Communications and Public Affairs Lead

**Overview**:
Reporting to the Executive: Legal, Regulatory and Stakeholder Engagement, this role will lead, develop, and execute traditional and digital communications strategies for all the organisation’s programmes, and initiatives, including developing relationship with key stakeholders. The C&PA Lead will leverage and improve the organisation’s publications, reports, events, and digital media content to elevate and maintain the organisation’s position as the leading industry association in the industry. The C&PA Lead will serve the critical role of translating policy, legislation and research, into formats that help the organisation, members, policymakers and the public understand the complexities of the industry, as well as identify opportunities to influence the public dialogue & perceptions, share their expertise and policy analysis, and foster stronger, evidence-based conversations on critical industry issues.

The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for the executives and board members’ thought leadership and external initiatives relating to the programmes of the organisation. This includes facilitating and managing messaging, speechwriting, media relations, social media, op-eds and blogs/website, and identifying public appearances at international and domestic conferences and other events. The C&PA Lead will also be responsible for managing and identifying flagship events and monetise such events.

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**Responsibilities**:

- Develop and execute integrated strategic communications plans to promote the organisation’s strategic and engagement objectives, including communication and content creation, message development, regulatory and external affairs, media relations, and event support
- Write and lead the development of public facing materials, including webpages, print materials, newsletters, op-eds, social media platforms and other communications and marketing collateral
- Plan and coordinate policy and research announcements on behalf of the organisation and work with outside organizations/entities, such as government officials, NGOs, think tanks, academic institutions and private sector partners, using multifaceted communications plans, including launch events, media outreach, social and digital media content, outreach to policymakers
- Incorporate strategic communications as a core function across all aspects of organisation, including associate brands ensuring consistency across all materials and communications
- Monitor and analyze the impact of the organisation’s research and communications strategies
- Explore and develop new ways to strengthen the organisation’s brand identity and engagement with key stakeholder audiences
- Demonstrate political savvy and judgment, and a sense of which opportunities are appropriate for organisation’s brand
- Build relationships and work collaboratively with communications peers at member organisations and establish a formal platform for regular engagement with members
- Identify and facilitate engagements for growth and new member opportunities
- Perform other duties as assigned and assist in special projects

**Skills and **Experience**:

- Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, government, public policy, foreign policy or related fields
- Experience in political or policy communications with direct experience in engaging with various policy makers and Government departments
- Demonstrated success leading and developing policy communications in the government, public or private sector leveraging traditional, digital and social media strategies
- Experience in policy and research writing for an executive and managing executive and/or policy communications programme
- Experience serving as an on the record spokesperson with relationships to top-tier national and international media covering the consumer goods, manufacturing and services sectors
- Demonstrated principal management experience, exceptional research and writing skills, an excellent eye for detail, and strong management and organisational skills
- Extensive experience researching, writing, and editing communications content for executives or public policy thought leaders, or highly visible private sector executives under tight time constraints in a variety of styles
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively, use sound judgment in making decisions, balance multiple priorities, and communicate proactively with stakeholders about project risks or uncertainties
- A deep commitment to promoting and enhancing diversity
- Superior communication skills to facilitate requests with internal constituents and extensive experience working with scheduling teams
- Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, understanding how to create content that draws an audience
- Keen attention to detail with strong organisation and time management skills. Ability to prioritize and manage a high volume of detailed work with conflicting priorities and deliver on a tight deadline
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