Vacancy Notice: Communications Officer
Job Description
Summary: The object of this role is to ensure the delivery of effective press and communications in support of the mission of the Church of Ireland. The Church is an all-island body, with 12 dioceses and central offices based in Dublin and Belfast. The role offers an exciting opportunity for a competent all-rounder, used to multi-tasking in a complex environment. The role reports to the Head of Synod Services & Communications.
Specific responsibilities
- Maintain an active press and media service providing co-ordinated media coverage around the key areas of focus for the Church with particular emphasis on the media needs of the Archbishop of Armagh.
- Working with the press office staff and diocesan communications officers, ensure the writing and preparation of news releases, news, features and briefing materials for internal and external media, including the Church of Ireland website and social media outlets; facilitate press conferences as required.
- Maintain industry links; support and brief senior members of the Church of Ireland and its structures; ensure that the organisation is kept abreast of key items arising in the media.
- Reporting to the Head of Synod Services & Communications, provide research support and briefing papers as may be required by the wider church and editorial proofing services.
- Manage media training needs for Church spokespersons.
- Prepare and manage budgets for press and communications and Church of Ireland Publishing.
- Manage and administer Church of Ireland Publishing and other Church of Ireland published materials including management of the publishing website and support for the Literature Committee in developing new publishing projects.
- Assist the Head of Communications & Synod Services to provide communications support to committees and to deliver the strategic communications plan for the Church the Central Communications Board.
- Provide cover as part of a rota.
- Assist at the General Synod, major services, such as consecrations of bishops, or special conferences.
- Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.
Terms and Conditions of Appointment
Appointment: The post is a permanent full-time position, confirmed after a 9 months probationary period, by agreement with the successful candidate.
Hours of work: Based on an average 35 hour week. Flexible working with core time at Church of Ireland House – the role requires some evening and weekend work. Holidays will be as specified in the contract of employment.
Location: the post-holder will be based in Church of Ireland House, Rathmines, Dublin 6 or in Church of Ireland House, Belfast as agreed with the candidate, but weekly performance of duties in both locations will be expected. Travel with Ireland and occasional overnights will be required. The candidate will require a full driving licence and access to a car.
Remuneration: salary and benefits will be competitive with market rates and will also reflect the experience/qualifications of the successful candidate.
Application
Application should be made using the application form supplied including names and contact details of two referees, to include your most recent employment (you will be contacted about this in advance of our approaching your referees).
Completed applications must arrive no later than 12 noon on Friday 18 January 2019.
Person specification
| Essential | Desirable | |
| Education / Training | Degree or equivalent experience | |
| Experience | · At least 5 years’ experience in a communications role in a busy organisational environment.
· Experience of communications technologies and software · Experience of co-ordinating high volume activity at any given time. · Knowledge of national media
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· Experience of responding directly to press enquiries
· Experience of working with volunteers and with senior staff and representatives of community and political organisations. · Budgetary and financial/project management experience |
| Knowledge / Skills | · High level of communication and organisation skills and strong attention to detail.
· Highly confidential attitude and approach in all aspects of work. · Confident user of communications technology. · Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to quickly establish and maintain rapport with a diverse range of stakeholders and to manage ongoing working relationships and work plans at all levels of the Church. · Excellent time management skills. |
· Familiarity with current social and political framework in NI and RI.
· Working knowledge of regulation around copyright, libel, data protection.
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| Other |
· High level of initiative and can work efficiently and effectively both independently and as part of a team; a multi-tasker, output-focused.
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