Job Purpose

To ensure that the School is successful in implementing its strategies that enhance its image, influence, and engagement with the general public and key partners/stakeholders. The successful candidate will  manage media, communications, building and maintaining a strong organizational reputation, increasing the visibility of the School.

The post holder must subscribe fully to SIS's ethos and core beliefs of lifelong learning, opportunities, values and making sure that every child matters. The person will actively promote the SIS vision through enthusiastic participation in all areas of school life, leading by example, and serving as a role model of uncompromising ethics, personal honesty, and high professional integrity.

The PR Officer will be responsible to promote, enhance, and protect the school’s brand reputation, and the visibility of the school.  The post holder will engage with various audiences including parents, students, staff and government agencies.

Key Aims

• Work with the senior leadership team and staff to recognise internal and external communications opportunities and solutions, defining and executing appropriate strategies.

• Develop strategies for the comprehensive use of media, rebranding and visibility of the School.

• Oversee implementation of all SIS’s communication strategies including websites and digital platforms; print communications including the periodic reports; media relations; government relations; events; and arts/entertainment engagement.

• Implement new digital strategies to build online support through adoption of digital tools, platforms and data analytics.

• Ensures comprehensive use of media and visibility of the School.

• Minute Board meetings, prepare agendas, papers and keep a record of all correspondence.

• Disseminates key messages across the School. 

• Manages content delivered through internal communication channels.

• Support in the preparation of SIS communication work plan and support their implementation.

• Support in preparation reports to relevant organizations.

• Support in development of policies and procedures for the Function and lead in their implementation and continuous review.

Communication

• Ensure that positive communication is maintained with parents through reports, parents’ consultation evenings, letters and other informal opportunities e.g. Newsletters/Google Classroom.

• Respond to stakeholders’ enquiries by appropriate channels.

• Keep accurate records of all communication with internal and external stakeholders, and any other pertinent pastoral information relating to the school activities.

• Draft, edit and post compelling and engaging content for the SIS’s social media platform.

Competitive salary

We require a forward thinking, outstanding and skilled PR Officer who shares a common passion to oversee the School’s Media and communication function, including its units, on communications, multimedia, digital, and public engagement, to generate maximum attention and impact for the School’s research and advocacy, and for its brand and presence as the nation’s model of leading International School.

 Successful applicants need to:

• demonstrate a passion for public relations;

• be highly motivated, enthusiastic, and committed to improvement;

• have a vision, creativity, and drive;

• be able to communicate effectively and have a repertoire of inter-personal and report writing skills;

• be able to manage internal and external stakeholders;

• analytical and evaluative;

• turn aspirations into reality;

• be committed to the safeguarding of children.

 In return, we can offer you:

• an opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking school;

• leadership development;

• to be part of the whole school’s improvement;

• Relationship development by working in an inspiring team;

• a chance to make a real difference, improving the image of the school;

• Please write a supporting letter outlining what skills and experiences make you an ideal candidate for the post (word limit 500).

• A job description and person specification is enclosed.

Job Requirements

Qualifications & Education:

• MA or BA Degree in Journalism, Communication, Public Relations, International Studies, Political Science and other related field

• Application Certificates.

Experience & Knowledge: 

• Experience of working with local media monitoring and reviewing

• Substantial experience of translation of documents

• Substantial experience in drafting articles and communications

• Ability to build effective professional relationships with students, staff, parents/carers, partners, and other stakeholders

• Experience and Knowledge and understanding of current educational and other affairs/issues relevant to the school.

• Application Interview References.

Skills 

• Ability to build effective professional relationships with students, staff, parents/carers, partners and other stakeholders

• Ability to work with initiative, as an individual and as a team member

• Able to intelligently use data to raise standards

• Ability to contribute to the leadership team of the school and represent the needs of both internally and external stakeholders.

• Ability to manage people, projects, events and resources effectively 

• Application Interview References.

Personal Attributes.

• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills

• Ability to lead and manage effectively, create a coherent and effective team and respond well to challenge

• A commitment to excellence and working in partnership

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

• Interview References.

How to Apply

Closing date: Friday 26th April.2023 Letters are to be sent to Mr. Hamilton via Bezaye Kebede (HR Manager) at bezaye@sandfordschool.org “Sandford International School is committed to: safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children; and as a Non-Governmental Organization staff are expected to be non-partisan, committed to equal opportunity for all, irrespective of race, religion, and gender, and reject discrimination on any grounds”

 All staff members are expected to share this commitment.

 The successful candidate will be subject to a local police check.

  Sandford International School is an equal opportunities employer.