Communications Officer

The Role Maynooth University is seeking an experienced Communications Officer with a strong track record as a former journalist/public relations/press officer to enhance the reputation of Maynooth University at a time of exciting change. The role requires wide-ranging communications knowledge and a skillset applicable to external communications with a particular focus on scoping out and targeting appropriate stories for a range of media. The candidate will have a strong news sense and accurate writing/editing skills to assist in media promotions and public relations for university initiatives, announcements, research and events. The postholder will report to the Head of Communications and work collegially within the communications, digital and marketing team. They will work with faculties, departments, institutes and centres across the university to positively enhance the public profile and reputation of Maynooth University. The postholder will collaborate collegially across teams within the External Relations Office including Alumni Relations, Partnerships and Events.

Principal Duties Administrative and other duties: This will include: • Reporting to the Head of Communications and supporting the implementation of the University’s communications plan across a range of activities to promote and enhance the reputation of Maynooth University and deliver upon objectives in the University Strategic Plan 2023-2028. • Sourcing strong news/features to raise the public profile of MU; writing & editing diverse content for press releases, media notices and publications, for a range of external platforms including website, digital/social media and video. • Liaising with staff across the university’s units and faculties,/departments in response to requests for collaborations, including media and online promotions. • Point of contact for media queries and requests, sourcing timely and accurate responses and/or identifying senior university contacts for response. • Providing media relations/PR for university staff on newsworthy research topics to convey in an accessible way for wider public/media appeal. • Assistance in researching, developing storylines/angles/messages & writing briefs for media • Working closely with the Digital team in the creation and dissemination of social media messaging, story packages, identifying and procuring photography/images, support in the creation of digital video content. • Working as part of the Communications team on MU announcements for events, including press conferences, corporate stakeholder events/webinars and in preparing media kits. • Working with the Development and Alumni Relations Team to create and support specific written content, including the Alumni magazine. • Media monitoring and collaborative circulation to staff/stakeholders of relevant items, preparing media evaluation reports. • Availability for occasional after-hours work as deadlines/enquiries demand.

The ideal candidate will have: Essential: • A minimum 4 years’ experience working in communications, media/public relations and or/journalism, preferably in a busy agency, communications/press office or newspaper/media platform environment. • Ability to identify storylines and create accurate and concise content/messaging for both general and digital/social media. • Superior writing and editing skills, targeted to different audiences and with a particular expertise in journalism-style writing (news and features). • Third level degree in a relevant area, or relevant qualification and equivalent experience • Ability to convey complex research material in an accessible way for wider public appeal. • Working knowledge of web editing/online tools including photo resizing/digital/social media platforms along with Microsoft Word and Excel. • Experience working at press conferences and events. • Meticulous attention to detail, strong interpersonal communications skills. • Ability to accurately assess media opportunities and evaluate risks. • Ability to work well within a team under pressure and to deadlines. • Interest in an academic environment, new and explorative research. • Pro-active thinking; ability to think creatively about new avenues to promote the University. • Knowledge of and interest in the Irish media landscape.

Desirable: • Knowledge or experience working in or with the third-level sector. Office of External Relations Led by the Vice President of External Affairs, the Office of External Relations manages and advances the reputation of Maynooth University nationally and internationally by engaging with the public, our graduates, and our colleagues to support the objectives of the University Strategic Plan 2023-2028. We strive to use new and creative ways to tell the stories of Maynooth University — our academic excellence and world-class research to meet societal challenges, our diversity and inclusivity, and our inspiring students and alumni. We oversee the University’s external and internal communications activities, including: • media and public relations • marketing campaigns • brand identity • digital presence (including the University website and its social media channels) • alumni relations • fundraising and development activities

The University Maynooth University is a very distinctive university, a collegial institution focused on science and engineering, humanities, and social sciences, and equally committed to research, teaching and community engagement. Located in Ireland’s only university town, its distinctive features and character owe much to its unique history and heritage. It provides a high-quality educational experience to over 15,000 students on a campus with 18th century roots and 21st century dynamism. The strategic trajectory and accomplishments of Maynooth University, in the 25 years since its establishment as an autonomous public university, are exceptional, and a source of great pride to the university community, staff, students and alumni. Maynooth University is now acknowledged to be one of the leading young universities in the world, and in 2022 ranked # 1 in Ireland in the latest Times Higher Education (THE) Best Young University Rankings. Maynooth University’s growing global reputation is based on the originality, quality, importance and impact of its research and scholarship, commitment to teaching and learning, the quality of academic programmes, and its leadership in widening participation in higher education. The sources of success are the dedication of its staff and the energy and engagement of its students.

Maynooth University is a place of lively contrasts – a modern institution, dynamic, rapidly-growing, research-led and engaged, yet grounded in historic academic strengths and scholarly traditions. With over 15,000 students Maynooth offers a range of programmes at undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral level in the humanities, science and engineering and social sciences, including business, law and education. The University also offers a range of international programmes and partnerships. Maynooth’s unique collegial culture fosters an interdisciplinary approach to research, which its worldclass academics bring to bear in tackling some of the most fundamental challenges facing society today. The University’s research institutes and centres consolidate and deliver this impact as vibrant communities of learning, discovery and creation. Research at Maynooth also is very much central to its teaching and the University prides itself on placing equal value on its research and teaching missions.

Principles and Values Maynooth University is committed to the following values: • Scholarly rigour; • Academic freedom; • Integrity and ethical behaviour; • Collegiality, transparency and trust; • Equality, inclusiveness and social justice; • Operational excellence, organisational flexibility and responsiveness; • Dignity, respect and care for the individual. Salary Administrative Officer II (2024)*: €42,893 – €61,240 p.a. (9 points) Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.