Head, Corporate Communications

Job Description

Devex is assisting an international financial institution in their search for a Head, Corporate Communications (HCC) to drive the development and implementation of the organization’s corporate communication strategy. This position will be based in St. Michael, Barbados.

The ideal candidate for this role should have a Master’s degree in Communications, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Journalism or other related field; significant management experience in mass communications and/or public relations within a matrix, collaborative environment with at least six (6) years at a management level; a successful track record of managing new media and digital channels, including website development; and demonstrated ability to manage reputational risk.

Finally, only nationals of the following countries may be eligible to apply: Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, the Cayman Islands, Colombia, Dominica, Germany, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Italy, Jamaica, The People’s Republic of China, Mexico, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, the Turks and Caicos Islands, the United Kingdom and Venezuela.

OVERVIEW

The Corporate Communications Unit provides advice and leadership on all aspects of internal and external communications, and external relations. The Unit manages corporate social responsibility and outreach programmes, website, media relations and publications.

The HCC is responsible for the strategic planning and programming related to communications, external relations, and stakeholder engagement. The role requires a strong focus on strategies to increase visibility and influence, and to support the achievement of operational goals. Effective relationship-building, strategic communications and partnerships are key demands in this role as the HCC interfaces with diverse internal and external stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The job will require the HCC to:

1. Design and implement strategic communication initiatives that include print and radio media, digital and social media channels and niche communications to increase the visibility and understanding of the institution’s vision and purpose.
2. Actively engage, cultivate and manage press relationships to secure coverage surrounding the programmes, special events, public announcements and other projects.
3. Proactively identify opportunities for engagement and influence by being current with developments that relate to all key stakeholders and partners.
4. Anticipate reputational risk issues and develop and implement appropriate communication actions.
5. Lead on the development, implementation and monitoring of the brand guidelines.
6. Work with senior management and department staff to determine the areas where the institution can impact the regional and international dialogue on development issues through the development and publication of materials, and participation in selected public speaking events.
7. Manage the external surveys that evaluate the attitudes, opinions and aspirations of the stakeholders and partners.
8. Review the governance standards and operational protocols for the sign-off on all corporate communications emanating from the institution, to ensure that quality assurance is maintained, and brand guidelines are adhered to.
9. Develop a calendar for external speaking engagements for key personnel, and assist in the preparation of speeches for senior executives.
10. Champion communications throughout the institution to ensure that communication considerations form an integral part of policy-making, project designs, visits and tours by the senior management.
11. Work with management to develop internal communications programmes and processes required to support organisational change and employee engagement initiatives.
12. Develop and/or conduct media and communications training for staff, and assist in the development of ‘brown bag’ educational programmes.
13. Build a communications team that can ‘take charge’ of key deliverables.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

The HCC should have a strong results- and performance-orientation and embody and encourage best practices, creativity and innovation. Strong leadership skills and demonstrated talent for fostering an empowered work environment are critical for success in this role. A sound understanding of the Caribbean media environment would be an asset.

Technical Grounding and Expertise

The successful candidate must have:

1. A Master’s degree from an accredited university in Communications, Political Science, International Relations, Public Affairs, Marketing, Journalism or other related field.
2. Significant management experience in mass communications and/or public relations within a matrix, collaborative environment with at least six (6) years at a management level.
3. Exceptional research, writing, editing, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
4. Strong diplomatic and persuasive skills.
5. Demonstrated ability to manage reputational risk.
6. A successful track record of managing new media and digital channels, including website development.
7. Proven record of forging strong and effective relationships within the media environment and with internal stakeholders.
8. Sensitivity to the regional, international and multicultural environments in which the institution operates.

Function-specific Competencies

The HCC must demonstrate strong proficiency in the following competencies:

• Ability to develop strategies, plans and programmes to address complex corporate issues, recognizing complexity and uncertainty, and to evaluate the impact of those strategies.
• Ability to lead others in assuring existing or new, upcoming communication tools and media channels are fully leveraged to assure proper communication.
• Ability to rewrite or edit complex communications products for purposeful structure, clarity of ideas, and the logical persuasive presentation of content.
• Ability to grasp complex technical concepts for effective communication.
• Ability to manage multiple, high level and visible projects.
• Adept at establishing rapport with diverse internal and external partners.

Organisational Competencies

Candidates are also assessed for these competencies within our recruitment process to benchmark their skills and behaviours. The successful candidate should have a high level of proficiency in these competencies:

Leadership:

Strategic Focus, Analytical Thinking, Stress Management, Developing Others, Building Strategic Partnerships, Inspiring Trust, Fostering Creativity, Knowledge Capture and Sharing, Resiliency, Facilitating Change, Negotiating and Dialogue; and

Core:

A Strong Client Focus, Drive for Continuous Development, Excellent Communication Skills, Teamwork, Integrity and Results Orientation.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

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

To apply, please send your most updated CV in English, and a one-page Cover Letter (optional). Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.