Manager Communications

About the role

The Government of Trinidad and Tobago is recruiting a Manager Communications for a contractual position. The incumbent develops, implements, directs and evaluates the Ministry's or Department's communications, marketing and citizen engagement strategies, including public relations, media relations, digital content and the identity and image programme. The role also uses communications as part of the change management programme to inform internal stakeholders, employees and the public about government initiatives and policies. The position reports to the Senior Secretary/Head of Department and supervises a Communications Officer directly.

Key responsibilities

• Plan, organise, direct and coordinate the work of staff delivering communications services
• Design and run a stakeholder engagement strategy covering citizen engagement, storytelling, digital media, media relations, event management, project and crisis management
• Oversee content on digital media platforms and prepare complex briefs, media releases, advertisements and presentations, and review speeches for the Minister
• Lead media relations strategy to secure positive coverage and minimise negative reports
• Manage brand and reputation, internal communication, data and insights, and relationship management
• Direct research to evaluate the effectiveness of communications and client services, and advise on citizen engagement strategies
• Prepare inputs for the Annual Report, formulate policies and guidelines, and oversee budgets and event programmes
• Coordinate protocol duties for dignitaries and officials, and train staff on crisis and issues communication plans
• Supervise consultants for communications and research, and monitor national, regional and international news

Required profile

• At least 8 years' experience in communications, public relations, stakeholder or media relations, or a related field
• University degree in Communications Studies, Media Studies or a related field, or a postgraduate qualification
• Knowledge of key government policies, the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago, public administration and protocol procedures

Required skills

• Extensive knowledge of media issues, social marketing, PR, advertising, digital media and communication research and strategy
• Strong strategic planning and project design skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and desktop publishing software or databases
• Excellent oral and written English, and preferably another language