Assistant Director (Media)

Ministry of Health (Singapore); Singapore; On-site; SGD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A government health agency in Singapore seeks an experienced professional to manage a team overseeing media communications related to healthcare. You will advise on communication strategies, manage media coverage for events, and cultivate media relationships. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in communications, with skills in critical thinking and team leadership. The position requires the ability to work in a fast-paced environment and manage multiple priorities.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years of relevant experience in communications or public relations.
• 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience.
• Experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, or journalism is an advantage.
• Able to multi-task and lead a team.
• Strong critical thinking skills to handle complex situations.

Responsibilities

• Manage a team overseeing media communications for healthcare.
• Advise on media and public communication strategies.
• Plan and manage media coverage for events.
• Cultivate relationships with media contacts.
• Develop media approaches for announcements.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Critical thinking

Communication skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Tertiary education in a related discipline

Job description

What The Role Is

You will manage a team overseeing a desk of issues to promote public understanding, appreciation and support of Singapore’s healthcare system through positive and balanced reporting via a variety of media and online channels.

You will be working in a fast-paced and dynamic environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What You Will Be Working On

• You will supervise and mentor a team to handle media communications across a spectrum of healthcare issues, such as healthcare finance, health services, mental health, healthcare manpower and ageing, as well as manage crisis communications.
• You will advise the relevant divisions on media and public communications strategies and positioning of issues. This includes developing and executing media approaches and materials for MOH’s announcements and policies.
• You will plan and manage media coverage for MOH-related events and facilitate media requests at these events, including for senior leadership.
• You will cultivate strong relationships with media contacts and identify opportunities to proactively pitch stories.

You will be working in a fast-paced and highly volatile environment that would require the ability to manage multiple priorities and stakeholders at the same time.

What We Are Looking For

• Thinking Clearly & Making Sound Judgements – Strong analytical and critical thinking abilities to support the crafting of sound policy recommendations and recommend appropriate public communications support; ability to appreciate timelines, operating context and ground realities.
• Learning & Putting Skills into Action - Possesses the drive and curiosity to learn and apply new skills, knowledge and new ways of working.
• Improving & Innovating – Open to continually improve, innovate and experiment while managing the risks involved.
• Working Effectively with Stakeholders – Able to mobilise and rally partners and stakeholders towards a collective purpose and outcome.
• Tertiary education in a related discipline
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in communications or public relations, with 2 years of supervisory or team leadership experience
• Experience in media relations, stakeholder engagement, marketing communications and / or journalism would be an added advantage
• Good communication skills with the ability to engage and build relationships at different levels
• Able to multi-task and lead a team to achieve positive outcomes
• Strong critical thinking skills and able to exercise sound judgement in complex situations
• Highly driven and able to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

As part of the shortlisting process for this role, candidates may be required to complete a medical declaration and/or undergo further assessment.