Position title: Executive, Media Relations
Reports to: Manager, External Communications
Starting Date: Available immediately
Mission of the Role:
To place WWF-Singapore at the forefront of sustainability and conservation in Singapore and the region, by spearheading all media relations duties in the organisation to ensure that WWF is positioned as a locally relevant, globally-oriented brand. The Executive, Media Relations is responsible for supporting the Manager, External Communications to drive awareness and press outreach to grow influence that constantly defines a human-centric, credible WWF brand that safeguards the corporate identity and reputation through visuals and narratives across all touchpoints, opening doors to engage stakeholders and businesses. He/She will support thought leadership outreach through successful publicity around WWF’s priority themes: Deforestation, Plastic pollution, Climate, Wildlife, Sustainability.
Major Functions:
Reporting to the Manager, External Communications, this role requires collaborative and resourceful skill sets to effectively work with cross-organisational teams to support strategic directions, developing and achieving the overall communications strategy for WWF-Singapore – aligning with WWF’s global sustainability goals. He/She brings experience in Media Relations/Journalism and will support the development of press/external communications materials and build relationships with media/influencers to ensure impact-driven outcomes for the environment. Above all, he/she must possess a strong analytical grasp in budget management and adhere to WWF-Singapore’s procurement process.
Major Duties and Responsibilities:
- Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to support and achieve WWF-Singapore’s overall PR strategy, with strong understanding of WWF-Singapore’s key competencies and advocacy positions locally and internationally
- Build relations with media/influencer contacts to maximise external profile-building opportunities, to ensure positive media coverage and raise awareness of WWF and its work with key stakeholders and audiences
- Produce news and features content suited to a variety of media. Ensure the timely delivery of communications products and identify stories of interest locally
- Conduct media outreach and identify media opportunities for profiling of WWF in online and traditional – in alignment with network protocols and in conjunction with National/Country/Programme offices
- Develop key messages, prepare briefs, write commentary pieces, draft media responses, quotes, FAQs and produce other print/video/digital content related to WWF
- C-Suite communications: To map the opportunities for C-Suite leaders/Chairman, representing WWF-Singapore at key forums. Ability to construct a quality message house which can be mapped for specific spokespersons, good command over written language to bring out key messages with impact.
- Ensure all relevant communication materials produced (articles, speeches, films and audio) are shared with relevant staff
- Support the organisation in managing the communications around crises and issues. As required, takes the lead on communications around issues and crises on a case-by-case basis with the team, liaising with stakeholders to ensure accuracy of brand tone and information
- Liaise with WWF’s network of national offices, and directly with local/regional media, around WWF priorities and communications around crises and issues;
- Help ensure the success of WWF’s global conservation goals by communicating the organisation’s work, profile and values to local and regional media, in line with network protocols
- Assist in media plans to advance the organisation’s strategic goals and objectives to external audiences. Contribute to the overall work of the Communications team in support of WWF Practices, priority areas, campaigns, monitoring and the ongoing news cycle
- Provide communications expertise for priority advocacy and policy conventions, meetings and events, and provide front-line media relations at such events
- Produce stories for podcasts, videos, blogs and other media; training of spokespeople if needed
Required Qualifications, skills and competencies
- Degree in communications, PR, journalism or related subject and/or at least 2-4 years’ relevant professional experience in journalism, PR, or organizational communications (background in PR/in-house news agencies preferred)
- Thorough understanding of, and experience in championing and communicating, the benefits of nature, conservation and related financial matters to people and sociey
- Strong writing and oral skills, able to repurpose content/stories for proactive media pitching and support the development of all external communications materials
- Knowledge and interest in conservation/sustainability issues (and their solutions), especially as they relate to SEA
- Ability to deliver multiple simultaneous projects in absolute discretion, tact, diplomacy and negotiation skills
- Coordinate with internal teams, subject matter experts for alignment of messaging and content
- Experience in and preferably formal handling of crisis communications desirable – able to commit irregular hours when needed, particularly for crisis communications
- Strong people management and networking skills, ability to work as part of a team in a multi-cultural environment, with excellent collaborative and listening skills
- Consistently practice ethical behaviour in all dealings aligned with WWF’s values and codes of conduct
- A go-getter with a pleasant personality, maturity, soft skills, enthusiasm and ability to work in different social environments and individuals from all walks of life
- Ability to work both independently and as a team, with resourcefulness and creativity, to maintain a high level of output
- Keen sense of learning and ability to grasp conceptual and theoretical concepts quickly and translate large amounts of information from various stakeholders for story angles
- Good interpersonal skills, multi-task and ability to follow-up, meticulous eye for detail and processes, highly motivated, organised, able to perform under pressure and within tight timeline
- Adhere to WWF’s values, which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect and Collaboration
Critical Relationships:
Internal teams – Conservation, Fundraising, Sustainable Finance, Operations and Projects Team, Education, Market Transformation and Advocacy and WWF Global media team
External – Media, PR Agency, Corporate Partners, Government Agencies
This job description covers the main tasks and conveys the spirit of the sort of tasks that are anticipated proactively from staff. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to organizational needs.
Interested applicants may submit their updated CVs and cover letter to hr@wwf.sg
Please indicate the position being applied for in the subject line.
