Communications Specialist

Responsible for developing, implementing, directing and evaluating the Agency’s communications strategies and programmes including public relations and media relations, as well as the Agency’s identity/image programme.

JOB BRIEF

Responsible for developing, implementing, directing and evaluating the Agency’s communications strategies and programmes including public relations and media relations, as well as the Agency’s identity/image programme. Deliverables also include planning, organizing, directing and coordinating the work of Agency staff and public relations entities engaged in the performance of related activities. The Senior Communications Specialist’s duties will also include using communications as a vital component of the overall change management initiatives in support of the Agency’s mandate amongst internal team members, and to inform industry stakeholders and the general public regarding the policies and strategies of the Agency.

 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Defines and manages all aspects of strategic communications inclusive of brand management, reputation management, and relationship management for the Agency.
• Provides strategic advice to members of the Agency’s Executive and functional teams to build and protect the corporate brand name and image.
• Directs the conduct of research activities to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of Corporate Communications efforts.
• Plans, organizes, directs and coordinates the work of staff/public relations entities engaged in the provision of corporate communications services on behalf of TTAL.
• Liaises with overseas public relations representatives to ensure congruence with the Agency’s communication strategy and dissemination of information regarding the destination’s achievements in international markets.
• Designs, organizes and implements a creative and effective Communications Strategy in conjunction with the Marketing Team including content management for the Agency’s website ensuring that it is adequately integrated into the Agency’s operations
• Prepares briefs, media releases, advertisements and presentations and, reviews speeches to be delivered by the CEO/Chairman of the Board of Directors.
• In collaboration with the CEO’s Office, spearheads the development and implementation of media relations strategy to ensure proactive and positive media coverage of the Agency’s activities and minimization negative media reports.
• Participates in the preparation of budgetary estimates of the Communications function and ensures that expenditure is in accordance with financial guidelines.
• Prepares the required inputs for the Agency’s Annual Report and other reports required by other agencies as part of the overall Marketing and Communications submission.
• Monitors local and regional media, analyse and report on issues and provide management with counsel on media responses and media relations
• Organizes press interviews, conferences, and press launches
• Researches ways to improve and attract media attention to Tobago as a tourism destination of choice.
• Performs other related duties as required.

 QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor Degree in Public Relations, and Journalism, Communications or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years, diverse experience in Public Relations, Communications or Media Relations.

 REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Intimate knowledge of Tobago’s tourism product and tourism public.
• Extensive knowledge of public relations, advertising, promotion and other communications methods.
• Extensive knowledge of current theories, and practices in communication research, planning and strategy, as well as the role of the mass media.
• Working knowledge of desktop publishing applications, and social media.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office Suite and communication technologies such as web applications, design/illustration software and/or databases.
• Skilled in the use of desktop computers.
• Skilled in conducting research and in conceptual, critical and analytical thinking.
• Skilled in Writing and editing, including a strong command of the English language.
• Ability to plan, organize, lead and coordinate a team of professionals and support staff to perform corporate communications duties.
• Ability to problem solve and work independently in a changing and multitasking environment with numerous deadlines.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal/external partners.