Assistant Public Affairs Manager (Media Publicity, Mainland focus)

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club (“the Club”) is a world-class racing club that acts continuously for the betterment of our society. The Club has a unique integrated business model, comprising racing and racecourse entertainment, a membership club, responsible sports wagering and lottery, and charities and community contribution. Through this model, the Club generates economic and social value for the community and supports the HKSAR Government in combatting illegal gambling.

The Division

The Corporate Affairs (CA) Division strengthens the strategic development and positioning of the Club as a world-class racing club and charity organisation, through engaging key stakeholders in both Hong Kong and the Mainland, and maintaining efficient and effective corporate communications.​​​

Job Summary

Reporting to Deputy Executive Manager, the key responsibility of the job holder is to assist in generating both quantitative and qualitative media publicity for the Club in the Mainland and Hong Kong. This will be achieved through strategic planning and effective implementation of media programs, alongside fostering constructive working relationships with Mainland media.

The media programs will encompass high-level corporate messages related to equine industry development, sports development and collaboration, world-class racing, the Club's commitment to social betterment, and its unique integrated business model, as well as various corporate and business initiatives led by different departments.

To achieve these objectives, the job holder will assist his/her manager in planning and executing targeted content across various media platforms, managing media campaigns, and fulfilling public relations and communication needs to enhance the Club's publicity.

The candidate will play a pivotal role in planning and implementing diverse programs designed to engage media stakeholders, with the aim of establishing and maintaining positive relationships.

Travel to the Mainland or other regions may be required as necessary.

The Job

• Support his/her manager in effectively implementing a strategic media plan that promotes HKJC's world-class racing, showcases its professional expertise and talent development capabilities, and highlights its contributions to equine industry development in the Greater Bay Area and other regions of China, while enhancing Mainland media's understanding and interest in the Club's other business initiatives.
• Develop content for dissemination through press releases, statements, and other distribution channels, while identifying opportunities to proactively pitch brand and Club stories. This role will ensure coverage of the Club's key activities, which will involve providing on-site support during key campaigns to facilitate media reporting.
• Support and execute social media strategies with a strong focus on Chinese platforms such as Xiaohongshu (XHS), WeChat, and Weibo to enhance brand visibility and engagement in key markets.
• Proactively plan and arrange engagement activities aimed at developing and maintaining constructive relationships with media stakeholders to generate positive publicity. This includes facilitating the drafting of event briefings, ensuring that all necessary information is included and effectively communicated to stakeholders. Additionally, the role involves following through with event organisation, which encompasses logistical planning and coordinating administrative tasks.
• Support the postholder's manager in preventing and managing sensitive issues to avoid negative media publicity. This includes conducting real-time monitoring of mainland media sentiment, gathering intelligence on regulatory or policy changes, and alerting management for appropriate action.
• Explore and identify potential media partnerships, drafting summaries that clearly outline the expected values and deliverables. Additionally, to monitor and track the performance of these partnerships, ensuring that the advertising value meets the desired standards.
• Liaise with external parties, such as agencies, to manage and maintain media budgets in accordance with authorized plans, and to facilitate the implementation of media payments and purchase orders.

About You

• A degree in journalism, public relations, or related discipline and a minimum of seven years of experience in Mainland media or in public relations/corporate communication within a corporate setting
• Strong stakeholder management skills with experience building relationships across media and government, coupled with excellent communication and teamwork abilities
• Proven experience in managing social media platforms, with a strong focus on Chinese channels such as Xiaohongshu (XHS)
• Solid knowledge of issues and crisis management, with experience in managing media communications during crises
• High proficiency in English and Chinese with proven expertise in editorial writing and producing impactful content that effectively communicates key messages.
• Keen attention to detail and a proactive approach to all aspects of event planning, organisation, and execution

Apply Now!

We offer competitive salary and benefits packages, dynamic working environment and development opportunities.

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Equal Opportunity and Inclusive Hiring

We are an equal opportunity employer and strive to create an inclusive workplace for all. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are welcomed to apply. If you have any special needs or require accommodations during the interview process, please e-mail us via careers@hkjc.org.hk.

Personal data provided by job applicants will be used strictly in accordance with the Club's notice to employees and job applicants relating to the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance. A copy of which will be provided immediately upon request.