Assistant Director (Public & Digital Communications)

MINDEF; Singapore; On-site; SGD 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A national defence organization in Singapore is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead the formulation and execution of public and digital communication strategies. The ideal candidate will manage media engagements and handle crisis communications while ensuring a strong corporate image. Responsibilities include developing communication strategies and representing the organization in media interactions. Applicants should have over 6 years of experience in related fields and a strong command of English, with proficiency in a second language being beneficial.

Qualifications

• At least 6 years of experience in journalism, media, public relations or corporate communications.
• Keen interest in Singapore’s media, political, defence and security developments.
• Good understanding of Singapore’s media landscape.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communication strategies.
• Manage local and international media engagement.
• Handle crisis and incident communications.
• Leverage mainstream and social media platforms.
• Represent MINDEF/SAF in media interactions.

Skills

Strong command of written and spoken English

Interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work independently

Proficiency in a second language (Mandarin, Malay, Tamil)

Adaptability in managing media relationships

Detail-oriented and meticulous

Education

Education in Communication Studies, Political Science or Social Sciences

Job description

What the role is

Lead a team to formulate, coordinate and execute public and digital communication strategies that strengthen MINDEF/SAF's corporate image and maintain public trust in national defence, National Service (NS) and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

What you will be working on

• Develop and execute communication strategies
• Manage local and international media engagement
• Handle crisis and incident communications
• Leverage mainstream and social media platforms
• Shape positive perceptions among key audiences
• Represent MINDEF/SAF in media interactions
• Function as Service Account Manager
• Coordinate communications and publicity events

Challenges

• Balancing policy sensitivity with operational considerations
• Coordinating multiple stakeholders to meet organisational objectives
• Maintaining composure and adaptability during major incidents
• Managing rapid changes in short‑cycle media environment
• Building and maintaining effective media relationships
• Working odd hours and travelling overseas on short notice

What we are looking for

• Education in Communication Studies, Political Science or Social sciences
• At least 6 years of experience in journalism, media, public relations or corporate communications
• Strong command of both written and spoken English
• Proficiency in a second language (Mandarin, Malay, Tamil) is useful
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
• Ability to work independently
• Assertive, meticulous and detail‑oriented
• Keen interest in Singapore’s media, political, defence and security developments
• Good understanding of Singapore’s media landscape
• Ability to work odd hours and travel overseas on short notice for work

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.

About MINDEF

The mission of MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces is to enhance Singapore's peace and security through deterrence and diplomacy, and should these fail, to secure a swift and decisive victory over the aggressor. The Defence Executive Officer (DXO) scheme is the non‑uniformed career scheme of MINDEF that offers myriad opportunities in various job functions, such as corporate communications, cyber security, data analytics and visualisation, defence policy, finance, HR, psychology, and more. Embodying the same level of commitment towards defence, DXOs work together with their military counterparts to contribute to MINDEF/SAF’s mission and ensure Singapore's security and stability. United by this common cause, our lines of defence complement each other to secure the prosperity and progress of our nation.