Public Relations Manager (MCG/IE 5)

JOB PURPOSE:

Under the general direction of the Director Corporate Communication and Public Relations, the Public Relations Manager is responsible for developing, implementing and evaluating public relations plans, programmes and strategies aimed at establishing and maintaining goodwill and mutual understanding between the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service and its various stakeholders and the preservation and enhancement of the MoFPS reputation and image. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Assists in the development and delivery of the Ministry of Finance and the Public Service’s Public Relations strategies; 
• Develops and implements strategic public relations plans, programmes and projects to inform the public, to increase public understanding, and to obtain support and cooperation from the public; 
• Updates and maintains the MoFPS’ calendar of events; 
• Develops public education and information materials, presentations and displays – including contributing to the MoFPS’ newsletters, FAQs, fact sheets, media/new media outreach and website content; 
• Facilitates resolution of complex issues by build strategic relationships with stakeholders and develops consensus; 
• Organizes and participates at community outreach activities to educate the broader community about the MoFPS policies, programmes and projects;
• Researches, writes and edits speeches for the Ministers, Financial Secretary and other senior executives for MoFPS events and various speaking engagements, including high impact internal and external audiences;
• Writes and distributes news releases and announces important MoFPS information and events; 
• Manages media relations, including queries, press releases, interviews and placement of stories, press conferences and events for the MoFPS and its various divisions on the local, national and international levels; 
• Arranges interviews with journalists and professional photo shoots for media publications and records special events; 
• Organizes and represents the MoFPS at events including press conferences and launches, exhibitions, open days, functions and press tours etc;
• Liaises with the Jamaica Information Service to secure special services such as air time, photography, multimedia projection, etc; 
• Attends ministerial and executives speaking engagements on a regular basis and provides feedback to the Senior Director, Corporate Communications & PR; 
• Ensures that all remarks and other public statements prepared for the Ministers’, FS and other senior executives President, are accurate, fact checked and proofed; 
• Manages the organisation’s Public Relations buying budgets and operations;
• Produces special stories, feature articles and general information to the media upon request; 
• Assists in planning and executing external opinion surveys, including design & administration, as well as the collation and evaluation of feedback;
• Monitors the print, electronic and news media, and develops strategies for dealing with topical issues relevant to area of responsibility; 
• Develops and maintains professional and effective working relationships with the media, civic communities and other interest groups to provide on going information on the MoFPS’ activities and accomplishments; 
• Keeps informed of developments in the public relations fields, government management and fiscal governance to help the Ministry operate with initiative and innovation. 

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Contributes to the development of the Branch’s Strategic and Operational Plan and Budget; 
• Develops Individual Work Plans based on alignment to the Branch’s Plan;
• Participates in meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences as required;
• Prepares reports and project documents as required; 
• Prepares and delivers Public Relations related presentations as needed. 

Human Resources Responsibilities 

• Monitors and evaluates the performance of direct reports, prepares performance appraisals and recommends and/or initiates corrective action where necessary to improve performance and/or attaining established personal and/or organizational goals; 
• Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Branch and recommends, promotion, and leave in accordance with established human resource policies and procedures; 
• Provides leadership and guidance to direct reports through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring and coaching;
• Facilitates welfare and development of staff in the Unit; 
• Establishes and maintains a system that fosters a culture of teamwork, employee empowerment and commitment to the Division’s and organization’s goals; 
• Prepares and conducts presentations on role of Division/Unit for the Orientation/Onboarding programme. 

Customer Service Responsibilities 

• Maintains customer service principles, standards and measurements;
• Identifies and incorporates the interests and needs of customers in business process design; 
• Ensures critical success factors are identified and meets expectations;
• Prepares quarterly and/or annually Customer Service reports in accordance with established standards. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Performs all other duties and functions as may be required from time to time. 

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

• Excellent oral and written communications skills 
• Excellent research, analytical and storytelling skills 
• Knowledge of grammar usage and editorial style guidelines 
• Ability to synthesize and analyze information quickly 
• Ability to maintain the utmost discretion and diplomacy in interacting with high-level individuals and maintain confidences at all times 
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, while balancing competing priorities and managing multiple assignments 
• Ability to be flexible and self-motivated in order to deliver high quality work product in multiple communications mediums 
• Advanced IT skills in relation to Word, PowerPoint and Publisher
• Excellent interpersonal and team management skills 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Strong analytical and problem solving skills 
• Strong leadership skills 
• Strong customer relations skills 
• Excellent planning and organizing skills 
• Excellent judgment and decision making skills 
• Ability to influence and motivate others 
• Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications 

QUALIFICATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Public Relations, Media/Communication Studies, Mass Communication, Public Relations or a related discipline; 
• Four (4) years’ experience in a Public Relations/Media and communications environment, with at least two (2) years in management capacity. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB:

• Work will be conducted in an office outfitted with standard office equipment and specialized software. The environment is fast paced with on-going interactions with critical stakeholders and meeting tight deadlines which will result in high degrees of pressure, on occasions. May be required to travel locally and overseas to attend conferences, seminars and meetings. 

We thank all applicants for the interest expressed; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted