Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Lead

CORPORATE COMMUNICATIONS & PUBLIC AFFAIRS LEAD

Our client, a leading public sector organisation, seeks to add a Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Lead to their team initially on a 12-month temporary contract basis via Cpl, with a potential of extension up to 36-months, via two extensions. You will be responsible for leading communications, high-impact campaigns, manage media relations, education, outreach and support public affairs and stakeholder engagement. It operates under a 2023–2027 Communications Strategy that focuses on behavioural change through PR, advertising, awareness and education interventions. This is a hybrid role, which can be based out of my clients’ locations in either Ballina, Cork or Dublin.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Corporate Communications & Media Relations

• Develop and implement corporate communications strategy to enhance visibility and public trust.
• Act as a spokesperson where required and manage proactive and reactive media engagement.
• Draft press releases, speeches, opinion pieces, and corporate statements for senior leadership.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists, media outlets, and key influencers.
• Develop and implement a long-term strategic communications plan aligned with the mission and objectives.
• Ensure consistent messaging across all communication channels.
• Oversee crisis communications and reputation management.
• Liaise with internal teams, government bodies, and other stakeholders to manage media queries.
• Assist in an effective press office function, ensuring accurate and timely responses to media.
• Support out-of-hours media coverage (every second weekend).
• Manage advocate strategy and provide training and messaging to media advocates.

Public Affairs & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build relationships with government agencies, policymakers, and stakeholders.
• Monitor legislative and policy developments; advise leadership.
• Prepare policy briefings, submissions, and advocacy materials.
• Map stakeholders and design a stakeholder engagement plan.
• Collaborate on external engagement such as the Advocate Programme and Youth Forum.
• Represent the organisation at public forums and events as needed.

Campaigns & Digital Communications

• Lead high-impact public awareness campaigns.
• Oversee traditional and digital media content creation.
• Ensure alignment with strategic goals across all communications.
• Measure campaign effectiveness and adapt accordingly.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree in Communications, PR, Journalism, Political Science or related.
• 5–7 years’ experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or media.
• Knowledge of Irish government processes, public policy and regulatory affairs - Desired
• Excellent written, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Media relations and spokesperson experience.
• Proven record in strategic communications planning and delivery.
• Stakeholder engagement and crisis communications skills.

For more information, contact [email protected]