Public Relations Officer (Kingston, Jamaica) - Jamaica Tourist Board

 Applications are invited from suitably qualified persons to fill the position of: PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER

JOB SUMMARY

Reporting to the Public Relations and Communications Manager, the Public Relations Officer is responsible for providing research and writing services to support the public relations and brand management activities of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) to encourage acceptance of the Jamaican tourism product by local and foreign journalists. The incumbent will aid in the alignment and shaping of a positive image for Destination Jamaica and consequently increase Jamaica’s market share in the international market.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Technical

• Advises the managers and senior JTB officials through the Public Relations and Communications Manager on media issues;
• Arranges news conferences and briefings as required;
• Assists with the preparation of presentations to be delivered by the Director and other Spokespersons;
• Liaises with Communications Officers in all Ministries/Departments/Agencies on matters affecting the image of the JTB and devises corrective action(s) as required;
• Attends and arranges media coverage for the JTB’s events;
• Attends and participates in meetings on behalf of the organization;
• Develops and maintains a harmonious relationship between the JTB and the media;
• Writes news releases, statements, and feature articles, and prepares information for local and overseas media;
• Responds to information requests from the local and overseas media;
• Reviews news releases written by the Public Relations (PR) Agencies;
• Prepares, edits, and issues media advisories, news releases, feature stories, captioned photographs, announcements, and advertisements; and liaises with media houses for disseminating information;
• Conducts research to inform destination articles and updates;
• Creates and maintains a favorable public image for the organization;
• Conducts research on topical issues for use in overseas media;
• Provides information, photographs, slides and videos to fulfill requests from various media;
• Writes messages and speeches for the Director of Tourism and other executives of the JTB;
• Writes Information Briefs for the Director of Tourism and other executives of the Jamaica Tourist Board as required (to inform opinions);
• Arranges seminars for visiting journalists, and other groups, as required;
• Writes responses to requests from overseas media, arranges suitable photography to illustrate Jamaica’s tourism story; proofreads all copy and verifies the accuracy of information;
• Provides Communications Council to different units of the JTB on projects, events and programmes being undertaken by said units;
• Develops relevant itineraries to escort visiting journalists and other VIPs from arrival to departure;
• Ensures exposure to cultural and business contacts to provide a positive experience;
• Represents the JTB at community events; and if necessary, undertakes speaking engagements at schools, companies, and service clubs;
• Helps to maintain the organization's corporate image and identity;
• Keeps abreast of current trends, changes, plans and developments in the local tourist industry;

Administrative

• Contributes to the development of the annual calendar of marketing activities and Fiscal Budget for the Department;
• Updates and compiles monthly activity reports for submission to the PR & Communications Manager;
• Conducts assessments of the cost-effectiveness for each event/activity undertaken, and provides report;
• Conducts general activity-based evaluations to determine successes;
• Ascertains the learning outcome of activities;
• Provides expense accounts and reconciliation of expenditure against Imprest or Perdiem;
• Performs any other duties that may be assigned by the PR & Communications Manager or the Deputy Director of Tourism, Marketing.

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

• First Degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, or Business Management or any other related field. Candidates with a master’s degree would have an advantage
• Five (5) years’ experience in Public Relations, Corporate Communications, and/or the editorial field
• Training in photography, editing, and project management
• Experience in web design and content creation is an advantage
• Excellent portfolio with a proven track record of successful project management examples
• Prior experience in the tourist industry is an asset

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
• Excellent command and use of the English Language
• Familiarity with, and ability to articulate the organization’s position on a matter clearly
• Initiative, punctuality, sound judgment
• Ability to be open and friendly to maintain a favorable image for the organization
• Ability to maintain integrity and confidentiality
• Ability to work in a team
• Good analytical/problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform well under stressful situations
• Excellent time management, and organizational skills

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Thorough knowledge of local history and culture, geographic structure and operations of the tourist industry
• Sound knowledge and appreciation for the role of tourism in national development
• Knowledge of the methods, techniques and practices of public relations and editorial writing
• Ability to keep abreast of international procedures and practices in the public relations profession
• Ability to undertake public speaking engagements
• Well-developed research and writing skills
• Photo and video-editing skills
• Ability to engage with digital communication channels
• Knowledge of the Jamaican tourism product
• Experience and knowledge in writing, copywriting, proofreading and editing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office

UNUSUAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Extended working hours, work on weekends and public holidays.
• Island-wide travelling to provide full Public Relations coverage for the Board’s activities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

• Own and operate a reliable motor vehicle.

APPLICATION

Applications with resumes should be submitted no later than Friday, April 5, 2024 to: jtbhrd@visitjamaica.com 

Senior Manager, Human Resource Development, Jamaica Tourist Board

64 Knutsford Boulevard, Kingston 5.