Communications Manager

Purpose, Duties and Responsibilities

Tipperary County Council continuously reviews and seeks to improve communications and engagement with the public and to increase awareness and understanding of the work and services of the Council.

The overall aim of the Council is to ensure that there is clear, consistent and appropriate communications between the Council and relevant stakeholders both within and outside of the organisation.

• The Communications Manager will lead a team in the Corporate Services Directorate to manage the delivery of the Council’s communications priorities.

• They will have responsibility for media relations, digital communications, event management, promotion, corporate publications, communications, engagement with a broad range of internal and external stakeholders and customer services related matters.

• They will report directly to the Senior Executive Officer or other officer as designated by the Chief Executive.

The Corporate Services provides a wide range of Tipperary County Council services including meetings administration, corporate governance, data protection and access to information and customer services. Communication, promotion and engagement are an integral part of the Department’s functions.

Key Responsibilities

Communications Delivery & Coordination

• Implement corporate communications plans and campaigns across the organisation.

• Draft and manage press releases, media responses and communications materials.

• Coordinate communications inputs from Directorates to ensure consistency of messaging.

• Support internal communications initiatives and staff engagement.

Media & Digital Communications

• Manage day-to-day media engagement, under agreed protocols.

• Maintain and update digital platforms (website, social media, campaigns).

• Monitor media coverage and escalate issues as appropriate.

• Support delivery of public information campaigns and consultations.

Customer Service Operations

• Supervise and support frontline customer service delivery.

• Ensure adherence to customer service standards, procedures and KPIs.

• Monitor performance metrics (e.g. response times, service levels).

• Analyse complaints and feedback to identify operational improvements.

Stakeholder & Service Coordination

• Liaise with internal sections to ensure accurate, timely communications.

• Support stakeholder engagement activity and public consultation processes.

• Coordinate responses to public queries and escalations.

Governance, Compliance & Standards

• Ensure communications and customer interactions comply with:

o GDPR / Data Protection

o FOI

o Accessibility and plain English standards

o Corporate governance requirements

• Maintain accurate records and support reporting requirements.

• Apply corporate policies and procedures consistently.

Issues & Incident Support

• Support delivery of communications during incidents or issues.

• Escalate significant reputational risks to senior management.

• Assist in implementation of crisis communication plans.

Team Supervision & Work Planning

• Supervise assigned staff and allocate work effectively.

• Monitor outputs and ensure quality standards are met.

• Support staff development and performance management.

• Assist with planning and prioritisation of team work programmes.

Reporting & Continuous Improvement

• Prepare operational reports on communications and customer service performance.

• Identify opportunities for service improvement and efficiency.

• Contribute to performance monitoring and KPI tracking.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Third-level qualification in Communications/Media related discipline.

• Relevant experience in communications, media, PR, journalism, media management.

• Experience in coordinating communications outputs & campaigns.

• Experience supervising staff or managing work programmes.

Desirable

• Experience in a public sector or local authority environment.

• Experience in digital communications platforms.

• Exposure to media relations and campaign delivery.

Desirable Skills

The ideal candidate should have:

o Demonstrate a reasonable level of fluency and proficiency in the Irish language (both oral and written). Have obtained a minimum qualification at level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications in Irish or a qualification e.g. TEG Level C1 in Irish.

o A proven understanding of the local government operating environment, the Irish traditional and digital media landscape and proven delivery in the field of communications.

o Have experience in the development and management of communication strategies, preferably in a public service organisation.

o Demonstrated experience in leading communications during emergencies, critical incidents and severe weather events, including coordinating timely, accurate public messaging and advising senior management as part of an organisational emergency response.

o Demonstrate experience in leading and managing a customer service function, including the development and implementation of service standards, policies and procedures. Strong understanding of performance monitoring and analysis of customer interactions, including the use of key metrics such as response times and satisfaction levels. Proven ability to interpret customer feedback, complaints and queries to identify trends and drive service improvements. A track record of promoting and embedding a customer-focused culture across an organisation.

o Demonstrate strong initiative, presentation, relationship building and strategic planning skills.

o Have excellent written and verbal communications skills and an awareness of the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.

o Have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a positive and professional attitude.

o Experience in digital communications.

o Experience in visual graphics.

o Have experience of handling press and media relations.

o Have the ability to think creatively and deliver engaging content.

o Have the ability to work as part of a team with strong customer service focus and be dedicated to providing quality and excellent service.

o Have the ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

o Have the ability to take ownership of issues/tasks and work on own initiative.

o Have the ability to manage and supervise staff, including managing performance.

o Be flexible regarding working hours and unsociable hours including weekends and bank holidays.

o Be committed to self-development and be enthusiastic about acquiring new skills and embracing new technologies.

o Have an understanding of the changing operating environment of the local authority and be capable of leading and implementing change in order to deliver quality services to our citizens.

o Have experience in the organisation of corporate events.

o Have knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems.

o Have an understanding of the importance of ensuring strong ethical standards are set and maintained.

o Have an awareness of legislation and regulations in the area of Health and Safety and in Data Governance, their implications for the organisation, the employee, and their application in the workplace.

o Have a strong interest in current affairs and an awareness of the local government sector.

Qualifications:

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.

Education, Training, Experience, etc.

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

i. A minimum level 7 educational qualification in media/communications related discipline and specific work experience to an equivalent level to the satisfaction of the Council.

ii. Have a minimum of 5 years’ satisfactory experience in a broad communications role e.g. PR, Journalism, Media Management, Corporate Communications, Communication Campaigns and Digital Media.

iii. Substantial experience of dealing with the media.

iv. Proven leadership skills at a managerial level and experience managing a team in a fast-moving environment and advising senior leaders in an organisation.

v. Experience contributing communications expertise to the development of wider organisation strategies and plans.

vi. A proven track record at senior level in leading and establishing a centralised communications function, including providing high-level strategic advice to senior management on media relations and public communications, including emergency communications.

vii. Demonstrated experience in leading accessible and inclusive public communications within a complex organisation, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements.

Applicants should at the date of applying, hold a full unendorsed valid Irish / EU licence, for Class B vehicles, or a licence acceptable to NDLS for transfer to full Irish licence.

Salary:

Current Salary Scale: €61,217.00 - €79,583.00 (2nd LSI) (Circular EL 05/2019)

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. The employee shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to or received by him/her by virtue of his/her employment or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform.

Entry point of this scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government & Heritage.

In accordance with Departmental Circular letter EL 02/2011, a person who is not a serving local authority employee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point (currently €61,217).

Remuneration is paid fortnightly by PayPath directly to the employee’s nominated bank account. The current wage pay cycle may be revised during the period of employment.

Remuneration is subject to all statutory deductions, e.g. P.A.Y.E. and P.R.S.I. Increments are paid annually subject to satisfactory attendance, conduct and performance and national agreements. Increments may be withheld if performance, attendance and/or conduct are not satisfactory.

Under the Public Service Stability Agreement 2013, the working hours for newly appointed/promoted staff are 35 hours per week. All posts will be offered on the basis of the candidate working wholetime.

Citizenship

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

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

b) A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

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

d) 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

e) 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

f) 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.