External Communication Lead

External Communication Lead

July/2023

JOB POSTING

EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION LEAD

The Caribbean Maritime University (CMU), the only specialized maritime university in the English-speaking Caribbean is inviting applications for the post of EXTERNAL COMMUNICATION LEAD.

JOB SUMMARY

The External Communications Lead is responsible for developing and executing the CMU’s external communications strategy. This includes developing an overall corporate message architecture,  and overseeing external communications plans and processes; and vehicles to help achieve the company’s reputation goals in relation to members of industry, clients, the media as well as potential applicants.

PRIMARY RESPONSBILITIES

Technical Responsibilities

• Develops and executes the CMU’s external communication strategy that brings to life its purpose, values, vision, and drives our strategy and business plan.
• Develops a broad range of external communications from initiation to final product delivery, including news releases, external presentations and scripts, content for digital platforms (e.g., website), media inquiries, social media, broadcast media, etc.
• Manages CMU’s media efforts, including a proactive outreach strategy, content development, promotion, guidelines and other relevant efforts to maximize media and community and stakeholder relations.
• Serves as the primary contact for media requests, coordinating with internal and external stakeholders/spokespersons and developing key messages and content.
• Partners cross-functionally with executives and other key stakeholders to translate company strategy into effective communication pieces; support the creation and promotion of thought leadership among the tertiary sector and communities we serve.
• Measures communication effectiveness and develop strategies and initiatives to improve outcomes.
• Assists with setting external communications protocols on media relations, social media, crisis communication, etc. and provides oversight of holistic communications efforts, including media relations, social media, digital platforms, internal communications, public affairs/outreach, and others.
• Assists with developing and conducting media training of internal team members, as appropriate.
• Supports the measurement and evaluation of external communications efforts.

Performance Standards:

• Tasks satisfactorily completed as per targets in the  Work and Operational Plans
• High level of satisfaction experienced by staff, students and stakeholders.
• Effective management of the CMU’s communication strategy demonstrated
• Satisfactory collaboration maintained with the CMU’s external contacts resulting in efficient linkages of all stakeholders in the system.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• A Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related area.

• Hours may be outside of normal business hours, especially during special or emergency events.
• At least one (1) year of related, professional experience in external communications, public relations, media relations, communication in higher education, project management and/or other closely related fields.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES:

Core

• Writing skills: Candidate needs excellent writing, editing and proofreading skills as well as the journalistic ability to develop and write stories.
• Speaking skills: Candidate also needs strong speaking skills as you are likely to be called on to give presentations and conduct interviews with media and other stakeholders. External communications personnel need sensitivity to an organization’s goals and values and the ability to relay them to members of the public.
• Interpersonal skills: Candidate needs good interpersonal and relationship-building skills to work with external partners. You also need to possess the confidence to deal with the media and members of the public.
• Organizational skills: Sufficient to plan and manage multiple, time-sensitive communications projects.

Technical

• Creative skills: Candidate needs the creative ability to devise communication strategies.
• Digital skills: Familiarity with information technology, especially digital and video means of communication, is essential.
• Data analysis: Experience analyzing data, trends and devising strategy to address trends.
• Strong technological skills: to include use of social media, communication devices, project management and report writing software and Microsoft Office Suite