Director, Communications & Corporate Affairs

Job Description

THE DEPARTMENT

The Communications & Corporate Affairs Department portfolio includes corporate communications, corporate social responsibility (CSR), corporate events, media and other stakeholder relations, protocol and supporting the advocacy work of the Bank. The Department shapes CDB’s internal and external voice and amplifies its impact through effective partnerships, high-impact thought leadership, and institutional storytelling. Core to the work of the Department is delivering programmes that inspire connection, ignite conversations, and advance CDB’s work and brand.

THE ROLE

The DCCA will lead and coordinate the Communications and Corporate Affairs team’s efforts to drive breakthrough storytelling across CDB’s development spectrum, advocacy and CSR engagements. They will generate creative, compelling and consistent communications and an impactful narrative on CDB’s:

(a) contributions to the development agenda and results for the region, and

(b) perspective on the region’s development challenges and opportunities.

The DCCA will be a member of the Bank’s senior management team and contribute to overall Bank strategy development and implementation. They will also coordinate and monitor the performance of the Bank’s information disclosure function, ensuring compliance and responsiveness.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The responsibilities of the DCCA include the following:

1. Developing and implementing a communications strategy to support and amplify CDB’s work and impact.

1. Identifying key regional and global audiences, objectives and messaging to support CDB’s advocacy.

1. Reviewing and approving the Bank’s most visible communications assets, press releases, public statements, and positions to ensure consistency, mission integration, brand alignment, and target objectives are considered, reflected, and achieved.

1. Collaborating with peer institutions, communications colleagues and cross-functional thought partners to scale up CDB’s communications impact.

1. Leading an integrated and coordinated approach to planning and delivering communications across CDB’s corporate channels, including digital and social media.

1. Identifying and interpreting broad trends and changes in the external environment that will impact CDB and advising on ways to address them from a communications perspective.

1. Leading the Bank’s social responsibility efforts and developing a scalable structure for the future.

1. Managing the Bank’s media and broader public engagement and senior executives’ exposure, ensuring their media efforts reflect and reinforce the Bank’s desired image. This review includes communications vetting, preparing briefing documents, speeches and other presentation materials.

1. Supporting leaders in implementing robust and consistent brand and positioning across all projects and initiatives.

1. Managing CDB’s flagship corporate events, ensuring strong target audience engagement and impact.

1. Mentoring and managing a team of communication professionals to achieve outcomes successfully.

1. Acting as CDB’s spokesperson at key events and brand moments, driving the correct enterprise narrative amongst media and audiences.

1. Assist with protocol arrangement and organisational and logistical aspects for visits of high-level dignitaries to the Bank. Advise Bank staff on general protocol arrangements for activities, meetings, conferences, and other events requiring protocols.

1. Applying best practices in evaluating the impact of the Department’s work.

SELECTION CRITERIA

This role is about maximising impact and requires an outstanding leader who can craft a clear strategy and narrative for stakeholders and audiences. With a corporate communications and media relations background, the successful candidate should be an excellent communicator, capable of synthesising the complex into the simple. The DCCA should be a proactive, creative, strategic thinker with a bias to action and a proven ability to work effectively across a complex organisation to deliver results.

The successful candidate must have the following:

1. A graduate degree in communications, marketing, business, or a related field.

1. Significant experience in corporate communications or related fields in multi-faceted organisations, preferably with a membership-driven culture. At least eight years of management experience with portfolio responsibilities similar to this profile.

1. Solid exposure to media and broader stakeholder relations with a proven ability to insert a company into appropriate public dialogue and ensure that the Bank’s interests and perspectives are heard and considered.

1. Sound knowledge of the regional and global media landscape and the ability to work well with media representatives.

1. Working knowledge of the third sector, including foundations to leverage partnerships that advance the Bank’s social responsibility goals.

1. The ability to operate effectively across multiple agendas with different internal and external stakeholders.

1. A broad communications skill set across channels (including media, digital, social, and events).

1. A strong background in managing reputational risks.

1. Personal gravitas and poise in articulating messages to stakeholders.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A pension plan, life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

• You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.

• You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.

• All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of the information supplied and assures you that we will not discuss your background and interest with anyone, including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications is May 12, 2023 at 11:59 pm AST.

The Caribbean Development Bank is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply regardless of their racial, ethnic, religious, cultural background, gender, sexual orientation, or disabilities. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Bank provides reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities participating in the job application or interview process. Please contact us to request such accommodation.

About the Organization

INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) seeks a Director of Communications & Corporate Affairs (DCCA) to advocate for the CDB brand and lead the development and implementation of communications initiatives to build awareness and understanding of CDB’s mandate and programmes. In this role, the DCCA will be the trusted advisor and strategic counsel to senior leadership in managing various complex stakeholder opportunities and issues. They should be passionate about CDB’s work and knowledgeable about strategies and tactics that drive employee and stakeholder engagement and shape a strong corporate brand.