Communications Manager, External Affairs

Interested applicants are invited to apply directly at the NUS Career Portal. Please note your application will only be processed if you apply via NUS Career Portal. NUS Career Portal link: https://careers.nus.edu.sg/job/Communications-Manager%2C-External-Affairs/33764-en_GB/ We regret that only shortlisted candidates will be notified. Job Description The Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy (LKYSPP) stands at the forefront of public policy education and research in Asia. We are a vibrant community of scholars, practitioners, and students dedicated to shaping a better future by addressing critical challenges facing Singapore, Asia, and beyond. We're looking for an experienced communications professional to help amplify that impact. This is a role where strong writing, strategic thinking, and the ability to translate complex research into compelling narratives will make a real difference. The Role You'll join our Communications team, within the larger External Affairs department, with responsibility across media relations, content development, digital channels, and brand. This means securing meaningful media coverage, producing high-quality editorial content, managing digital campaigns, and ensuring consistency in how we present ourselves to the world. You'll report to the Head of Communications as a senior individual contributor, working alongside colleagues in the Communications team and collaborating closely with faculty, senior leadership, and colleagues across the School. The work is varied. From pitching faculty commentary to major outlets and drafting thought leadership articles, to managing social media campaigns and coordinating production of institutional publications. This role suits someone who is an accomplished writer and editor, comfortable working with academics, able to identify compelling story angles, and effective at managing multiple projects independently. What You'll Do Media Relations & Press Strategy Lead media engagement to secure coverage across local, regional, and international outlets. Identify story angles, pitch proactively to journalists, and build relationships that lead to sustained, quality coverage. Position faculty experts for interviews and commentary, draft press materials, and prepare spokespeople for media engagements. Monitor peer institution positioning to identify opportunities for differentiation. Editorial & Content Development Conceive, commission, write, and edit thought leadership articles, research commentaries, faculty op-eds, institutional reports, newsletters, and executive communications. Work closely with academics to translate technical policy research into clear, compelling narratives that maintain intellectual rigour. Manage editorial calendar, coordinate production of key publications, and contribute to the development of content frameworks and institutional messaging. Digital & Multimedia Content Develop and manage content across digital channels - podcasts, videos, infographics, and social media - that make complex policy ideas accessible and engaging. You'll conceive content strategy and coordinate production, working with designers, videographers, and external vendors as needed. Plan and execute campaigns across social media, email, and paid channels. Oversee website copy for accuracy and brand alignment. Coordinate with departments on digital initiatives supporting student recruitment, alumni relations, executive education, and research visibility. Use analytics to measure performance and inform strategy. Brand & Strategic Support Support maintenance and application of our editorial voice, brand identity, and messaging standards. Develop toolkits and templates that enable colleagues to communicate clearly and consistently. Provide editorial guidance and support to faculty, colleagues, and students. Track media coverage and audience engagement, analyse trends, and prepare reports with actionable recommendations for senior leadership. Support major School events through promotion, content capture, and post-event amplification. Qualifications Degree in Communications, Journalism, Media, English, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field (postgraduate qualification is an advantage). 7–10 years of progressive experience in communications, journalism, editorial production, or public relations, with demonstrated ability to lead projects from conception to completion and manage multiple workstreams. Experience in higher education, public policy, governm…