Public Relations Officer

Job Purpose:

The incumbent is responsible for: 

• Ensuring the Agency meets or exceeds the information and other related needs of its customers and other stakeholders, by broadening public awareness of the existence and purpose of the Agency and fostering increase support and involvement in the Agency’s initiative among stakeholders through increase awareness of the Agency’s products and services. 
• Monitoring the publicity and conduct research to find out the concerns and expectations of an organization’s stakeholders and report and explain the findings to management. 

Key Responsibilities:

Management/Administrative Responsibilities 

• Assists with the preparation of the budget for section; 
• Maintains effective relationship with the media; 
• Prepares and submits monthly reports on the activities of the section.
• Participates in the planning and implementation of the Agency’s public relations programmes 
• Prepares press kits for distribution 

Technical/Professional Responsibilities 

• Produces and circulates newsletters; 
• Coordinates presentations/workshops/seminars to school, community groups and other organizations as requested; 
• Collaborates with other Government agencies and NGOs in public education events; 
• Coordinates media activities and collaborates with the media for the delivery of special programmes and events of the Agency; 
• Prepares press releases, news and feature articles and other material for dissemination to targeted media; 
• Develops and designs informational material such as brochures, flyers and posters for dissemination to staff and the public; 
• Assists with the coordination of exhibitions and other functions;
• Advises members of staff on corporate identity issues to ensure that proper and consistent corporate identity is maintained throughout the Agency’s publications and communications; 
• Updates information on the Agency's website, and intranet ; 
• Managing and updating information and engaging with users on social media sites such as Instagram, Facebook, etc. 

Other Responsibilities 

• Maintains confidentiality, discipline, and work ethic. 
• Performs other related duties assigned from time to time by the Supervisor, Manager, or Senior Director.

Required Skills/Competencies:

The job-holder should be able to demonstrate: 

• Excellent interpersonal, presentation, oral and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills and the ability to work well under pressure and within strict deadlines 
• Excellent research and analytical skills 
• Good planning and organizational skills 
• Proficient in speech writing and preparation of press releases
• Ability to work on own initiative and possess a keen eye for detail
• Creativity, imagination and initiative 
• Good teamwork, analytical and problem-solving skills 
• Business awareness and a good knowledge of current affairs 
• Proficiency in the use of various computer applications including Microsoft Office 
• Sound work Ethics 
• Working knowledge of the media landscape in Jamaica would be an asset.

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience:

• An undergraduate degree in Mass Communications, Journalism, or equivalent qualification 

OR 

• An undergraduate degree in Liberal Arts with a certification in Mass Communications or Public Relations 
• A minimum of two (2) years working experience in communications, public or media relations and/or marketing 
• Certification in Graphic design would be an asset 

We appreciate all responses, but only short-listed applicants will be contacted.