Deputy Director / Senior Associate Director, Communications

Job Purpose

The job holder will be a senior appointment within the Office of University Communications, working collaboratively with communications colleagues in the department and across the university, internal stakeholders, as well as engage closely with external partners, organisations and agencies in Singapore and globally in shaping and enhancing the reputation of NUS, amplifying the voice and impact of the University, and telling the NUS story in creative, inspiring and compelling ways. The role will be expected to lead, drive and implement leadership, strategic and marketing communications, crises and issues communications, and other key areas of communications responsibilities such as events management and protocol.

We welcome applications from motivated and experienced senior communications professionals with a strong background in media relations, crisis communications, editorial and publications, marketing and digital communications. The ideal candidate must have broad, strategic as well as hands-on experience in communications practice. He or she must be social media savvy, and able to work with colleagues of all levels. The job holder needs to be mature, proactive, organised and meticulous. He or she must have the ability to understand, analyse and distil complex issues quickly, be able to multitask, and work under pressure and within tight deadlines.

The appointment level will be determined based on the candidate's experience, track record, scope of responsibilities, and organisational requirements.

Job Description

Leadership, strategic and marketing communications

• Create and shape long-term narratives in alignment with organisational strategy and goals across education, research and enterprise, and seek opportunities to communicate NUS achievements, outcomes and capabilities across earned, owned and paid platforms.
• Build influence and impact through creative and data-driven story-telling and branding campaigns, leveraging AI capabilities and digital platforms.
• Develop and cultivate strong relationships with media as well as strategic partners and stakeholders.

Crises and issues communications

• Lead end-to-end communications, both internal and external, from anticipatory sensing and preparedness, response and activation, to recovery for potential and active crises and issues in safeguarding reputation and trust with stakeholders
• Build playbooks, run simulations and trainings, and serve as advisor and counsel to senior leaders

Qualifications

• Good university degree in communications, journalism, marketing, humanities and social sciences, or disciplines relevant or related to communications practice
• At least 15 to 20 years of experience in leadership and strategic communications including media relations, crisis communications, marketing communications, journalism or public relations agencies
• Demonstrate experience and expertise in leading multiple teams or functional leads to drive in-house communications in a large organisation
• Adept at creative storytelling and developing compelling narratives – across earned, owned or paid platforms – to profile strengths and achievements, and build organisational reputation
• Strong network of Singapore and international media contacts
• Able to write, edit, communicate as well as supervise and multi-task under tight deadlines
• Good people management skills, calm and mature temperament, and able to work collaboratively and manage senior external and internal stakeholders