Director, Information and Public Education

The Director, Information and Public Education is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the internal and external communication, publications, social media activities, management of brand, public image and identity, media relations, events and advising.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:                                Director, Information and Public Education

JOB GRADE:                              Level 9

DIVISION SECTION:                 Administration

REPORTS TO:                             Commissioner and Executive Director

SUPERVISES DIRECTLY:           Public Relations and Information Officer

 Customer Service and Information Officer

 Administrative Assistant

Job Purpose

The Director, Information and Public Education is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the internal and external communication, publications, social media activities, management of brand, public image and identity, media relations, events and advising on crisis strategies and responses.

The Director is responsible for designing, developing and coordinating the implementation of programmes to inform all stakeholders, including the public, employers, and tertiary-level educational institutions, as well as comparable international bodies, about the roles and value of JTEC and about tertiary education in general; and promoting Jamaica as a destination for tertiary education.

Key Outputs

JTEC communications policy, procedures, objectives, strategies, and tactics developed, implemented, maintained and reviewed in compliance with the agency’s integrated quality management system.

• Technical advice provided on all matters affecting corporate communications.
• Press releases, articles, publications, speeches, website content and related activities developed.
• Brochures, newsletters, annual reports, presentations and other communication documents developed.
• Media coverage coordinated and monitored.
• Public education, exhibitions, sensitizations, workshops and other events coordinated and attended.
• Social media, print, audio and audio-visual information developed and monitored.
• Ideas and concepts for local and international promotions.
• Communications and public relations activities evaluated.
• Budgets and work plans developed and monitored.
• Performance evaluations conducted.
• Reports prepared.
• Archive of public/media relations activities and publications maintained.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Technical

Provides technical advice to, and information and communications training for the Commissioner & Executive Director, and Executive Team on communication, public relations and information management issues.

1. Leads the development, design and updates of the Department’s Information, Communications and Public Education and Relations plans establishing specific goals, objectives and strategies to build public awareness, maintains consistency in branding.
2. Develops and implements a Stakeholder Engagement Plan to ensure that all identified target audiences are engaged with tailored messages.
3. Develops and implements policies and procedures to guide communication activities, and comply with the requirements of the integrated quality management system. Sensitise and orient all JTEC staff regarding these policies and procedures.
4. Directs the development of a work plan and the public education programme to highlight JTEC.
5. Researches and analyses information to inform and assess the effectiveness of JTEC’s communication programme, plans and documents.
6. Researches, writes and edits speeches for the Commissioner & Executive Director, executive and senior management teams.
7. Researches and writes press releases, press bites, briefing papers, feature articles, audio-visual materials, radio programmes and other publications as required.
8. Prepares/reviews in collaboration with relevant Units advisories, booklets, brochures, presentations, annual reports and other documents such as Financial Statement Publications.
9. Collaborates with the Commissioner and Board Chair to respond to media enquiries and requests for information and prepares related correspondence, as required.
10. Identifies and develops campaigns and plans for existing and new programmes and services. 
11. Leads the planning, development, updating and monitoring of the Department’s online presence (website, social media etc.).
12. Streamlines the visual brand, voice and identity of the Department and guides similar activities across JTEC in all communication domains to ensure that there is consistency in order to maintain the corporate image.
13. Ensures the Department is visible, appropriately branded, positioned and accountable to all customers and stakeholders.
14. Identifies potential opportunities for media coverage.
15. Undertakes activities to promote media coverage including press conferences/briefings, interviews and press kits.
16. Records voice-over scripts for various broadcasting channels such as radio, television and social media.
17. Prepares and continuously updates information kit for distribution to the Department’s target audiences/stakeholders.
18. Establishes and maintains good working relationships with journalists, media houses and agencies to facilitate public awareness and understanding.
19. Coordinates/manages the Department’s planning and or participation in special events and exhibitions.
20. Monitors all media platforms (social, electronic, print, audio, website) including responses to stakeholders to ensure consistency and unity in JTEC’s voice.
21. Conducts research and prepares reports as required.
22. Manages the implementation of crisis strategies ensuring effective media management of information.
23. Develops and implement mechanisms to measure and evaluate communications and public relations activities.
24. Represents the organization at media events, conferences, workshops and other events as required

 Strategic Management

        Leads in the smooth and efficient operation of the Unit through the management of daily operations.

