Job Description
[What the role is]
The Deputy Director, Strategic Communications & Media Division (SCMD) plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping how SWDA communicates its mission to enable individuals to learn for life, pursue skills mastery, and develop fulfilling careers for a future-ready Singapore. Reporting to the Director, this role is responsible for developing and managing strategic communications, media, thought leadership and stakeholder engagement, and research strategies that build public awareness, trust, and confidence in SWDA and the broader jobs and skills ecosystem. The Deputy Director works in close collaboration with senior management and internal stakeholders to influence perceptions and drive meaningful behaviour change in support of SWDA's strategic priorities.
[What you will be working on]
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Communications
- Develop and execute comprehensive integrated communication strategies that align with SWDA's policies, key focus areas, and initiatives
- Engage internal and external stakeholders to craft compelling narratives, identify target audiences, and select the most effective channels to deliver key messages that build trust and confidence in SWDA and the jobs and skills ecosystem
Media Relations
- Cultivate and sustain strong relationships with media partners, spanning mainstream news outlets to content partnerships
- Oversee the handling of complex media queries, lead crisis communications planning, and ensure consistent and accurate messaging across all platforms
Thought Leadership
- Work with internal and external stakeholders to build a network of thought leaders and develop compelling narratives and partnerships that establish SWDA as a leading voice in skills and jobs, strengthening public confidence and trust in the agency
Insight and Research
- Champion a data-driven communications approach by actively managing public perception and sentiment surveys, and initiating relevant research to inform communications, policy, and programme strategies
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders on behavioural insights studies that nudge behaviour and support policy and programme objective
Crisis Communications and Planning
- Ensure SWDA is always prepared to respond effectively and expeditiously to any crisis or incident
- During steady-state periods, actively review crisis communication protocols and responses, lead the team in crisis exercises, and recommend suitable training to build organisational capabilities
Team Development and Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of communications professionals, fostering a collaborative and high-performing environment
- Guide staff in translating communication strategies into detailed implementation plans, build functional capabilities across the team, and drive continuous improvement in business processes and systems to achieve divisional objectives and outcomes
[What we are looking for]
REQUIREMENTS
- Proven experience in a senior communications, media relations, or public affairs role, preferably within a government agency, statutory board, or large public-facing organisation
- Demonstrated experience leading and managing multi-disciplinary communications teams, including coaching and developing team members
- Track record of developing and executing integrated communications strategies that have successfully shaped public perception and driven stakeholder engagement
- Experience managing media relations, including handling complex or sensitive media queries and crisis communications
- Strong strategic communications planning and execution capabilities, with the ability to translate organisational priorities into clear, compelling narratives
- Proficiency in media management, including crisis communications planning and response
- Ability to leverage data, research, and insights to drive evidence-based communications decisions
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build enduring relationships across sectors and levels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft clear, persuasive, and audience-appropriate content
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and lead teams through complex, high-stakes communications situations
Successful candidates will be offered a 2-year contract in the first instance and may be considered for an extension or be placed on a permanent tenure.
Candidates are encouraged to sign up for a Careers & Skills Passport (CSP) account and include your CSP public profile in your resume. Please check out www.myskillsfuture.gov.sg for details on the CSP.
