Communications Officer

JOB PURPOSE

To research, plan, coordinate and execute TAJ’s communication strategies to inform internal and external stakeholders of the most current and future developments relating to the organisation through the various media platforms to include web, digital and social media content; provide information on relevant programmes and projects and develop a positive public image for the Authority. 

KEY OUTPUTS

• Media releases prepared and distributed; 
• Speeches and scripted material prepared; 
• Press briefings arranged; 
• Mass media contents prepared; 
• Media proposals prepared; 
• Staff welfare programmes coordinated; 
• Social media strategies executed; 
• Reports, plans and budget prepared and submitted. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITY AREAS

Technical and Professional Duties: 

• Prepares speaking notes for Senior Executive Group; 
• Prepares Senior Leaders for media engagement to ensure appropriate representation; 
• Arranges press briefings for Commissioner General and Deputies; 
• Conducts regular office visits to ascertain information on all divisional activities and to maintain effective levels of communication; 
• Coordinates TAJ’s local, regional and international partnerships to include the Caribbean Organization for Tax Administrators (COTA) regional essay competition;
• Initiates, maintains and executes positive public relations programmes and projects geared towards creating a positive public image of TAJ; 
• Prepares scripts for advertisement (electronic, print, online and digital) and ascertains cost for media airplay; 
• Prepares releases, news features, letters and other news related materials to media houses on tax related topics; 
• Collaborates with Business Unit to conduct sensitization sessions for new tax measures and communicates changes; 
• Provides island-wide coverage of Expos, Workshops, Seminar, Webinars and Events; 
• Writes and produces scripts for features; 
• Prepares media advisories and proposals; 
• Coordinates departmental conferences, protocol activities, meetings and social events; 
• Responds to articles of query from mass media and general public; 
• Collaborates with Business Units to develop, and monitor the content for key communication tools including the Authority’s website and intranet; 
• Prepares information for articles and newsletters to inform internal and external users on policies, activities and programmes within the organisation; 
• Manages TAJ’s response to a crisis by conducting the necessary research and provides the relevant advisory to stakeholders; 
• Monitors all forms of media in order to address questions, comments and issue advisories; 
• Assists with the planning and execution of staff welfare activities and corporate social responsibilities; 
• Visits assigned TAJ locations and prepares necessary report/feedback as the needs arise as required; 
• Collaborates on information for developing and executing tax initiatives through strategic alliance; 
• Collaborates on matters relating to disaster risk management and preparedness that affects business continuity;
• Prepares and submits monthly and other assigned reports, plans and budgets; 
• Supports the identification and management of risks within the organization and by extension the respective area of work; 
• Performs other related duties as directed by the Senior Communications Officer. 

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

This job is satisfactorily performed when: 

• Speeches, Scripted materials and features are written and distributed within the agreed timeframe; 
• Media releases are distributed as the need arises in accordance with the prescribed format; 
• Press briefings arranged within the agreed timeframe; 
• Mass media contents prepared according to agreed standard and within stipulated timeframe; 
• Media proposals prepared according to agreed standard and within stipulated timeframe; 
• Social media presence is monitored within the agreed timeframe; 
• Staff welfare programmes and corporate social responsibilities are executed within the agreed timeframe; 
• Reports, plan and budgets are prepared within one month of assignment. 

AUTHORITY TO:

• Prepare mass media content 
• Monitor intranet and social media activities 
• Prepare speaking notes and scripted material 
• Arrange press briefings 
• Coordinate major activities and special project.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Specific Knowledge 

• Comprehensive knowledge of marketing and communication strategies;
• Comprehensive knowledge of TAJ rules, regulations and policies;
• Sound knowledge of advancements within Communications (digital, social media marketing and AI); 
• Working knowledge of computer systems and related applications; 
• Working knowledge of management principles and practices. 

Required Skills and Specialised Techniques 

• Excellent written and communication skills;
• Very Good planning and time management skills; 
• Very Good team building and interpersonal skills; 
• Strong public speaking and presentation skills; 
• Strong negotiation skills; 
• Keen attention to details. 

Qualifications and Experiences 

• BA in Mass Communications/Public Relations or equivalent; 
• Three (3) years’ work experience in related area; 

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal Office environment; 
• May work outside of normal working hours; 
• May be required to work outside of normal working hours and some disagreeable conditions; 
• Travel (35-40%)

While we thank all applicants for their interest, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.