Office/ Division: Office of the President

Position Title: Director Public Relations

Position Number: WPUEX005

Position Classification: WPU Salary Grade 16

Job Location: Ialibu, Western Pacific University Campus

Organzational Relationship

Reports to: WPU President

Cordinates with: Faultily Deans, Vice Presidents, Council Coordinating Officer, Academic Board Coordinating Officer, Cabinet Coordinating Officer, Staff Coordinating Officer, Students Coordinating Officer, Chaplain, Principal Legal Officer and Events Coordinator.

PURPOSE

The Director of Public Relations ensures the quality and consistency of and adherence to the University's brand and strategic plan when developing and overseeing marketing and public relations initiatives. The director participates in the development of materials for and the oversight of WPU’s Customer Relationship Management System. The director serves as the primary daily contact for brand awareness and strategy, issues management, and media relations, acts as the University spokesperson, and maintains relationships with key local, regional and national media. The success of this position ultimately depends on an ability to develop strong relationships, especially in the areas of enrolment marketing and recruitment. The director is responsible for leading the Office of University Public Relations and reports to the President.

DIMENSIONS

The Director for Public Relations will set and guide the strategy for all, marketing, digital communications and public affairs strategies. The Director for Public Relations will be responsible for planning and managing all communications messaging and activities, and building external relationships with all WPU’s stakeholders. The Director will work partner with senior colleagues within the University on a variety of strategic initiatives and collaterals to support WPU motto, vision, mission and objectives.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITES

1. The Director will plan, implement and lead a global, integrated communications strategy for WPU that presents a consistent, compelling, and accurate account of the people and programs of the university to relevant audiences in the PNG and around the world. The content of communications will include written and spoken text, video, and other forms. The channels of communications will include live and remote presentations to live audiences, the WPU web site, traditional media, social media, and other forms;
2. Maintain effective administrative systems to ensure that accurate and attractive content is captured, developed, and presented consistently and efficiently using channels that will have maximum impact for each unit of time and money invested (often by presenting the same content through multiple channels);
3. Work with colleagues at WPU to ensure that WPU’s messages harmonize with and advance WPU’s overall communications strategy about its distinctive qualities starting with its global network, and to create new opportunities to tell WPU’s story in PNG and with key influencers across the international community;
4. The Director will serve as the spokesperson for the University. Day to day responsibilities.
5. Supervises all university communications accounts and activities; assure the meeting of departmental financial goals; and, maintains and develops staff;
6. Supports leadership communications;
7. Oversees the development and execution of public affairs, marketing, digital communications, social media and other communications strategies and programs to increase the visibility of the people and programs of the University;
8. Work with faculty to implement outreach strategies in support of their respective academic activities;
9. Supervises the writing of and edits press releases, articles, fact sheets, and backgrounders; cultivates media relationships; monitors responses to media requests, press conferences, media lunches and interviews, and special events;
10. Responsible for overseeing the development of presentations, reports, and fact sheets in support of leadership communications as well as the outreach activities of the University’s various administrative offices;
11. Responsible for ensuring “client satisfaction”;
12. Willingly take on other assignments from communications perspective that will assist WPU in realizing its vision and mission.

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing or related field/experience required;
2. Demonstrated experience in Public Affairs, Marketing, Communications or related field, within both PNG and International environment.
3. Previous experience with Higher Education Sector or in an academic setting is desirable.
4. Excellent integrated marketing project management skills.
5. Ability to be detail oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills in order to develop priorities and meet deadlines.
6. Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with various co-workers.

How to Apply

Interested applicants who meet the above requirements are invited to submit an Expression of Interest, including:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Certified copies of qualifications and certificates
• Other relevant supporting documents

All documents must be combined into one PDF file and submitted through WPU HR email: [email protected]

Human Resources Director
Western Pacific University
P O Box 1791
Mt. Hagen, Western Highlands Province, Papua New Guinea

Closing Date: 21^st April 2026