Communications Officer

Principal Duties

The principal duties attached to the post will include, but are not limited to:

• Support strategic planning, coordinate, implement and evaluate communications for digital and offline campaigns, and stakeholder engagement programmes and initiatives for DARO and MU Foundation.

• Ensure an effective online presence for DARO and the MU Foundation: devise and manage digital marketing and communications strategies that expand the reach and impact of our work.

• Contribute to strategic discussions on stakeholder engagement across the team.

• Create, prepare, and deliver communications materials and content across a range of online and print channels and in close cooperation with relevant colleagues and/or the Director.

• Write and develop content for the alumni magazine, e-newsletter, press releases and other items for print and web; create and manage digital video content for social media and campaigns; liaise with graphic design and other agencies to create engaging content to reach and interact with alumni and supporters.

• Support the development of a content and deployment strategy for alumni profiles, stories and marketing materials that supports DARO and broader university objectives, working with colleagues across departments to maximise their use and impact.

• Assist in the development and implemention of communications policies and workflows for DARO and the MU Foundation.

• Support the management of budget and resources for the communications function, ensuring that communications projects are delivered to agreed deadlines, to a high standard and measured against clear KPIs. This includes working alongside external agencies and suppliers, where appropriate.

• Assist in driving a data-informed and evidence-based culture of testing and reporting within the Office. Compile reports on projects and campaigns, assessing performance against measurable objectives and targets and, where appropriate, make recommendations for future work.

• Organise communications coordination and planning meetings.

• Keep up to date with and upskill on the latest trends and best practices in communications, marketing, fundraising, analytics, and measurement.

• Undertaking such duties, commensurate with the grade, as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the Director.

The ideal candidate will have:

Essential experience and skills:

• A third level qualification in a related discipline.

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience working in communications or similar environment.

• Demonstrated experience in planning and delivering digital and offline communications plans and campaigns.

• Strong creative communications and writing abilities and the ability to produce highly engaging copy and content.

• Proven ability to coordinate and manage projects across teams using collaborative and partnership approaches.

• Ability to work independently and effectively manage time in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.

• Excellent IT skills, including Content Management Systems, email marketing and social media tools, and a willingness to learn and adopt new technologies to improve the work of the role and office.

• Ability to undertake accurate analysis of relevant analytics, produce concise summaries and act as required.

• An understanding and interest in the strategic purpose of communications in engaging university stakeholders.

• Experience and/or demonstrable understanding of the Higher Education sector and the role of alumni engagement and development within a university context.

Desirable experience and skills:

• Ability and experience in using design programmes and video editing software.

• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector or fundraising.

• Knowledge of Office 365.

• Knowledge of Salesforce or an equivalent CRM.

Tenure

This a full-time permanent post.

Salary

Administrative Officer II (2025): €46,418 – €65,806 p.a. (9 points)

Appointments will be made in accordance with public sector pay provisions.

Hours of work

A 35-hour working week is in operation in respect of full-time positions (prorated for part-time positions). This can be reviewed or adjusted from time to time through national agreements.

Location

The place of work is the campus of Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co. Kildare.