Communications Officer (Executive Officer)

What is the role?

Communications functions vary across organisations, and the specific role and responsibilities of a Communications Officer will depend on the organisation and area to which you are assigned.

Communications Units typically cover areas such as:

• Press and media relations, working as part of a team in a Press Office;

• Social media management;

• Content creation, including design, photography and videography;

• Digital communications and website management;

• Marketing and advertising campaigns and public information initiatives;

• Internal communications.

The role of Communications Officer offers plenty of variety and the chance to build your experience across a range of areas. As a Communications Officer you will work as part of a team to drive the organisation’s communications strategy.

For example, depending on the organisation or role to which you are assigned, you may be focused on liaising with members of the media to ensure clear and accurate information is communicated, managing media queries and coordinating media engagements, press conferences and interviews. Equally, you may be involved in the development of content and campaigns for social media, websites or other internal and external communication channels.

Promotion and progression opportunities are available within communications through open competitions to Communications Specialist (HEO), Communications Manager (AP) and Head of Communications (PO).

It is important to note that the role may require an element of evening/weekend work, or off-site events. Civil Service overtime and travel and subsistence arrangements and rates will apply, as appropriate.

Key duties and responsibilities:

As mentioned above, communications functions vary across organisations, and the specific role and responsibilities of a Communications Officer will depend on the organisation and area to which you are assigned.

The following is an overview of the type of responsibilities and tasks involved in the Communications Officer role:

• Liaising with the media and managing enquiries from journalists and other media contacts via telephone and email;

• Preparing press releases, briefing documents and other communications materials;

• Arranging and organising events, interviews, launches, photocalls and press conferences;

• Contributing to the development and implementation of communications campaigns and programmes;

• Summarising complex information and producing accessible communications for a variety of channels and audiences with different needs;

• Creating content for social media, websites and other channels including photography, videography and graphic design;

• Updating and editing websites;

• Supporting stakeholder consultation programmes;

• Collaborating effectively with teams across the Department/Agency to ensure the delivery of high-quality work in a timely manner;

• Monitoring media and current affairs across print, broadcast and social/digital and Oireachtas business;

• Supporting the delivery of internal communications programmes;

• Dealing effectively with a broad range of information sources and identifying key issues and trends;

• Supporting the implementation of systems to ensure the smooth running of the communications function and taking ownership to ensure issues are resolved or escalated to the proper personnel to resolve in a timely manner;

• Making effective recommendations for communications activities;

• General administrative duties, ensuring day-to-day support for managers as required;

• Carrying out any other duties relevant to the role that may be identified from time to time.

This job description is a guide to the general range of duties of the successful candidate. It is not intended to be definitive or restrictive.

Positions requiring specialist Irish language skills

The Civil Service is fully committed to fulfilling its obligations under the Official Languages Act. It is intended that vacancies arising which require staff to provide a full range of services through the Irish language (Functional Bilinguals), may be filled from this competition. In this regard, individuals who have proficiency in the Irish language and who fulfil all other eligibility criteria set out below may indicate their interest on the application form.

Candidates who indicate their interest and who are successful at the final selection stages will be required to undergo certain assessments through Irish, e.g. interview and/or written test, prior to being considered for such a position. They must achieve the required level in the Irish language, i.e. demonstrate a minimum Level B2 on the Europass self-assessment framework.

Essential Requirements, Qualifications and Experience

On the closing date of Thursday, 9th April 2026, to be eligible for consideration, a candidate must satisfy the following requirements:

A qualification of at least Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) (or NARIC Ireland Foreign Qualifications equivalent);

and

At least one year’s relevant professional experience in at least two of the following areas:

Media engagement / press office

Public relations

Public affairs

Journalism

Event management

Social media management

Multimedia content creation

Graphic design

Website management

Advertising

Marketing

Internal communications programmes

In order to be effective in the role of a Communications Officer, candidates should have:

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present material in a clear, concise and comprehensive manner;

A good understanding of communications and the evolving communications landscape, including digital and social media, marketing, branding and advertising;

Good knowledge and understanding of current affairs and the media landscape across print, broadcast and digital platforms;

The ability to use information and communications technology, including a good level of proficiency in using Microsoft Office packages;

Good research, editorial skills and storytelling ability;

The ability to work calmly under pressure and deal with multiple demands and competing priorities to tight deadlines;

The ability to work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team;

Strong organisational skills with a commitment to achieving quality results and ensuring all tasks are completed to a very high standard;

A high level of motivation and a demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team;

A willingness to share ideas and information with the purpose of achieving a particular result;

Motivation, flexibility and willingness to adapt and positively contribute to the implementation of change, and the ability to use own initiative as and when appropriate;

The ability to absorb new information quickly, understand new concepts and relationships, and the awareness to focus on important information;

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to network, build and maintain relationships and successfully engage, persuade and collaborate with internal colleagues;

The self-confidence and resilience necessary to cope with challenging and/or sensitive situations;

A keen interest in public affairs and be committed to the concept of Public Service.

Desirable

• Proficiency in Irish.

Candidates who wish to have their ability in Irish assessed may be required to undergo a language assessment in order to satisfy publicjobs of their ability to communicate effectively in Irish.

Candidates must also be able to demonstrate the capabilities required for effective performance at this level.

Civil Service (Government Departments and Offices)

Dublin/Nationwide

Permanent – Full time

Starting at €38,419

3pm on Thursday, 9th April 2026