannesburg, South Africa

Bachelor of Arts Communication, 02/1999 - 11/2001

Contact this candidate