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Senior Manager / Manager, Strategic Communications

Public Service Division
Full-time
On-site
Singapore, , Singapore
πŸ“£ Marketing Communications (MarCom)

πŸ“Œ Core Information

πŸ”Ή Job Title: Senior Manager / Manager, Strategic Communications

πŸ”Ή Company: Public Service Division

πŸ”Ή Location: Singapore, NCS-National Council of Social Service - HQ

πŸ”Ή Job Type: Full-Time

πŸ”Ή Category: Strategic Communications, Media Engagement, Communications Research

πŸ”Ή Date Posted: May 2, 2025

πŸ”Ή Experience Level: 6-8 years

πŸ”Ή Remote Status: On-site

πŸš€ Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

  • Driving strategic communications and data-driven planning for NCSS
  • Providing communications counsel to NCSS business units
  • Engaging with media to promote NCSS's thought leadership and influence stakeholders
  • Managing external agencies and vendors while effectively tracking budget utilisation
  • Leading projects and assignments as needed

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities. It is ideal for someone with a strong background in strategic communications and a passion for making a difference in the social service sector.

πŸ“‹ Key Responsibilities

βœ… Provide communications counsel to NCSS business units and drive their communications and publicity efforts

βœ… Drive communication research, social listening, and reporting to refine communication efforts

βœ… Engage with media to acquire positive mindshare for the work of NCSS and the sector

βœ… Promote NCSS thought leadership and influence stakeholders

βœ… Develop corporate publications/eDMs that show impact and insights for external and internal stakeholders

βœ… Manage external agencies and vendors while effectively maintaining and tracking budget utilisation

βœ… Lead projects and assignments as and when needed. Perform duties that may be assigned from time to time.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and stakeholder management. It requires strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to work effectively with various teams and stakeholders.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field

Experience: 6 to 8 years of experience in strategic communications, media engagement, and/or communications research

Required Skills:

  • Excellent strategic thinking, analytical, and conceptualisation skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Able to multi-task and manage priorities
  • Adaptable and enjoys working with people
  • Self-motivated and driven
  • Serving with Heart, Commitment and Purpose
  • Working Effectively with Citizens and Stakeholders
  • Social Service Sector Knowledge
  • Project Management

Preferred Skills:

  • Experience in stakeholder management
  • Fluency in additional languages (e.g., Mandarin, Tamil, or other local languages)

ASSUMPTION: While a degree in a related field is preferred, equivalent experience and a strong portfolio may be considered. Fluency in additional languages can be an asset in the Singapore context.

πŸ’° Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: SGD 8,000 - 12,000 per month (Estimated based on industry standards for the role and experience level)

Benefits:

  • Government pension scheme
  • Medical benefits
  • Training and development opportunities
  • Flexible work arrangements

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM (with a 1-hour lunch break), with the possibility of flexible hours and work-from-home arrangements

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in Singapore. The actual salary may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.

πŸ“Œ Applicant Insights

πŸ” Company Context

Industry: The National Council of Social Service (NCSS) is the national coordinating body for voluntary welfare organisations in Singapore. It plays a crucial role in developing and strengthening the social service sector.

Company Size: NCSS is a government agency with a relatively small team, which means applicants can expect a close-knit work environment and the opportunity to make a significant impact.

Founded: NCSS was established in 1992, making it an experienced player in the social service sector.

Company Description:

  • NCSS works with over 400 voluntary welfare organisations to support more than 1 million beneficiaries annually
  • It focuses on areas such as health and medical care, special education, and community development
  • NCSS aims to strengthen the social service sector by building capabilities, fostering collaborations, and advocating for the sector

Company Specialties:

  • Sector development and capacity building
  • Advocacy and stakeholder engagement
  • Research and data analytics
  • Funding and resource mobilisation

Company Website: http://www.ncss.gov.sg

ASSUMPTION: NCSS plays a vital role in Singapore's social service sector, and this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of many beneficiaries.

πŸ“Š Role Analysis

Career Level: This is a senior-level role that offers the opportunity to lead strategic communications efforts and influence the direction of the social service sector.

Reporting Structure: The role reports directly to the Director, Communications and Engagement, and works closely with various business units within NCSS.

