Assistant Director (Media)

Ministry of Health; Singapore; On-site; SGD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A public health agency in Singapore seeks to hire a team lead for media communications. This role involves supervising a team, advising on communication strategies, and managing media coverage. The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of experience in communications, with a strong background in media relations and stakeholder engagement. Candidates must possess excellent communication skills, critical thinking abilities, and the capacity to thrive in a dynamic environment.

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 and marketing communications is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and mentor a team for media communications.
• Advise divisions on public communications strategies.
• Plan and manage media coverage for MOH events.
• Cultivate relationships with media contacts.
• Manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Media relations

Communication skills

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.
• 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.

About Ministry of Health

The Ministry of Health’s (MOH) vision is to champion a healthy nation with our people – to live well, live long and with peace of mind. As an open country constantly exposed to an interconnected world, Singapore faces complex issues in public healthcare. MOH constantly grapples with new challenges brought on by an increasingly globalised world, a rapidly ageing population and rising expectations. MOH’s responses to these challenges include preventing and managing the outbreak of diseases such as SARS and Influenza A (H1N1), designing a healthcare system that delivers care in an integrated and effective manner, growing the capacity and capabilities within the sector, and managing healthcare inflation. As an MOH officer, you will be involved in formulating and implementing policies that guide Singapore’s healthcare ecosystem. You will work alongside a team with varied skills and backgrounds, but with the common goals of (i) promoting good health and reducing illnesses; (ii) ensuring that Singaporeans have access to good and affordable healthcare; and (iii) pursuing medical excellence. Your work will have far-reaching impact on the health and lives of Singaporeans.