Chief for External Relations & Corporate Communications

The Chief for External Relations & Corporate Communications drives cross-functional alignment to execute unified, high-impact communication strategies. By cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, and excellence, the Manager enhances CEM's authority in educational measurement, advances market presence, and proactively protects the organization's brand integrity against operational and reputational risks.

Key Responsibilities:

1.Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute strategic external relations and corporate communications plans to drive the organization's growth, enhance its brand presence, and establish CEM as an industry leader in educational measurement.
• Analyze public perception, media landscape, and industry dynamics to identify opportunities for proactive messaging and risk mitigation.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to define long-term communication objectives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and measurable key results (KRs) to gauge success.
• Architect a comprehensive, proactive corporate crisis management communication framework tailored specifically to mitigate risks associated with testing integrity.
• Establish communication strategies that support CEM's thought leadership, market positioning, and reputation management.

2.Operational Excellence

• Ensure external relations and corporate communication processes are optimized for efficiency and effectiveness, aligning with strategic objectives and business needs.
• Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance communication strategies, streamline internal and external messaging, and reduce operational costs.
• Develop and implement best practices and performance metrics to monitor communication effectiveness, ensuring high standards and consistent messaging across all platforms.
• Oversee the development of all media materials, press releases, and corporate reports to ensure they align with CEM's brand identity and communication goals.
• Translate complex psychometric data, statistical validation models, and testing guidelines into clear, non-technical, user-friendly copy for candidates, parents, and educators.

3.Team Leadership and Development

• Provide strong leadership and guidance to the communications team, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.
• Empower team members to achieve their full potential through mentoring, coaching, and providing career development opportunities.
• Recruit, develop, and retain top talent in external relations and corporate communications, building a high-performing team that drives impactful communication strategies and delivers results.
• Direct continuous technical training for staff in modern areas, including advanced digital analytics, multimedia content production, crisis PR, and basic data privacy standards.

4.Stakeholder and Cross-Functional Engagement

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including media partners, clients, government agencies, and regulatory bodies.
• Act as a brand ambassador for CEM, representing the organization at industry events, conferences, media appearances, and public forums to elevate the organization's reputation.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders to address issues, resolve conflicts, and ensure alignment with common goals, ensuring clear and effective communication across all channels.
• Create structured advisory channels, client feedback touchpoints, and public listening forums to systematically harvest user perceptions and institutional client requirements.
• Launch strategic outreach programs and community initiatives that highlight CEM's commitment to educational equity, accessibility, and national development.

Qualifications:

• At least 8 years of experience in communications, with a minimum of 5 years in a leadership or executive position overseeing external relations and corporate communications strategies.
• Bachelor's or master's degree in External Relations, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Professional certifications in PR (APR), Communications, or Media Relations in lieu of a master's degree; Membership in the Public Relations Society of the Philippines (PRSP)

Working Arrangement: Hybrid