Work Arrangement: The role is primarily on-site, with the possibility of flexible work arrangements and work-from-home options.

Growth Opportunities:

  • Potential to grow into a leadership role within NCSS or the broader public sector
  • Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
  • Chance to develop expertise in the social service sector and related areas

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, with the potential to make a real difference in the social service sector.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: NCSS's headquarters is located in a modern business park, offering a professional and collaborative work environment.

Office Location(s): 10 Pasir Panjang Road, #01-01, Mapletree Business City, Singapore 117438

Geographic Context:

  • Singapore is a multicultural city-state with a strong focus on social welfare and community development
  • The social service sector in Singapore is well-established and offers many opportunities for growth and innovation
  • Singapore is known for its excellent quality of life, with a high standard of living and a wide range of cultural and recreational activities

Work Schedule: The role follows a standard Monday to Friday workweek, with the possibility of flexible hours and work-from-home arrangements.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment at NCSS is collaborative and supportive, with a strong focus on teamwork and mutual respect.

πŸ’Ό Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

  • Online application submission
  • Phone or video screening
  • Face-to-face interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
  • Background check and reference check
  • Job offer

Key Assessment Areas:

  • Communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strategic thinking and analytical skills
  • Cultural fit and alignment with NCSS's values
  • Experience in strategic communications and media engagement

Application Tips:

  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with strategic communications, media engagement, and communications research
  • Demonstrate your understanding of the social service sector and NCSS's mission and values
  • Prepare questions to ask the interviewer about the role, the team, and the organisation

ATS Keywords: Strategic Communications, Media Engagement, Communications Research, Stakeholder Management, Project Management, Social Service Sector, NCSS

ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.

πŸ› οΈ Tools & Technologies

  • Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
  • Social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn)
  • Media monitoring and analytics tools (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
  • Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: The role requires proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with social media platforms. Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools, as well as project management tools, would be an asset.

πŸ‘” Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

  • Care
  • Respect
  • Integrity
  • Excellence
  • Innovation

Work Style:

  • Collaborative
  • Adaptable
  • Results-driven
  • Innovative
  • Customer-focused

Self-Assessment Questions:

  • How do you demonstrate care and respect in your work?
  • Can you provide an example of a time when you had to adapt to a significant change in your work environment?
  • How do you approach innovation and continuous improvement in your work?

ASSUMPTION: NCSS values candidates who are caring, respectful, and committed to delivering excellence in their work. Candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their alignment with these values throughout the interview process.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

  • The role may require working on weekends or evenings to attend events or manage crises
  • The social service sector can be emotionally demanding, and candidates should be prepared to handle sensitive issues with care and compassion
  • The role may involve working with a diverse range of stakeholders, each with their own priorities and expectations
  • The role may require managing external agencies and vendors, which can be challenging and time-consuming

ASSUMPTION: While this role offers many rewards, it also presents unique challenges that candidates should be prepared to navigate.

πŸ“ˆ Similar Roles Comparison

  • This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Strategic Communications Manager role in other organisations, but with a focus on the social service sector
  • Unlike some corporate roles, this role offers the opportunity to make a direct impact on the lives of vulnerable individuals and communities
  • Career progression in this role could lead to leadership positions within NCSS or the broader public sector

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to apply strategic communications skills to make a real difference in the social service sector.

πŸ“ Sample Projects

  • Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy for a major NCSS initiative
  • Managing media engagement for a high-profile event or crisis
  • Conducting research and analysis to inform communications strategies and improve sector outcomes

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and challenges that candidates can expect to face in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

  • Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits into the broader organisation?
  • What are the most pressing communications challenges facing NCSS currently?
  • How does NCSS support the professional development and growth of its employees?
  • What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
  • How does NCSS engage with and support its partners and stakeholders?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are designed to help candidates better understand the role, the team, and the organisation, and to demonstrate their interest and engagement.

πŸ“Œ Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

  • Submit your application through this link
  • Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, with a focus on strategic communications, media engagement, and communications research
  • Prepare for the interview by researching NCSS and the social service sector, and by reflecting on your own experiences and achievements in strategic communications
  • Follow up with the hiring manager after the interview to express your interest and reiterate your qualifications

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.