Communications and Engagement Officer

The Purpose of the Role

The Centre for Academic Practice (CAP), Trinity Teaching & Learning, welcomes applications for the position of Communications and Engagement Officer. The successful candidate will lead the development, coordination, and delivery of communications and engagement strategies that support CAP’s mission to foster excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and assessment across the University.

Working closely with the Head of the Centre for Academic Practice, the Teaching & Learning Projects Manager, and key stakeholders within Trinity Teaching & Learning and across the University, the post-holder will be responsible for developing and supporting strategies, plans, and projects under the Communications and Engagement portfolio. This includes drafting and implementing communication plans and initiatives across the full range of CAP’s activities, managing external relations, and leading CAP’s digital presence and identity within the University and across the Irish higher education sector. The post-holder will play a pivotal role in supporting the Head of the Centre and its growing team.

Context

The Centre for Academic Practice is a central unit within Trinity Teaching & Learning (TT&L), focused on advancing and enhancing excellence in teaching, learning, and assessment by fostering a University-wide culture of teaching excellence grounded in scholarship, critical enquiry, and collaboration.

Working closely with College Academic Officers to align academic practice with institutional, national, and international priorities, the Centre leads a range of strategic teaching and learning initiatives, advances research and scholarship in academic practice, provides a comprehensive suite of research-informed professional development opportunities for staff, and embeds the broader role of teaching and learning within the institutional educational change agenda.

The Centre also encompasses a newly established Learning Innovation Research Hub (the "Hub"), dedicated to driving evidence-informed innovation and advancing research on emerging pedagogical practices.

Reporting to the Head of the Centre for Academic Practice, the post-holder will have responsibility for coordinating and delivering communications and engagement activities for the Centre, including the marketing of CAP’s professional development offerings and events. In line with the requirements and guidance of the Trinity Communications Office, the successful candidate will deliver communications and content that build a strong shared understanding, internally and externally, of Trinity’s commitment to research-informed, innovative teaching and learning, promoting best practice and nurturing a vibrant community of educators.

This contract is for a fixed-term period expiring on 6 September 2029.

The duration of this contract is limited to the above fixed-term period as the role is required to support the development and delivery of communications and engagement strategies aligned with Trinity’s Strategic Plan (2025–2030). This role is not offered on a permanent basis as it is linked to a defined phase of activity expected to be completed within the current Strategic Plan. Continuation of the role beyond the fixed-term period will therefore be subject to a review of institutional priorities and operational requirements within Trinity Teaching & Learning.

The role is also externally funded and does not form part of the University's core funding. It is available for a finite period only. Accordingly, this contract will terminate on the expiry date stated above, or earlier if the relevant funding stream is terminated or withdrawn by the Higher Education Authority.

Main Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of the post include, but are not restricted to, the following:

Communications Management

• Develop a Communications and Engagement Plan for CAP across the full range of its activities. The plan will support effective and timely communication with a range of stakeholders and audiences, using appropriate channels and reflecting the College’s strategic objectives for teaching and learning.
• Lead communications and marketing activities that support the development of a cohesive identity for CAP.
• Provide regular content for social media and other media outlets, collaborating with colleagues across the University, including the Trinity Communications Office, to coordinate messaging.
• Set up and manage CAP social media accounts, including content planning and scheduling, while monitoring performance and providing regular updates on engagement, interactions, and other impact indicators.
• Stay informed of strategic initiatives to ensure they are appropriately reflected in all CAP communications.
• Act as the primary contact for staff, students, and external stakeholders on matters relating to communications and digital presence.
• Monitor, analyse, and report on the effectiveness of communications campaigns, providing reviews, analysis, recommendations, and regular reports to the Head of CAP.
• Contribute to the development, publication, and dissemination of CAP reports and publications for both internal and external audiences.
• Collaborate with CAP staff and Trinity’s Communications and Public Affairs team to ensure CAP’s communications strategy aligns with the University's overall communications strategy.

Communications Development

• Represent CAP on relevant University-wide communications forums and working groups.
• Identify and evaluate communications opportunities, channels, and partnerships that enhance CAP’s visibility and impact, including promoting the Learning Innovation Research Hub.
• Produce high-quality communications and multimedia materials, including web articles, social media content, videos, reports, and publications.
• Ensure all CAP communications and digital materials comply with Trinity’s visual identity guidelines, digital standards, accessibility requirements, universal design principles, and inclusive communication practices.
• Develop and manage CAP webpages, ensuring information is accurate and up to date, while contributing to major digital enhancement projects such as website redesigns and migrations.
• Lead the development of an integrated engagement approach that strengthens CAP’s relationships with staff, students, schools, and national and international partners.
• Support the coordination and promotion of CAP events, seminars, workshops, and conferences.
• Prepare briefings, presentations, and speaking notes for CAP leadership as required.
• Contribute to wider Trinity Teaching & Learning communications and engagement strategies and activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Lead CAP’s stakeholder mapping and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to build mutual understanding and strengthen strategic relationships and partnerships.
• Support engagement across Trinity’s teaching and learning community, including Schools, Programmes, Committees, and academic development networks.
• Provide guidance to CAP leadership on opportunities for strategic engagement, relationship-building, and collaboration with universities, colleges, and teaching and learning organisations in Ireland and internationally.
• Collaborate with senior staff across the University to raise the profile of CAP, share best practices, support joint initiatives, and create opportunities for sustained collaboration.
• Promote CAP’s profile and ensure visibility of the University's teaching excellence, educational innovations, and academic development opportunities.

Other

• Undertake any other responsibilities assigned by the Head of the Centre for Academic Practice or the Academic Secretary, Head of Trinity Teaching & Learning.

Person Requirements

The post-holder will require the following knowledge, skills, and attributes to perform successfully in the role.

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree or postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline such as communications, journalism, or marketing.
• Demonstrated commitment to continuous professional development.

Desirable

• Relevant accredited further training.

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Minimum of three years' experience in a communications, public relations, or marketing role.
• Demonstrated experience developing communication strategies and implementation plans.
• Strong understanding of communications and public affairs within a large, complex organisation such as a university, higher education institution, government agency, or non-governmental organisation.
• Proven knowledge of social media platforms such as LinkedIn and YouTube, with professional experience managing digital communications channels.
• Experience using graphic design and video applications such as Canva and Photoshop, and content management systems such as Terminal 4.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to write effectively for a variety of audiences and purposes, producing engaging content for digital and print media.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies and experience managing multiple concurrent projects.
• Experience managing deadlines and responding proactively to changing priorities.
• Ability to work independently, manage confidential information, and operate effectively within complex organisational environments.
• Ability to evaluate communication outcomes and apply lessons learned to improve future strategies.
• Strong track record of developing, implementing, and evaluating innovative, high-impact, multi-channel communications campaigns.
• Event management experience involving high-level strategic public and private events.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage and influence colleagues and stakeholders.

Desirable

• Practical communications or public relations experience within a university or higher education environment.
• Awareness of higher education teaching and learning landscapes and associated policy environments.
• Understanding of the wider implications of public relations and media-related issues affecting Trinity, the Irish higher education sector, government, and stakeholders.

Skills and Competencies

• Self-motivated with a positive, can-do attitude.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative, adaptable, and solution-focused approach to communication challenges.
• Strong networking, collaboration, and consultation skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Strong team player and lateral thinker, able to work effectively both collaboratively and independently, including in virtual environments.
• Well-developed organisational and project management skills, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Skilled in a wide range of communication tools, including social media, video production, and digital publishing.