Deputy Director (Media Sense & Response)

Ministry of Defence of Singapore; Singapore; On-site; SGD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) is seeking a senior Communications lead to head a team within the Operations Hub, overseeing defence and security-related news, online discussions, and brewing issues with potential impact on MINDEF and SAF.

You will track issues, maintain a decision-support information picture, alert principals to developments, and direct the drafting of media replies and internal advisories. Strong English, leadership, and decades of experience are required.

Qualifications

• Education in Mass Communications, Social Sciences or related fields is preferred.
• At least 15 years in journalism, media, PR or corporate communications.
• Minimum 6 years in supervisory/leadership positions.
• Strong command of English, both written and spoken.
• Vernacular language ability is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team within MINDEF/ Communications Organisation's Operations Hub.
• Maintain a strategic information picture on defence news and online discussions.
• Alert MINDEF/SAF principals to significant developments in the information space.
• Direct media replies, collaterals, and internal advisories to manage information threats.
• Assess impact of developments and determine appropriate actions and responses.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

English proficiency

Crisis communications

Education

Mass Communications / Social Sciences / ICT

Job description

What The Role Is

You lead a team within the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Communications Organisation's Operations Hub, maintaining strategic oversight over defence and security-related news, social and online media discussions, and brewing issues in the information space with potential impact on MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

What The Role Is

You lead a team within the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) Communications Organisation's Operations Hub, maintaining strategic oversight over defence and security-related news, social and online media discussions, and brewing issues in the information space with potential impact on MINDEF and the Singapore Armed Forces (SAF).

What You Will Be Working On

• Track day-to-day, current and evergreen issues of interest to the organisation
• Maintain a comprehensive information situational picture to support decision-making by key MINDEF/SAF principals
• Alert key MINDEF/SAF principals to significant developments in the information space and activate quick response capabilities to manage issues as they arise
• Direct the issuance of media replies and collaterals to prevent or contain the spread of information threats or undesired narratives
• Direct the issuance of ad-hoc internal communications materials and advisories to keep the internal organisation informed of brewing issues
• Assess the potential impact of developments in the information space on the organisation and determine appropriate actions and responses

Challenge(s)

• Managing the massive influx of information, identifying varying impacts on MINDEF/SAF, and fusing together a coherent information situational picture to support timely and effective decision-making

What We Are Looking For

• Education in Mass Communications, Social Sciences (majoring in English, International Relations, or Political Science), or Science and Technology (Information and Communications Technology, Digital Media, or Information Science) is preferred
• At least 15 years of relevant experience in journalism, media, public relations, corporate communications, and/or corporate planning, of which at least 6 years should be in supervisory and leadership positions
• Strong command of both spoken and written English
• Proficiency in a vernacular language such as Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu, Bahasa Indonesia, or Tamil is advantageous
• Keen interest in current affairs, military and defence-related matters
• Ability to work comfortably with policy and staff departments
• Ability to work odd hours, weekends and perform duty shift work

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.