Public Relations Officer (MCG/IE 3)

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations, the incumbent will be responsible for creating, managing, and implementing Public Relations initiatives within the Department of Correctional Services. They will also represent the Department's policies, programs, services, and activities to internal and external stakeholders, including the public, acting as a point of contact, and ensuring clear and consistent communication. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical/Professional: 

• Assists in the development and implementation of strategic public relations plans, programmes, and projects to increase public awareness and understanding, and to obtain support and cooperation from the public; 
• Manages the social media presence (i.e. Facebook, Instagram, YouTube,), and the Department’s website and intranet daily, including initiating/curating and posting relevant content, monitoring and responding to users, engaging in dialogues and answering questions where appropriate, capturing customer’s online reviews, monitoring online ratings and responding accordingly, identifying threats and opportunities in customer generated content concerning the Department, and addressing/reporting notable threats; 
• Monitors media presence and public perception and make recommendations to the Director of Corporate Communications and Public Relations and the Commissioner of Corrections; 
• Enhances and maintain a positive corporate image of the organization to the public;
• Contributes to internal communication channels; 
• Establishes and maintain professional and effective working relationships with representatives of the media; 
• Develops communication initiatives for radio, television and print media in consultation with the Government information agencies; 
• Prepares and disseminates information to the media, public and private organizations, and the general public; 
• Develops public education and information materials including the Department’s newsletters; 
• Produces and maintains an events calendar that includes a schedule of the Department’s related events; 
• Assists with organizing press briefings, receptions, conferences, and other special events on behalf of the Department; 
• Assists with the preparation of speeches and messages for the Commissioner of Corrections and other focal persons within the Department; 
• Provides response to request for information by the mass media and/or the general public in compliance with the Access to Information Act; 
• Generates ideas, develops concepts, and writes copy for information and promotional material; 
• Liaises with external suppliers of Communications and Public Relations products and services. 

Other Responsibilities: 

• The incumbent may, from time to time, be assigned duties not specifically outlined within the job description but are within the capacity, qualifications and experience normally expected from a person occupying this position. 

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent oral and written communication skills 
• Excellent time management skills 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• Good customer relations and quality focus skills 
• Good judgment, planning and organizing skills 
• Knowledge of relevant computer applications 
• Photography and graphic design skills 
• Keen attention to detail 
• Teamwork and cooperation 
• Ability to cope well under pressured working conditions and to meet deadlines
• Knowledge of advertising, editing, and publishing 

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• First degree in Mass Communication/Public Relation from a recognized institution;
• At least three (3) years as a Communications Practitioner with research experience;
• Evidence of continuing professional development. 

SPECIAL CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE JOB

• Normal office conditions; 
• May be required to work beyond normal working hours and away from office;
• Pressured working conditions with numerous critical deadlines; 
• Prolonged use of computer; 
• May be required to work on weekends and public holidays; 
• Exposure to high risk environment within correctional facilities and their environs. 

We thank all applicants for their expressions of interest, however only short listed candidates will be contacted.