Assistant Director (Strategic Communications)

Ministry of National Development; Singapore; On-site; SGD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of National Development in Singapore is seeking a seasoned communications professional to join the Strategic Communications & Engagement Division. You will help develop and execute public communication strategies across policies and programmes, and manage public narratives to explain government plans.

You will work closely with policy divisions and agencies, handling media relations, digital channels and stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• 4 to 8 years of relevant working experience.
• Experience in strategic comms, media relations and/or marketing communications.
• Strong command of written and spoken English; mother-tongue language skills are a plus.
• Good networking and interpersonal skills.
• Team player who can work with multiple divisions/agencies and handle challenging stakeholders.
• Self-starter with ability to multi-task and manage several projects concurrently.
• Good understanding of government issues and current affairs and the ability to think strategically.

Responsibilities

• Policy & Strategic Communications: develop and execute communications strategies for key policies, programmes and announcements; translate complex policy issues into clear narratives and messages.
• Media Relations: manage day-to-day media queries, coordinate media briefings and engagements; monitor coverage and inform communications plans.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Marketing communications

Stakeholder engagement

Networking

Job description

What the role is:

The Strategic Communications & Engagement Division (SCED) oversees the planning, development and execution of public communication strategies and public engagements as well as the management of MND’s social media strategies and platforms to communicate the Ministry’s policies and programmes. SCED’s communications and outreach functions including issues management, media relations, digital communications, events management, marketing communications, publications, and stakeholder engagement. These functions are conducted in an integrated manner to maximise MND’s communications and outreach efforts and to ensure greater synergies across the MND family agencies. You will be part of the Strategic Communications team, and your role will be to develop and execute public communication strategies to articulate and communicate the Ministry’s policies and programmes.

What you will be working on:

• Policy & Strategic Communications: Work closely with MND policy divisions and agencies to develop and execute communications strategies for key policies, programmes and announcements (such as land use planning and conservation). Translate complex policy issues and considerations into clear, compelling and accessible public narratives and messages, while considering public and stakeholder perspectives, potential sensitivities and how policies may be understood or received. Develop messaging, framing, and communications materials, as well as red-teaming to anticipate potential issues and strengthen communications approaches.
• Media Relations: Manage day-to-day media queries, requests and replies, and coordinate media briefings, interviews and other media engagements. Build and maintain professional relationships with the media. Monitor and analyse media coverage and outcomes to ensure effectiveness of communications/media plans. Developing and executing integrated marketing and digital communication strategies across multiple channels, including working with content agencies, media publishers, and partners to develop content initiatives and partnerships. Leverage on engagement with stakeholder groups to better inform MND’s public communications efforts. Events management, including media publicity and digital communications.

What we are looking for:

• Between 4 to 8 years of relevant working experience.
• Experience in strategic comms, media relations and/or marketing communications.
• Strong command of spoken and written English; proficiency in relevant mother-tongue languages is an advantage.
• Good networking and interpersonal skills.
• Team player who can work with various divisions/agencies; able to manage challenging stakeholders.
• Self-starter who is able to multi-task and manage several projects concurrently.
• Good understanding and interest in government issues and current affairs.
• Able to think independently, and analyse issues quickly.
• Able to put on a macro/strategic lens on issues as well as work at the operational level.

About Ministry of National Development

The Ministry of National Development (MND), the lead government agency responsible for land use planning and infrastructure development, aims to transform Singapore into an endearing home and a distinctive global city. At MND, we aspire to create a quality, vibrant and sustainable living environment for our people. We also strive to shape Singapore into a world-class city of knowledge, culture and excellence – one which keeps pace with global challenges and the rising aspirations of Singaporeans. Our Vision: An Endearing Home, A Distinctive Global City. MND's vision reflects our growing emphasis not just on physical infrastructure, but also on the softer aspects of creating emotional attachment in our people, the global talents and corporations whom we attract here. At the same time, it articulates MND's goal of building upon Singapore’s unique distinguishing characteristics to develop Singapore as a global city of knowledge, culture and excellence. Our Mission: Develop World-Class Infrastructure. MND will provide quality physical infrastructure for the nation by working with our partners in the public and private sectors. Create a Vibrant, Resilient and Sustainable Living Environment. MND will strive to make Singapore a livelier and more exciting city, and ensure our nation is well-prepared to face the growing uncertainties and complexities. MND will also maintain the quality and resilience of our built and natural environment to ensure high standards of living, and carry out development that meets the needs of the present without compromising that of future generations. Provide Affordable and Accessible Public Housing. MND will commit to support Singaporeans' homeownership aspirations and ensure public housing remains affordable and accessible. Build Rooted and Cohesive Communities. MND will strive to foster our citizens' attachment and love for our homeland and maintain social cohesiveness in our communities, even as Singapore continues to be an open and globalised society.