Job Purpose
Group Strategic Marketing & Communications is responsible for building, protecting, and enhancing the DBS brand in an increasingly commoditised banking industry. Working closely with all units within the DBS Group, we create and execute integrated strategies that focus on communications, marketing and research to differentiate – and elevate – our brand from the rest of the competition.
Job Purpose
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Senior PR Professional to join our Group Marketing & Communications team in India. This role is crucial in shaping and safeguarding DBS Bank India's reputation, driving strategic communications, and amplifying our key initiatives across diverse platforms. The successful candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in media relations, crisis communications, and content creation, capable of operating in a fast-paced and complex financial services environment.
Key Accountabilities
- Reputation Enhancement & Media Profiling
- Crisis Management & Issues Mitigation
- Senior Leadership Support & Thought Leadership
- Special Projects & Corporate Communications
Job Duties & Responsibilities
Reputation Enhancement & Media Profiling:
- Proactively enhance DBS reputation through positive and strategic media profiling of the businesses and key stakeholders of the Institutional Banking, Consumer Banking and Global Financial Markets verticals, along with the key focus areas of AI, digital transformation and people agenda.
- Work with both Group Research as well as the Chief Investment Office to amplify the views and insights of the Economist and CIO
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with mainstream, local/regional, and specialist media publications to secure impactful coverage.
- Showcase the impactful work of DBS CSR initiatives and partnership with the DBS Foundation, highlighting the bank's commitment to social responsibility and sustainable development.
Crisis Management & Issues Mitigation:
- Proactively monitor and mitigate potential media issues through real-time tracking and robust crisis communication strategies.
- Develop and implement effective response plans to manage sensitive situations, safeguarding the bank's reputation and stakeholder trust.
Senior Leadership Support & Thought Leadership:
- Develop and execute comprehensive media strategies to position DBS as a thought leader and innovator in the financial sector.
- Extend comprehensive support to senior management for thought leadership initiatives, including identifying and securing profiling opportunities in the media, organic speakership opportunities at marquee events and memberships in key banking associations.
- Work closely with the business and support units to craft talk points and speeches for external events, interviews, podcasts and other speaking opportunities.
- Craft quotes, authored articles, opinion pieces and commentary on topical, macroeconomic triggers and larger industry developments
Special Projects & Corporate Communications:
- Provide dedicated communications support for critical special projects, including the Annual Report, and other significant corporate initiatives.
- Support the creation and amplification of DBS IPs to drive organic media coverage and increase the bank's media share of voice
- Actively identify tier-1 awards in technology, banking, HR and branding and collaborate with cross-functional teams to draft winning entries
- Ensure consistent messaging and brand alignment across all internal and external communications related to these projects.
Required Experience
- Minimum of 12-14 years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations, preferably within the financial services industry or a corporate environment.
Education / Preferred Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
A Master's degree is a plus.
Core Competencies
- Must have demonstrated expertise in media relations, communication strategy execution, and relationship management with key journalists.
- Proven track record in crisis communications and issues management.
- Strong understanding of content marketing principles and experience in creating compelling narratives across various platforms.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with meticulous attention to detail.
- Ability to work effectively under pressure, manage multiple priorities, and meet tight deadlines.
Technical Competencies
- Proficiency in media monitoring and analytics tools.
- Working knowledge of AI and use in the amplification of press releases
Work Relationship
- Will work closely with both the business and support units to amplify key messages, launches and milestones – Consumer Banking, Institutional Banking, HR, Technology and Compliance
- Collaborate with Group and other markets on regional mandates, events and opportunities for global spokespeople
- Should have experience managing external agencies like the PR agency and media tracking agency to deliver to KPIs
