Senior Communications Officer, Dublin

Respond is one of the largest housing associations in Ireland, providing social housing and homeless services. Our vision is that 'every family and individual in Ireland will have high-quality housing as part of a vibrant and caring community'. We are growing rapidly in response to the housing crisis and are now looking for the right person who has the passion and skills to help us realise our vision.

Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.

 Role: Senior Communications Officer

Location: Dublin/Hybrid

Reporting To: Communications Manager

Terms: Permanent, Full Time.

Salary Range: €44,427 - €57,494

 (Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary based on skills and experience)

Job Purpose :

The Senior Communications Officer will support the delivery of Respond's communications and engagement activities across a broad range of internal and external audiences. The role will support the organisation's strategic communications objectives through the development of high-quality content, stakeholder communications, media support, publications, events and digital communications activity.

The Senior Communications Officer will also support the delivery of Respond's broader strategic communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement objectives, working closely with the Head of Communications, Director of Strategy and Public Affairs and other senior staff members as required.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

Strategic Communications Support

       Support the delivery of Respond's communications strategy across a range of organisational priorities and projects.

       Collaborate across departments to develop communications materials that support organisational objectives and strategic priorities.

       Support the development of key organisational messaging and communications materials for internal and external audiences.

       Support the delivery of stakeholder communications and engagement initiatives as required.

Content Creation and Management

       Develop, edit and manage high quality communications content across a range of platforms and channels.

       Collaborate with relevant staff to produce high quality content that effectively communicates Respond's initiatives, services and impact.

       Support the development of written, visual and digital communications materials aligned with organisational messaging and brand guidelines.

       Coordinate and support video and multimedia content creation where appropriate.

Media and Reputation Management

       Monitor media, advocacy and current affairs developments across a wide range of media, the Oireachtas and other relevant stakeholder environments.

       Support reactive and proactive media activity, including drafting press releases, statements and briefing materials for sign off.

       Support the Head of Communications and Director of Strategy and Public Affairs in relation to reputation management, stakeholder communications and issues management activity as required.

       Support the development of strategic communications materials including briefing documents, key messaging and external communications relating to sensitive or high-profile issues.

       Develop and maintain positive working relationships with media contacts and relevant stakeholder.

Publications and Brand Support

       Support the development of publications, reports, presentations, newsletters and other communications collateral.

       Contribute to maintaining a strong and consistent organisational brand across all communications outputs.

       Ensure communications outputs are of a high standard, aligned with organisational priorities and delivered within agreed timelines.

Digital Communications

       Support the maintenance and development of Respond's digital communications channels including website and social media platforms.

       Support digital communications campaigns and audience engagement initiatives.

       Work with colleagues to ensure digital content remains current, accessible and aligned with organisational messaging.

Event Management

       Support the planning, coordination and delivery of organisational events, launches and stakeholder engagements.

       Coordinate event logistics, communications materials and stakeholder engagement activity to support successful delivery.

       Represent the organisation at events and meetings as required and appropriate.

Internal Communication Support

       Support the delivery of internal communications initiatives that create an informed and engaged organisational culture.

       Assist in identifying and responding to staff and service user communications needs.

       Support communications activity relating to organisational initiatives, staff engagement and change projects as required.

General

       Ensure confidentiality on all matters and information obtained during the course of employment.

       Present and act in a professional manner at all times.

       Ensure compliance with charity regulation, data protection legislation, governance requirements and best practice.

       Be a team player and provide support to colleagues across the department as required.

       Undertake training and continuous professional development as necessary.

       Adopt an approach of continuous learning and personal development.

       Any other duties consistent with the role.

Essential Criteria/Education Qualification:

Third level qualification in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations or a related discipline.

Technical Skills/Personal Attributes:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Experience developing content across a range of communications channels and formats.
• Experience supporting communications campaigns, events or stakeholder engagement activity.
• Good working knowledge of website content management systems.
• Experience using email communications platforms to develop and distribute communications.
• Experience working with Adobe Creative Suite or similar tools to support communications outputs.
• Experience supporting digital and social media communications activity.
• Experience in video and multimedia content creation.

Desired Skills/Attributes:

       Strong strategic and organisational awareness.

       Excellent planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.

       Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills.

       Ability to work effectively across teams and with stakeholders at all levels.

       Excellent attention to detail.

       Strong judgement and ability to handle sensitive communications appropriately.

       Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a busy environment.

       Positive and proactive approach to work.

       Commitment to Respond's mission, vision and values.

       Understanding of the social housing sector and associated support services is desirable.

       Previous experience working in a not-for-profit or public-facing organisation is desirable.

       Full clean driving licence.

Experience:

Position requires 3-5 years of experience

Closing Date for Applicants: 12th of June.