Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer

Job title : Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer

Position Summary

• The DAPS Public Relations and Community Engagement Officer is responsible for managing the school’s external relations, public image, stakeholder engagement, and community outreach initiatives. The role focuses on building and maintaining a positive reputation for Domfas Advanced Preparatory School (DAPS) through strategic communication, partnerships, and engagement with parents, communities, educational institutions, and the wider public.
• The Officer serves as a key link between the school and its external stakeholders, ensuring that DAPS is positively represented in all interactions, events, and communications while fostering strong relationships that support student recruitment, institutional growth, and community impact.

Key Responsibilities

Public Relations and Institutional Image Management

• Promote and protect the positive image and reputation of DAPS.
• Develop and implement public relations strategies aligned with school goals.
• Draft press releases, public statements, and official communications.
• Manage responses to public inquiries and external communication requests.
• Coordinate media coverage of school events, achievements, and programs.
• Support crisis communication and reputation management when necessary.

Community Engagement and Outreach

• Develop and implement community engagement programs and initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with local communities, organizations, and leaders.
• Organize outreach programs such as school visits, educational fairs, and community events.
• Promote DAPS programs within the local and broader educational community.
• Support initiatives that enhance social responsibility and community development.
• Encourage collaboration between the school and its surrounding environment.

Stakeholder Relations Management

• Maintain positive relationships with parents, guardians, alumni, and partners.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings, forums, and engagement sessions.
• Gather feedback from stakeholders to improve school services and programs.
• Act as a liaison between the school and external organizations.
• Strengthen partnerships with educational institutions, NGOs, and community groups.
• Ensure consistent and professional communication with all stakeholders.

Event Coordination and Representation

• Support planning and execution of school events, ceremonies, and outreach programs.
• Represent the school at external events, meetings, and community functions.
• Coordinate logistics for public engagements and stakeholder events.
• Ensure effective branding and presentation of DAPS at all events.
• Promote student achievements and institutional milestones during events.

Communication and Content Support

• Collaborate with the Digital Marketing and Communications Officer.
• Develop content for newsletters, announcements, and community updates.
• Support storytelling initiatives that highlight school impact and success stories.
• Assist in preparing speeches, presentations, and official statements.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all external communication channels.

Media and External Relations

• Liaise with media houses, journalists, and communication partners.
• Facilitate interviews, press briefings, and media coverage of school activities.
• Monitor media mentions and public perception of the school.
• Build relationships with local and educational media outlets.
• Support publication of school achievements and community impact stories.

Advocacy and Institutional Promotion

• Promote DAPS programs, values, and achievements to the public.
• Support student recruitment and enrollment campaigns through outreach.
• Advocate for the school in educational forums and community platforms.
• Enhance visibility of academic and extracurricular programs.
• Support branding initiatives that strengthen institutional identity.

Feedback and Community Intelligence

• Collect and analyze feedback from parents, community members, and stakeholders.
• Identify community needs and opportunities for school involvement.
• Provide insights to school leadership for decision-making and improvement.
• Monitor public sentiment and suggest engagement strategies.
• Support surveys and stakeholder feedback initiatives.

Collaboration and Internal Coordination

• Work closely with Admissions, Marketing, Academic, and Administrative teams.
• Support coordination of school-wide communication strategies.
• Participate in planning meetings and institutional development initiatives.
• Ensure alignment between internal messaging and external communication.
• Assist in promoting school events and programs across departments.

Reporting and Administrative Duties

• Prepare weekly, monthly, and termly reports on PR and engagement activities.
• Document community engagement initiatives and outcomes.
• Maintain records of partnerships, outreach programs, and media interactions.
• Provide recommendations for improving public relations strategies.
• Perform additional duties assigned by school leadership.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

Applicants must possess any of the following qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communication, Public Relations, Communication Studies, Journalism, Marketing, Sociology, Business Administration, or a related field from a recognized institution.
• Higher National Diploma (HND) in Mass Communication, Public Relations, or related disciplines with relevant experience.
• Master's Degree in Communication, Public Relations, Media Studies, or related fields is an added advantage.
• Professional certifications in Public Relations, Media Relations, or Communication Strategy are desirable.

Examples include:

• Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) certification
• Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR)
• Digital communication or branding certifications

Experience

• Minimum of 2–5 years experience in public relations, communications, community engagement, marketing, or related roles.
• Experience working in educational institutions or nonprofit organizations is highly desirable.
• Experience managing stakeholder relations and public engagement initiatives.
• Experience in event coordination, media relations, or community outreach programs.

Required Skills and CompetenciesPublic Relations and Communication

• Strong understanding of public relations principles and practices.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to craft compelling messages and official communications.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in community outreach and partnership development.

Event and Media Coordination

• Ability to coordinate events and manage public engagements.
• Experience working with media and communication platforms.
• Strong organizational and planning skills.

Strategic Thinking

• Ability to analyze public perception and develop engagement strategies.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
• Ability to align communication with institutional goals.

Personal Attributes

• Professional and confident communicator.
• Strong sense of diplomacy and emotional intelligence.
• Creative and proactive mindset.
• High level of integrity and discretion.
• Strong commitment to community impact and education.
• Team-oriented and collaborative attitude.
• Passion for building institutional reputation and relationships.