Communications Officer - 18 month contract

Limerick City and County Council is seeking a dynamic and motivated Communications Officer for an 18 month contract role. Egis have been contracted to provide this position and seek a motivated person to join our team.

Limerick City and County Council has an exciting opportunity for an individual interested in working as part of its Marketing and Communications team.  The Council is seeking a communications professional with substantial skills in reactive and proactive media relations.  Supporting the Head of Marketing and Communications, the successful candidate will be an experienced and enthusiastic media professional who will help implement Limerick City and County Council’s marketing and communications strategy and identify news opportunities on behalf of the local authority. The successful candidate will have the ability to relay the broad and varied flow of information from Limerick City and County Council to a wide range of stakeholders including the staff and citizens of Limerick. He/she will be a key member of a team dedicated to putting Limerick’s reputation, achievements and long term future at the heart of everything it does. Egis are managing the recruitment of this position.

Working in conjunction with the Head of Marketing and Communications to:

• Implement and measure the success of a comprehensive communications and public relations strategy that will enhance Limerick City and County Council’s image and position nationally and internationally. It is to be developed with the active support and engagement of the Council’s strategic partners 

• Compose and edit press releases for distribution to the media, effectively handle reactive media queries and respond publicly to events such as major Council emergencies and major incidents 

• ensure consistent communication of message externally and internally 

• provide editorial direction of Council publications 

• coordinate media interest in the Council generally including regular contact with target media 

• manage the appearance of all print and electronic materials such as letterhead, use of logo, brochures, etc. 

• provide preparation and advice for media appearances as required including speech writing 

• develop, coordinate and oversee programmes, technical assistance and resource materials to assist Council units in the communications and positioning of their activities 

• provide advice on communications and public relations to Managers, Staff and Elected members as appropriate 

• lead projects as assigned including provision of communications for special events 

• maintenance of the corporate image library 

• understand key business strategies and messages and interpret those to deliver effective and high quality communication to, and engagement with, the full range of internal and external audiences using channels best suited to the particular audiences 

• communicate on a regular basis internally within the Council to staff and elected members on key developments within the Council 

• demonstrate a high level of political awareness and thorough understanding of the local government environment in providing expert advice 

• promote to its optimum the Council’s social media platform 

• research and write briefing materials as requested

• Supervision and Management of Staff

• any other duties as assigned

• A minimum level 7 educational qualification in media/communications related discipline or specific work experience to an equivalent level to the satisfaction of the Council;

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;

• A high degree of resilience and personal integrity; 

• Proven skills in use of technology appropriate to the position; 

• Knowledge and understanding of the current/emerging media environment at a national/international level, the current political socio economic environment and a satisfactory knowledge of topical developments in the Limerick region; 

• Evidence of having developed an effective network of media relationships; 

• High levels of self-motivation and excellent attention to detail; 

• Strong knowledge of digital communications; 

• A current full Class B driving licence and access to own car; 

• Work flexibility.

The salary offered for this role is 36,000 euro gross per year