Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations (MCG/IE 6)

Summary

Under the general direction of the Permanent Secretary, the Director, Corporate Communications and Public Relations is responsible for the strategic direction and management of the internal and external communication, publications, social media activities and the management of public image and identity of the Ministry of Labour and Social Security. The position provides support and advice to the Minister and Permanent Secretary. The Director facilitates the provision of accurate, timely and relevant information to internal and external stakeholders on the Ministry’s programmes, projects and initiatives using a variety of media, channels and platforms, special events, special publications and direct contact. It is also responsible for the implementation of risk management and engagement strategies and collaborates with departments and staff in responding.

Responsibilities

• Human Resource:

  • • Approves leave for staff in accordance with Human Resource guidelines
  • • Evaluates, appraises and monitors the performance of staff in the Branch and make recommendations for training and development, promotion, discipline, reward and recognition
  • • Coordinates the development of individual work plans and recommends performance targets
  • • Identifies skills/competencies gaps and contributes to the development and succession planning for the Branch to ensure adequate staff capacity
  • • Ensures the well-being of staff supervised
  • • Facilitates the timely and accurate completion of the staff annual performance appraisals and other periodic reviews
  • • Oversees the procurement and production of promotional and branded items
  • • Participates in the orientation, on boarding ,recruitment and training of staff of the Branch
  • • Initiates the disciplinary process

• Technical/Professional:

  • • Provides strategic leadership and direction to the Corporate Communications and Public Relations Branch and
  • • Leads the development and implementation of the Ministry's public relations, communication, media and engagement strategies to enhance internal and external stakeholder awareness and knowledge of the Ministry's events, policies, programmes and initiatives
  • • Leads the development and design of the Ministry Communication Plan and Public Relation Plan establishing specific goals, objectives and strategies to build public awareness, maintain consistency in branding and educate stakeholders on the Ministry's mandate a priorities
  • • Develops and implements a stakeholder communication plan to ensure that all identified target audiences are engaged efficiently and effectively with tailored messages and communicate on the Ministry’s business
  • • Identify and develop campaigns, and plans in collaboration with relevant sections and in response to the Ministry’s mandate, new initiatives and existing programmes and services
  • • Leads the planning and the development of the website, social media content and online presence of the Ministry to promote the core business functions of the ministry and communicate with stakeholders
  • • Monitors the website and social media content schedule and engagement, including responses to stakeholders to ensure unity in the Ministry’s voice, brand and image and internal communication policy
  • • Coordinates and leverages ICT in the implementation and delivery of functions in collaboration with MIS Unit and other agencies
  • • Supervises the conceptualization, research and preparation of speeches, briefs, presentations and correspondence for Ministers, Permanent Secretary and Chief Technical Directors
  • • Manages the design ,development, dissemination process of in-house publications
  • • Participates in the planning and execution of the Ministry’s official and special events, in collaboration with respective senior managers for public outreach and other media relations and communication activities
  • • Manages the development and implementation of crisis communication, risk management and mitigation strategies
  • • Advises the Permanent Secretary, Minister and heads of section on Public Relations and Communication matters related crisis management and internal communication
  • • Streamlines the visual brand, voice and identity of the Ministry on all communication domains to ensure that there is consistency in use and that the corporate and public image is maintained
  • • Ensures that the MLSS is visible, appropriately branded, positioned and accountable to all stakeholders and clients
  • • Establish and maintain a good professional working relationship with journalists, media houses and agencies to facilitate public awareness and understanding of MLSS policies, programmes ,initiatives and mandate
  • • Coordinates research on the public’s needs, interests, attitudes, priorities and expectations to inform communication strategies and campaigns
  • • Monitors and analyses the efficiency and effectiveness of communications strategies and media coverage and also for the campaigns for policies, programmes and services offered by the Ministry

• Management/Administrative:

  • • Participates in the corporate planning process
  • • Ensures that the MLSS abide by statutory guidelines outlines in the Communication Policy, Records Management and Access to Information Act for the publication, dissemination and preservation of information
  • • Designs and implements Standard Operating Procedures and internal Public Relation and Communication policy
  • • Manages the Public Relations and Communications portfolio
  • • Manages and develops the Public Relations and Communications budget
  • • Supervises Public Relations and Communications Officers
  • • Identifies suppliers and oversees the purchase order procurement process

Required Skills

• • Excellent knowledge of GOJ Communication Policy and other governing statutes related to Communication and Public Relations
• • Good knowledge of the Ministry’s policies and programmes
• • Excellent supervisory and management skills
• • Excellent oral and written communication
• • Strong analytical and problem solving skills
• • Excellent interpersonal and team working skills
• • Good speech writing skills
• • Integrity and Ethics

Qualifications

• • Bachelor degree in media and communications or related field
• • Five (5) years’ experience with at least two (2) years’ experience in communications management
• • Knowledge of events planning and management would be an asset
• • Training in public speaking and presentation skills
• • Training in state protocol and business etiquette would be an asset
• • Supervisory experience

Additional Information and Instructions

• Special Conditions Associated With The Job:

  • • Required to travel intra island
  • • Required to work outside of normal working hours occasionally
  • • Attend conciliation and other meetings as necessary
  • • Stressful and critical deadlines for completion of projects

Applications accompanied by résumés should be submitted than Friday, May 30, 2025 addressed to: Senior Director, Human Resource Management and Development Ministry of Labour and Social Security 14 National Heroes Circle Kingston 4 📧 Email: resume@mlss.gov.jm 📜 N.B. Please include the job title in the subject line of your email. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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