Assistant Director, Strategic Communications

Yayasan MENDAKI; Singapore; On-site; SGD 20,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit organization in Singapore is seeking a strategic communications leader for a 2-year contract. This pivotal role involves driving the organization's communications agenda, overseeing Media Relations and Corporate Communications teams, and enhancing stakeholder engagement. Applicants should have 5-7 years of experience in strategic communications with leadership responsibilities, and must be proficient in English and Malay. The role requires strong media relations skills and the ability to craft impactful messaging aligned with organizational goals.

Qualifications

• 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in strategic communications.
• Strong command of written and spoken English and Malay.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of strategic communication plans.
• Coordinate media interviews and briefings.
• Prepare speeches and presentations for public engagements.

Skills

Strategic communications

Media relations

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Mass Communications or related field

Job description

Job Summary

The jobholder (2-year contract) will play a pivotal role in shaping and driving MENDAKI’s strategic communications agenda. This role supports the Director in leading the department and oversees two key teams, Media Relations and Corporate Communications, to deliver impactful narratives, strengthen media presence, and ensure cohesive internal and external messaging aligned with the organisation’s vision and mission.

Key Responsibility Areas

Strategic Planning & Messaging

1. Lead the development and execution of strategic communication plans that enhance organisational reputation and stakeholder engagement.
2. Develop strategic narratives for organisational initiatives and programmes.
3. Craft key messages and communication strategies for leadership, internal communications, and crisis situations.
4. Design internal communication plans to keep staff informed, engaged, and aligned with organisational goals.
5. Conduct communications research, including perception surveys, to inform strategy.

Media Relations

1. Maintain proactive and effective media engagement to strengthen the organisation’s reputation and visibility.
2. Develop and implement media plans, including press releases and media materials, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
3. Coordinate media interviews, briefings, and doorstop opportunities for senior leadership.
4. Provide communications support for events before, during, and after to ensure accurate and sustained media coverage.
5. Support crisis communication planning and execution to safeguard organisational image.

Corporate Communications

1. Identify opportunities for leadership engagements and propose creative concepts to maximise media impact.
2. Prepare speeches, presentations, and talking points for public engagements.
3. Maintain a calendar of media-related events and communication milestones.
4. Ensure consistency in organisational messaging across internal and external platforms.

Supervisory Duties

1. Provide strategic direction and mentorship to the Media Relations and Corporate Communications teams.
2. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
3. Ensure effective resource allocation and timely delivery of departmental objectives.

Requirements

• 5–7 years of relevant professional experience in strategic communications, with leadership and supervisory responsibilities.
• A degree in Mass Communications, public relations, or any related subject from a recognised institution is preferred.
• Strong command of written and spoken English and Malay, with ability to craft high-impact messaging for diverse audiences.
• Strong expertise in media relations, including managing press engagements, developing media strategies, and handling crisis communications.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience with sound decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to communicate persuasively with strong interpersonal skills to engage stakeholders across different levels.
• Flexible, resourceful and able to manage multiple consecutive projects effectively and efficiently.
• Good knowledge of trends in the Malay/Muslim issues is an advantage.
• Strong network in the corporate sector is an advantage.