Community Communications and Engagement Officer

About Project STAR Jamaica

The Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) is spearheading a strategic, collaborative initiative called Project STAR to enhance social and economic conditions in various Jamaican communities. This five-year program, running from 2022 to 2027, targets at least 10 communities facing significant crime and violence. It operates through partnerships including PSOJ and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), relying on diverse financing such as corporate sponsorships, the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE), crowdfunding, and multilateral grants. Project STAR aims to implement mainstreamed, inclusive, and data-driven community development approaches to foster safer, more resilient environments with improved social outcomes and reduced violence.

Role Overview

The Community Communications and Engagement Officer will be key to strengthening bonds between Project STAR and local communities by devising and executing effective community communications and engagement strategies. The role will promote reciprocal information flow, encourage inclusive participation, and cultivate trust and collaboration with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and implement community engagement plans that encourage active participation aligned with Project STAR's mission.
• Produce targeted communication materials such as newsletters, flyers, social media content, and bulletins tailored to community needs.
• Build and nurture relationships with community leaders, groups, and residents to fortify trust and support.
• Organize and take part in meetings, events, and outreach programs to engage residents and gather their feedback.
• Develop mechanisms to collect and incorporate community insights into project activities.
• Collaborate with the Social and Digital Media Officer and communications team to ensure cohesive messaging and engagement strategies.
• Represent the project at public events and maintain a visible presence within the community.
• Prepare regular engagement activity reports, summarizing outcomes and suggested enhancements.

Deliverables

• Comprehensive community engagement strategies with clear timelines and objectives.
• Engaging communication products tailored to audiences’ needs.
• Detailed documentation and evaluation reports on community feedback and project impacts.
• Records of key interactions and events for internal reference.

Qualifications and Skills

• Proven experience in community engagement, communications, or related areas.
• Strong relationship-building and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication capabilities.
• Expertise in producing community-centric content for multiple platforms.
• Experience in planning and executing community events.
• Cultural sensitivity and adaptability in diverse settings.
• Familiarity with Project STAR or comparable community projects is a plus.

Reporting Structure

The role reports to the Communications and Public Relations Team Lead and collaborates closely with other communication team members to maintain a unified communication strategy.