Manager, Public Relations (MCG/IE 5)

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director, Communication and Public Relations, and working closely with other key persons in the Branch, the incumbent leads and manages the Ministry’s Public Relations function by developing and executing strategic media engagement and reputation management initiatives that enhance public understanding of MIIC’s mandate, programmes and policy priorities.

The role provides strategic oversight of media relations, stakeholder communications and crisis response, ensuring accurate, timely and effective external messaging aligned with the Ministry’s objectives.

KEY OUTPUTS

• Public Relations Strategy developed and implemented.
• Media engagement plans executed effectively.
• Positive and balanced media coverage achieved across priority initiatives.
• Press conferences and media briefings coordinated successfully.
• Media enquiries managed within established service standards.
• Crisis communication responses developed and implemented when required.
• Stakeholder communications executed in alignment with messaging frameworks.
• Periodic PR performance reports submitted.
• Staff supervised and performance appraisals completed on schedule. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Public Relations Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the Ministry’s Public Relations Strategy aligned with corporate priorities.
• Identify key messaging opportunities to strengthen public positioning.
• Advise the Director and Executive Leadership on media risks and opportunities.
• Establish evaluation frameworks to measure PR impact.

Media Relations & External Engagement

• Serve as primary liaison with media houses and journalists.
• Oversee preparation and dissemination of press releases and media advisories.
• Coordinate press conferences, interviews and media briefings.
• Facilitate accurate and timely responses to media enquiries.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with local and regional media practitioners.

Crisis & Reputation Management

• Develop and maintain Crisis Communication protocols.
• Monitor emerging reputational risks in collaboration with the Media & Content Analyst.
• Prepare response strategies for sensitive or high-risk issues.
• Provide real-time advisory support to senior leadership during crises.

Stakeholder Communications

• Coordinate external stakeholder communications in support of Ministry initiatives.
• Engage industry groups, business associations, development partners and civic stakeholders as required.
• Support Ministerial engagements through media positioning and briefing preparation.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Review media coverage trends and provide strategic recommendations.
• Collaborate with the Media & Content Analyst to assess PR effectiveness.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual PR performance reports.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Supervise and provide guidance to the Public Relations Officer.
• Develop individual work plans and performance targets.
• Conduct performance evaluations in accordance with HR policies.
• Identify training and development needs.

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

• Media engagements conducted professionally and within established timelines.
• Press materials are accurate, clear and aligned with approved messaging.
• Crisis responses are timely, strategic and reputationally sound.
• Stakeholder communications reflect tact, diplomacy and professionalism.
• PR reports are data-informed and submitted as required.
• Staff performance managed in accordance with agreed standards.

AUTHORITY

• Approves press releases and media advisories prior to submission to the Director.
• Recommends media strategies and crisis response approaches.
• Recommends training, leave and performance actions for direct reports.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES

Core

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills
• Sound judgment and decision-making ability
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to operate effectively under pressure
• High level of integrity and discretion

Technical

• Strong knowledge of public relations principles and practices
• Understanding of Government communication protocols
• Familiarity with media operations and news cycles
• Knowledge of crisis communication strategies
• Working knowledge of media monitoring and reporting tools

MINIMUM REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication or related discipline.
• Minimum of four (4) years’ experience in public relations, media relations or corporate communications.
• Experience in a public sector or regulatory environment is an asset.
• Supervisory experience preferred.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
• Frequent interaction with media and senior officials.
• May be required to work outside normal office hours during major events or crises.
• May be required to travel island-wide and overseas 

WORKING CONDITION

• Normal office conditions