DIRECTOR - Research & Communications

Purpose of the Job: To direct and implement the Corporation’s research and communication strategies by developing policies, objectives, and initiatives to drive innovation, product development and effectively position, review and manage the IB and country brand.

Essential Job Results:

1. Provides Strategic Leadership by among other things: assisting with the annual strategic planning process; ensuring the development and execution of comprehensive Research and Communications strategies to drive innovation and support the Corporation’s business goals; developing, managing and co-ordinating the Corporation’s activities/programmes in research, planning and development of Barbados’ value proposition for global investors to assist the Corporation and Government in making strategic decisions to stimulate growth of investment into the sector; and developing the Division’s work programme and budget including the determination of programme targets for assigned staff.
2. Expands Barbados’ value proposition for global investors by among other things: analysing Barbados’ current infrastructure requirements and identifying new requirements for implementation, and identifying and prioritising new financial and non-financial niche products for targeted marketing.
3. Collaborates cross-functionally by among other things: working with Departments to align Research and Communications efforts with the business objectives; working closely with Management to provide Research and Communications insights and recommendations.
4. Meets the Operational Requirements by among other things: conducting studies, surveys; performing data analysis and interpreting results to inform research and development activities; providing on a systematic basis, up-to-date information on industry and industry-related advancements and/or trends, trade and investment agreements and other subjects of interest to the Corporation; assisting the DCEO in the development and management of the reputation of Barbados (the Barbados Brand) and overseeing the work to improve and maintain the brand.
5. Provides intelligence on markets by among other things: co-ordinating market/business research activities for existing products and identifying opportunities for new products or new investments.
6. Updates on the progress of Research and Communications Projects and Plans, Key Findings, and Potential Risks by among other things: preparing technical reports for Management and the Board of Directors; analysing and/or advising on events affecting the Corporation’s mandate, and developmental efforts; translating and communicating research outcomes/findings to relevant stakeholders.
7. Translates Findings and Creates Content by among other things: co-ordinating the preparation, publishing and distribution of the Corporation’s various reports and other publications including the annual report.
8. Influences value-added employee results by among other things: implementing recruitment, selection, orientation, training, coaching, counseling, and disciplinary programmes; communicating values; assigning accountabilities; articulating, monitoring and appraising performance results.
9. Demonstrates Professionalism by among other things: attending educational workshops, seminars and webinars; reviewing professional publications; establishing relevant professional networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies; keeping abreast with trends.; demonstrating a thorough awareness of the laws, regulations, policies and procedures governing the Corporation’s  operations; developing and maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the Corporation’s information systems; and displaying a complete knowledge of the IB’s products and services.
10. Engenders a Participative Team Environment by among other things: being accessible and available to give advice & direction on and/or handle difficult situations and service requests; encouraging the Research and Communications team members to cooperate in resolving issues (internal and external).
11. Contributes to the Team Effort by among other things:  leading your team to accomplish service excellence, quality enhancement, client/customer satisfaction, and continuous improvement; developing and preserving good working relationships with colleagues; attending management meetings and Board Meetings (as required); accomplishing other job-related results as needed.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in Economics/Marketing/Communications/Public Relations or related discipline plus a minimum of five (5) years’ practical related management experience in a similar role with a proven track record of high performance, or Bachelor’s Degree in Economics/Marketing/Communications/Public Relations or related discipline plus a minimum of seven (7) years’ practical related management experience in a similar role with a proven track record of high performance.
• Experience in developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
• Experiential with using statistical software (such as MS Excel, SPSS and SAS) and data analysis terminology including SQL, Python and R.

Professional and Technical Knowledge:

• Extensive knowledge of the methods and strategies of corporate communication, marketing and public relations. 
• Working knowledge and application of laws and regulations impacting global businesses.
• Proven knowledge of state-of-the-art practices in the field.

Core Competencies:

• Evidence of an excellent understanding and strategic awareness of what makes businesses successful.
• Evidence of an exceptional ability to think critically, creatively, strategically and systemically.
• Demonstrated ability to gather data, compile and interpret information and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct risk assessment.
• Demonstrated ability to establish effective professional relationships with colleagues, clients and other stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to obtain results through others.
• Evidence of ability to identify or anticipate current or future challenges and opportunities.
• Evidence of ability to manage multiple demands and priorities. 
• Proven track record of ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, respond to rapidly changing environments and lead desirable change.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-volume environment.

Key Skills Required:

• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent problem-finding, problem-solving, planning, prioritization and organizational skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Outstanding analytical, statistical and conceptual skills and commitment to delivering outstanding results.
• Exceptional strategic and time management skills.
• Highly proficient in MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint and other relevant applications.

Required Traits:

• Demonstration of a high degree of integrity, reliability, punctuality, commitment, and drive.
• A strong disposition towards engendering a participative environment.
• History of displaying influencing skills and the attributes of a strategic leader.
• Proven track record of willingness to listen and embrace new ideas and approaches from others at all levels of an organisation. 
• Being self-directed and results-oriented.

Working Conditions & Environment:

This position requires the incumbent to:

• Work in accordance with the exigencies of the Corporation.
• Working flexible working hours.
• Work in an office environment.

Suitably qualified candidates interested in this opportunity should demonstrate in their Curriculum Vitae how their experience, achievements and qualifications would be a good match for this role. Kindly also include the names and contact details of two business references.  The CV should be sent no later than April 11, 2025.