1. Implements and enforces policies and procedures of the organization by way of systems that will improve the overall operation and effectiveness of the Unit and the AGD.
2. Conducts research and recommends changes to policies, procedures and systems to enhance the functioning of the Department.
3. Assists with the preparation of JTEC’s Strategic Business Plan, and JTEC’s annual Operational Plan and budget.
4. Prepares and monitors the Department’s work plan and budget ensuring the work of the Department is carried out according to plan, and agreed targets achieved.
5. Establishes and implements systems for reporting of work done against stated and agreed work plans.
6. Establishes internal control processes required to manage and grow the Unit.

 Human Resource Management

1. Plans, organizes and directs the work of the Unit by overseeing the development of performance targets for the Unit and staff based on the organisational plans.
2. Monitors the performance of staff and ensures effective and objective staff performance management, through timely and accurate completion of the staff appraisal process, including periodic reviews.
3. Ensures that the Unit’s staff have sufficient and appropriate physical resources to enable them to undertake their duties efficiently and effectively.
4. Provides leadership and guidance through effective planning, delegation, communication, training, mentoring, coaching and disciplinary action.
5. Participates in the recruitment of staff for the Unit.
6. Recommends transfer, promotion, termination and leave in accordance with established Human Resource Policies and Procedures.
7. Identifies skills gaps and collaborates with the Manager, Training and Development to develop and implement Staff Development and Succession Plans for the unit to ensure adequate staff capacity.
8. Monitors job-specific and environmental factors, and implements and promotes health and safety policies and mitigates and minimises workplace hazards for the Department and its staff.
9. Ensures that welfare issues of Department’s staff are clearly identified and addressed.

 Any Other Duties

Any other related duty that may be assigned from time to time

Key Performance Indicators

The job is successfully performed when:

 Sound and timely technical advice provided on all matters affecting corporate communication.

1. Communications policy, procedures, objectives, strategies, and tactics developed, implemented and reviewed in accordance with stipulated timelines.
2. Press releases, articles, publications, speeches, website content and related products developed timely and in keeping with guidelines and best practices.
3. Media coverage coordinated and monitored timely.
4. Brochures, newsletters, annual reports, presentations and other communications developed in keeping within guidelines and timelines.
5. Public education, exhibitions, sensitizations, workshops and other events attended and/ or coordinated.
6. Social media, print, audio and audio-visual communications monitored to ensure positive public image.
7. Voice-over scripts recorded/produced according to quality and all rights belong to the Department.
8. Communications and Public Relations activities evaluated to inform decision-making.
9. Budgets and work plans accurately developed and monitored in keeping with timelines.
10. Performance evaluations conducted in keeping with guidelines and timelines.
11. Reports prepared and submitted within stipulated timelines.

Authority

• Advise the Commissioner, and the executive management team on communications and public relations activities, publications and events.
• Determine the most suitable communication strategy or protocols for JTEC.
• Point of contact for all media-related queries directed to the Department.
• Prepare and monitor the unit’s budget and approves expenditure.
• Recommend changes to work plans to ensure alignment.
• Approve leave for staff members.
• Engage in staff development and discipline as stipulated in appropriate and relevant official manuals.
• Recommend corrective/improvement actions.
• Take disciplinary action in accordance with human resource legislation, regulations, policies and procedures.

Minimum Required Qualifications and Experience

Masters degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism or equivalent qualifications.

At least five (5) years’ experience in a communications or public relations or marketing position, including three (3) of which should have been at a managerial level.

 OR

Bachelors Degree in Communications/Public Relations/Journalism or other related field. 

At least three years’ experience in a management capacity. At least two years’ experience in communications and public relations, or marketing or journalism position.

Competencies

The following competencies are required for the effective performance of this job:

 Core Competencies

 Excellent oral and written communication skills

1. Excellent human and public relations skills
2. Planning and organising skills
3. Sound, leadership, decision-making, problem solving and analytical skills
4. Teamwork and cooperation skills
5. Customer focus skills
6. Results focus
7. Integrity
8. Ability to innovate and think creatively

 Technical Competencies

1. Knowledge of Communications principles, approaches, tools and methodologies
2. Knowledge of public relations and media
3. Events planning and management
4. Knowledge of applicable Legislation, Policies and Procedures
5. Change Management Skills
6. Knowledge of appropriate computer applications including graphics presentation and office productivity software
7. Data analytics

Special Conditions Associated with the Job

Physical Demands - Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines. May be required to work beyond normal hours.

Work Environment - Normal office conditions.

Travel: May be required to travel to fairs, sessions and exhibitions.

Validation of Job Description

This document is validated as an accurate and true description of the job described herein

________________________________                                            __________________

        Head of Department/Division                                                     Date

________________________________                                            __________________

                Manager/Supervisor                                                            Date

________________________________                                            __________________

                     Employee                                                                       Date