Open to opportunities

Suraya Pandor

@surayapandor

Public relations professional with 10 years' experience in PR, communications and client management working in Portugal and South Africa.

South Africa

Message

What I'm looking for

I'm seeking roles where I can lead communications and PR strategy, work collaboratively on long-term brand growth, mentor teams, and deliver measurable media and digital impact.

I'm a public relations professional with 10 years of experience across traditional PR, digital and social media, client management and strategic communications, currently operating as a public relations consultant after six years at a leading South African PR firm.

I have a track record of delivering tangible business results for clients—securing media coverage across major outlets, growing organic social followings, and designing influencer and digital campaigns that increased impressions, bookings and brand awareness.

I enjoy uncovering each brand's voice, crafting tailored communications and crisis strategies, mentoring junior staff, and working with teams focused on long-term organisational goals; I continually update my digital skills and seek opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Public Relations Consultant

Current

Aprio Group

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Delivered strategic and crisis communications, business and thought-leadership writing, and weekly pitching across broadcast, online and print while building media relationships across the African continent.

Crisis Communications Media Relations Business Writing Copywriting Stakeholder Management PR Strategy Pitch

Current

Public Relations Consultant

Current

Freelance Public Relations Services

Jan 2025 - Present (1 year 2 months)

Provide tailored one- to three-month PR strategies, executive media pitching and content creation for fintech, private equity, mining, arts and NGO clients, securing broadcast, online and print coverage across Africa.

Media Relations PR Strategy Pitch Thought Leadership Crisis Communications Social Media Content Creation

Senior Account Manager

Irvine Partners

Jan 2022 - Dec 2024 (2 years 11 months)

Led client accounts and media relations, developed communications strategies and creative campaigns, mentored junior staff, and served on the Exco Committee, delivering PR, crisis support and digital content generation.

Account Management Media Relations PR Strategy Crisis Communications Mentoring Content Creation Canva Reporting Client Services

Account Manager

Irvine Partners

Jan 2021 - Dec 2021 (11 months)

Managed client communications and digital accounts, executed social media and influencer campaigns, produced content calendars and reports, and maintained media relationships across the African continent.

Account Management Social Media Strategy Influencer Management Reporting

Digital Account Manager

Irvine Partners

Jan 2020 - Dec 2020 (11 months)

Oversaw digital accounts with social strategy, content creation, influencer campaigns and paid/organic reporting to grow online presence and engagement for client brands.

Social Media Strategy Content Creation Paid Social Organic Reporting Analytics

Social Media Executive

Irvine Partners

Jan 2018 - Dec 2018 (11 months)

Created social content, managed communities and influencer activity, planned content calendars and delivered organic and paid reporting to support client engagement and growth.

Content Creation Community Management Influencer Management Reporting

Marketing & Administration Officer

Urban Fresh

Jan 2017 - Dec 2017 (11 months)

Managed social media accounts, produced blog content and handled general administration including payroll and financial recordkeeping using Sage for a youth-owned urban agriculture start-up.

Social Media Management & Administration Payroll Content Creation Records Management

Communications Intern

Mintek

Jan 2016 - Dec 2016 (11 months)

Produced internal communications, newsletters and B2B marketing materials, supported policy/proposal documents and liaised on event management for conferences and internal committees.

Internal Communications Newsletters B2B Marketing Proposal Writing Editing

Design Pavilion Manager

City of Cape Town

Jan 2014 - Dec 2014 (11 months)

Managed projects and monthly exhibitions, facilitated public workshops on social issues and oversaw social media for the World Design Capital design pavilion.

Project Management Workshop Facilitation Social Media Public Engagement & Administration

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

University of South Africa

Certificate, Community Journalism

2009 - 2009

Completed a Certificate of Community Journalism covering design layout, newspaper reporting and writing, editing and interview skills.

Capsicum Culinary Studio

City and Guilds Diploma, Patisserie and Catering Finance

2009 - 2009

Grade: Distinction

Completed a City and Guilds Diploma with Distinction in Patisserie and Finance in Catering, covering catering costing, budgeting and B2B acquisition and logistics.

University of South Africa

Bachelor of Commerce (incomplete), Marketing Management

2018 -

Completed one year of a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing Management; coursework included economics, business and marketing management, client relationship service, PR and consumer behaviour.