Lead the development and implementation of the Council’s communications strategy and associated communications plans.
Develop and deliver engagement, promotion and outreach strategies for Council committees, forums and initiatives.
Provide leadership and advice on communications policy, strategy and decision-making across the organisation.
Ensure compliance with relevant language legislation, communications policies and service standards provision.
Maximise digital communication opportunities across all appropriate platforms and channels.
Support and enhance the development and management of internal and external communications.
Enhance the Council’s website, ensuring content is accurate, accessible, customer and user focused and is up to date.
Proactively lead and manage media relations, including media engagement, press management and response to media queries.
Promote consistent application of the Council’s policies and communications standards.
Coordinate the development of publications, press releases, website content and other communication materials.
Create, edit and publish high-quality written, visual and audio-visual content for digital and traditional channels.
Liaise with internal departments and external stakeholders to source content and ensure effective communications and engagement.
Apply best practice in content design, user experience, accessibility, plain English for digital audience and to provide for customer service growth.
Manage user-generated content and oversee the sourcing, commissioning and editing of images and video content in line with best practice.
Develop and maintain communications policies, protocols, templates and standards.
Monitor, analyse and report on communications performance, implementing improvements based on findings to management.
Provide communication reports on developments, trends and emerging issues in communications and digital media.
Manage, supervise, motivate and support staff as part of the Corporate Services team.
Co-ordinate and manage media engagement at Council events including Civic Receptions.
Plan, prioritise and oversee work programmes and projects to ensure effective service delivery.
Ensure compliance with organisational policies, procedures and governance requirements.
Support transparency, accountability and good practice in communications and reporting.
Prepare reports, presentations, correspondence and briefing materials, including sensitive and confidential documentation.
Evaluate the effectiveness and impact of communications activities and campaigns.
Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as assigned.

The post holder may be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to an appropriate Officer or such duties as designated from time to time.

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Citizenship

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway; or

A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or

A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015 or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa

Or
A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Education, Training, Experience

Each candidate must, on the latest date of receipt of completed application forms:

Hold a Level 7 qualification in communications, public relations, public affairs,

journalism or marketing
and

Have a minimum of 3 years relevant experience in a senior communications, public relations, public affairs or journalism role.

and

must hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles

Candidates must provide evidence of their relevant qualifications at application stage.
*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

The ideal candidate:
- Have experience in developing and managing communications strategies, ideally within the public sector or a public service environment.
- Strong initiative, presentation, relationship management and strategic planning skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills, combined with a positive and professional approach.
- Experience in digital communications and content management.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a strong focus on accuracy and attention to detail.
- Experience in the development and use of visual and graphic communications.
- Proven experience in media engagement and press relations.
- Ability to think creatively and develop engaging, audience-focused content.
- Experience in leading, managing and supervising staff, including performance management and development.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team, with a strong commitment to customer service and service excellence.
- Ability to take ownership of tasks and issues, working independently and using initiative to achieve objectives.
- Flexibility to work outside normal business hours when required, including evenings, weekends and public holidays.
- Ability to perform effectively in a demanding environment, managing competing priorities and meeting strict deadlines.
- Commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to embrace new skills, technologies and ways of working.
- Understanding of the evolving local government environment, with the ability to support and implement organisational change to enhance service delivery.
- Experience in planning, coordinating and delivering corporate events.
- Knowledge and practical experience of ICT systems and various digital technologies.
- Understand the importance of maintaining high ethical standards and promoting good governance practices.
- Awareness of Health and Safety and Data Governance legislation and regulations, together with their practical application in the workplace.
- Competency in spoken and written Irish is desirable.

Employer Details

Westmeath County Council

Contact Details

HR Department
Westmeath County Council
Aras an Chontae
Mullingar
N91 FH4N

044 9332000 recruitment@westmeathcoco.ie

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Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

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