Communications and Research Officer

Qualifications/Experience ESSENTIAL

MOTIVATION

Demonstrate a commitment to excellence, continuous improvement, possess proficiency and expertise in communication strategies, and uphold high ethical standards with a strong commitment to maintaining confidentiality and integrity. Ability to develop innovative communication strategies and solutions tailored to the unique needs of the education sector. QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE Have obtained at least Grade D3 in five subjects in the Leaving Certificate Examination (higher, ordinary, applied or vocational programmes) or equivalent. or Have passed an examination at the appropriate level within the QQI qualifications framework which can be assessed as being of a comparable to Leaving Certificate standard or equivalent or higher or Have appropriate relevant experience which encompasses equivalent skills and expertise. SKILLS

Have the requisite knowledge, skills and competencies to carry out the role. Competencies will be informed by best practice Public Appointment Service Competency Frameworks for the Irish Public Service. COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including management, staff, learners, educators, and community members. COMPETENCIES

• Team Working/Supervisory Skills • Interpersonal and Communication Skills. • Information Management and Decision Making • Delivery of Results. • Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development. • Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values. KEY ELEMENTS OF THE JOB / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: The Grade V Communications and Research Officer will be responsible for the professional and proactive promotion of MSLETB's FET provision and services, collaborating closely with internal stakeholders. This role will support both current and future cross-directorate projects, working with the management team to enhance communication channels, share best practices, and ensure business continuity. Outlined below are the initial duties, which may change, as the needs of the organisation:

Main duties will include (but not limited to) the following: • Strategic Communications Planning: Develop and implement comprehensive communication strategies aligned with MSLETB’s objectives and values. • Research and Analysis: Conduct research to gather data and insights that inform strategic decisions and support MSLETB’s goals. • Content Creation: Produce high-quality content for various platforms, including press releases, social media posts, newsletters, and reports. • Media Relations: Build and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure coverage and manage public relations efforts. • Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with stakeholders, including learners, parents, employers, internal staff and the community, to foster positive relationships and enhance support. • Internal Communications: Ensure effective communication within the organisation, facilitating information flow and employee engagement. • Brand Management: Maintain and enhance MSLETB’s brand image through consistent and strategic messaging. • Event Promotion: Promote MSLETB events, achievements, and programmes to boost public profile and attract participants. • Crisis Communication: Develop and execute communication plans for crisis situations, ensuring timely and transparent information dissemination. • Performance Monitoring: Track and analyse the effectiveness of communication strategies and campaigns, making data-driven adjustments as needed. • Social Media Management: Oversee MSLETB’s social media presence, creating and curating content to engage and grow the audience. • Website Management: Maintain and update MSLETB’s website with relevant and upto-date information. • Publications Management: Coordinate the production of MSLETB publications, including annual reports, brochures, and promotional materials. • Training and Development: Provide training and support to staff on effective communication practices and tools. • Budget Management: Ensure cost-effective strategies and resource allocation maximizes the impact of communication efforts while maintaining financial efficiency and accountability.

Please note: The job specification above is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties involved and the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time, and to contribute to the development of the post while in office. The Office This is a whole-time permanent contract of employment. The normal working week is a 35 hours five-day week basis, excluding breaks. Attendance will be required during normal ETB office hours and at such other times as are necessary for the delivery of the duties of the post. Attendance outside of normal office hours will be by prior agreement with the Senior Staff Officer/Director of FET as will the offsetting of such attendance against normal office hours attendance. The holder of the office shall not engage in any gainful occupation, other than as an officer of MSLETB, to such an extent as to impair the performance of his or her duties as an officer of MSLETB or in any occupation which might conflict with the interests of MSLETB or which might be inconsistent with discharge of his or her duties as a MSLETB Officer.

Probation The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSL ETB’s Probationary Policy.

Salary The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the office shall pay to MSLETB any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to or received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of any services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform. Salary Scale as per Circular Letter 0017/2015. The current salary scale for Grade V Staff Officer is as follows. Rate from 01/03/2025 €51,211 €52,740 €54,302 €55,895 €57,503 €59,372* €61,252**

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: SALARY: As per DE guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit may only apply, if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting Salary is not subject to negotiation. Annual Leave The annual leave allowance for the position of Staff Officer is 25 days pro rata. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Sick Leave Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and Department of Education sick leave circulars.

Location/Base This post may be based in any of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board locations with the exact location TBC. Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any other location or base that is under the control of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, as the need arises. Any change in location or base by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board will not be deemed as redeployment as provided for under the Public Service Agreements

Start Date MSLETB shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than 6 weeks and if they fail to take up theappointment within such period or such long period as the MSLETB in its absolute discretion may determine, MSLETB shall not appoint them. Business Travel When absent from home and headquarters on duty appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances will be paid subject to the normal Civil Service regulations.