PR/Communications Officer

Department:    Office of the President
Location:         Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Reports to:       Head, Office of the President

About Hoa Sen University:
Hoa Sen University (HSU) is located in the center of Ho Chi Minh City – a dynamic center of Vietnam and the Southeast Asia region.  Founded in 1991, HSU was among the first institutions in Vietnam to recognize and focus on the unique educational needs of a developing society and built a reputation for excellence in vocational and technical education.  In 2006, HSU officially became a private university extending its educational offerings to include four-year Bachelor’s and Master’s degree programs.
Since its inception, HSU has been committed to quality training to meet the practical needs of business and society. The University currently has four faculties: Economics and Commerce, Science and Technology, Linguistics and Cultural Studies, and Polytechnics.  HSU offers academic programs at all levels (technical/vocational, postsecondary, undergraduate and postgraduate) with more than 7,000 students at three main educational facilities and many satellite branches providing professional training in information technology.

Position Description and Duties:

Internal HSU Communications:
You will work to develop effective internal communications mechanisms throughout HSU and contribute to the success of organizational development by promoting strategic decisions, positive messages and a wide range of information relating to the work of HSU and the role staff play. You are responsible for writing and delivering official communications university-wide through appropriate channels in place and ensuring the communications are appropriately tailored to effectively target various audiences. You will work closely with the Management Board but also collaborate effectively with various departments and academic units in order to manage the content and consistency of internal communications HSU-wide.

Public Relations:
Promote HSU visibility and enhance HSU’s image and reputation as a leading university providing quality education through PR planning and use of appropriate media and communications channels. Cultivate transparent relationships with members of the press in print, television and radio media on behalf of HSU. Represent HSU with the media, field press calls for the President and/or key HSU staff, develop press releases and feature articles, prepare talking points and potential questions prior to press interviews. Take leadership and effectively manage any crises involving HSU or individuals affiliated.

HSU Web Communications:
Provide overall strategic and management support to ensure effective use of HSU external and internal websites to maintain messaging across the University. This work may include collaborating with and/or advising on internal project teams and/or managing external service providers working to further develop HSU websites.

Candidate Profile:
- Master's Degree in Communications/Marketing/PR/Journalism or related and at least 5 years of working experience in similar positions is highly desired. Equivalent experience in education, not-for-profit/NGO or service sectors and a Bachelor’s Degree in related fields are acceptable.
- Demonstrated skills, knowledge and experience in the design and execution of marketing, communications and PR activities (including drafting press releases).
- Some experience writing for the web including conventions for navigation and content is preferred; Knowledge of website design and content development will be an advantage.
- Able to effectively lead and manage all aspects of a project including planning, budget, contracts, service providers and internal collaborators.
- Must have strong oral communications and written/editing skills in Vietnamese.
- Although advanced English is not required, you should have at least intermediate English skills in all four areas (reading, writing, speaking, and listening).
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to develop effective working relationships with, including listening and learning from, a wide range of colleagues in academic units and professional departments.
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial person who is a self-starter, works independently but can also be an active team player.
- Proven critical and analytical thinker with sound, mature judgment and integrity.
- Personal qualities would include humility, ability to self-reflect and a good sense of humor.

To Apply:
Please email applications to [email protected] with subject “PR/Communications Officer” and include a cover letter describing the candidate's interests and qualifications for this position, a current CV (no more than 3 pages), and 3 professional references including one direct supervisor (names, titles, email addresses, and telephone numbers). Please, only serious candidates with matching minimum qualifications need apply. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

NOTE: This position description is current as of July 2011. It may change from time to time to reflect the needs of the University.