Senior Media & Content Specialist (Media Relations)

Job Description

The Senior Media & Content Specialist (Media Relations) plays a key role in all aspects of media relations and content development for Duke-NUS. This role is instrumental in developing and implementing the school’s national and global media strategy, focused on strengthening Duke-NUS’ reputation as Singapore’s flagship graduate-entry medical school, and a cutting-edge, world-class research center that makes breakthrough discoveries, and helps transform medicine and improve lives in Singapore and beyond. Through sustained media engagement via press releases, press briefings, editorial pitches, networking and cultivation of key opinion leaders, the (Senior) Media & Content Specialist will advance Duke-NUS’ positioning and approach as a newsmaker and thought leader in our areas of expertise. While the role involves a high degree of responsiveness to both internal and external media outreach needs, proactive content development for greenfield media pitches and/or the school’s other communications channels and platforms is an equally important focus for this role.

The position plays a key role in all aspects of media relations and content development for Duke-NUS, including but not limited to the following:

Media relations

• Manage and coordinate media outreach (including press releases, press briefings and targeted pitches) to ensure optimal coverage and media share of voice.
• Package and pitch compelling stories about scientific discoveries, research commercialization, educational innovations, and the wider Duke-NUS community (leadership, faculty, staff, students and alumni).
• Build, engage and grow a network of local and international media contacts.
• Handle media queries and requests, manage interviews for Duke-NUS spokespersons, and facilitate media visits for in-person interviews, filming, photography, audio recording and other needs.
• Develop press kits, briefing documents, advisories, bios, fact sheets, videos and related collaterals in support of media events, such as press briefings, media luncheons or other media engagement activities

Thought leadership

• Scout for opportunities that contribute to a well-rounded programme of media engagement opportunities for leadership, faculty, students and alumni to promote and inform public discourse through expert comments, opinion pieces or extended interviews and features.

Content development

• Write, edit, finalize and package content, including press releases, brand articles, social media posts, videos, podcasts, photo essays, infographics and similar, that can be repurposed for multiple channels.
• Contribute to the department’s annual media outreach calendar for planned and opportunistic content for targeted audiences in digital and print media.
• Assist in the preparation of corporate and/or media presentations, reports and collaterals in support of other information needs.

Stakeholder management

• Collaborate and cultivate relationships with key internal stakeholders to contribute proactively to media outreach for planned and ad-hoc publicity opportunities in digital and print media.
• Provide strategic Public Relations and communications counsel to Duke-NUS leadership, faculty and staff
• Perform any other work as assigned by the Head of Department. Some events may require working on weekends and after working hours.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in science, Communications or other relevant disciplines. A higher degree would be advantageous
• Minimum 3 to 5 years of relevant work experience in journalism, public relations, corporate communications or other related job functions. Candidates with more years of experience may be considered for a senior media & content specialist position.
• Have a keen interest in science and a curious mind, looking out for trends that could result in opportunities for the school’s experts to engage with the media and in public forums.
• Prior work experience communicating about science, health or education, or working in these sectors would be advantageous.
• Possess excellent command of spoken and written English with an eye for detail.
• A creative thinker with good understanding of effective storytelling for different platforms, and prolific content creator who can deliver to deadline and perform well under pressure.
• Possess strong project management, organizational and coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple projects and work well independently as well as with others.
• Proven stakeholder management skills and able to work well with a diverse range of people.
• Proficiency in multimedia (e.g. photography, illustration, video, audio) would be advantageous.
• Can live up to Duke-NUS’ values of collaboration, compassion, integrity and courage.
• A motivated self-starter who is able to work independently or in a team, with a strong sense of accountability.
• Contribute to the team’s culture of creating a safe workspace environment

We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified.