External Affairs Manager Jobs

MDPI

Location:
Singapore, Singapore

Category:
Public Relations

Contract Type:
Not provided

Salary:

Not provided

Save Job

Apply Position

Job Description:

Join us as an External Affairs Manager and play a pivotal role in shaping MDPI’s strategic presence across the Asia-Pacific region. The External Affairs (EA) Manager, Asia-Pacific (APAC), will play a key role in setting strategy for APAC and leading a team to implement it. The EA Manager will oversee public affairs and public relations efforts across focus countries, supporting in policy matters, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. Working closely with Office/Operating Managers, senior stakeholders and other regional EA teams, the manager will oversee the design and delivery of localized campaigns that reflect national priorities while remaining aligned with MDPI’s global identity. In addition to strengthening MDPI’s media presence and stakeholder networks, the Manager will provide strategic counsel, implement processes and support the growth and development of colleagues.

Job Responsibility:

Determine and manage the development and implementation of an External Affairs communications team and program in the Asia-Pacific region in line with MDPI’s mission and business goals
Manage public affairs and public relations activities across a portfolio of focus countries, liaising with Office/Operating Managers to cover policy matters, media relations, and broader reputational risks and opportunities
Provide strategic support to country representatives and spokespeople and manage stakeholder engagements
Manage and own EA resourcing for the APAC region, including team development and growth, campaign budgets, and agency requirements
Implement PR campaigns to enhance MDPI’s brand visibility across focus countries in APAC, focusing on academic, scientific, and policy-related media
Secure high-quality earned media coverage in top-tier and trade outlets across the region, with tailored messaging for each country market
Localize global narratives and campaigns to suit the cultural, linguistic, and sectoral nuances of key countries
Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, editors, and media stakeholders in science, academia, education, and research policy
Coordinate with global teams to align regional communications with overall brand and publishing strategies
Provide strategic counsel and training to MDPI representatives in APAC
Map and engage with key institutional stakeholders across APAC — including academic societies, research funding bodies, ministries of education/science, and regulatory bodies
Track and report on relevant policy developments that may affect open access publishing, scholarly communication, and academic research infrastructure
Shape MDPI’s positioning and voice on strategic public policy issues in the region (e.g. open access mandates, national research strategies, publishing reform)
Where required, represent MDPI in external forums, working groups, or policy discussions where appropriate
Develop briefing materials, talking points, and responses on sensitive or complex issues relevant to APAC stakeholders
Coordinate efforts and communication with other EA teams and regions
Streamline processes to improve responsiveness and alignment with organizational goals
Provide insights and recommendations based to improve future strategies
Identify opportunities to improve team proficiency in strategic communications
Ensure that all EA activities are consistent with MDPI's brand and communication standards

Requirements:

Bachelor’s degree and above
Minimum 5 years of experience in Public Affairs or Public Relations, with strong exposure to external communications and strategic initiatives
Minimum 2 years of managerial experience
Proven APAC regional experience, with the ability to work independently and hands-on across multiple markets
Demonstrated experience engaging with government stakeholders
Excellent command of English
proficiency in additional APAC languages would be a plus
Proficient in Microsoft 365
Attention to detail, confidence in stakeholder engagement, proactiveness, teamwork, and effective problem-solving
Ability to support corporate branding initiatives (e.g., Institutional Open Access Program) and deliver in-house training on communication strategy

Nice to have:

Experience in Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan markets would be an advantage
Prior experience in agency or publishing industry would be an advantage
Proficiency in additional APAC languages would be a plus

What we offer:

Professional and personal development
An international work environment
Flexible working hours in the limits of a full-time job
Business trips to the other MDPI offices
Competitive salary, benefits

Additional Information:

Job Posted:
December 10, 2025

Employment Type:

Fulltime

Work Type:

On-site work

View All Jobs In This Company

Job Link Share:

External Affairs Manager