Digital and Social Media Officer

The Digital Media Officer will:

·       Ensure all materials generated are:

-         Consistent with our branding guidelines

-         Support accessibility, engagement and understanding, by applying our style guide

-         Compliant with the Official Languages Act and our bilingual city status, through the use of Gaeilge

-         In line with current good practice and strategic approaches in photography, videography, social media and digital communications.

·        Work collaboratively and strategically with colleagues to create and develop resources for individual projects, services, or events

·        Contribute ideas for content generation and advise on photography, videography, and social media campaigns based on experience and training

·        Use evidence-based research and design approaches in their work

·        Be familiar with:

-        Requirements of various social media platforms

-        Web editing

-        Creating digital content (photography, video, graphics, social media resources) for diverse sectors/clients

·       Demonstrate strong attention to detail and produce high-quality photos, videos, graphics, and creative concepts

·       Work closely with colleagues in the Communications Team to ensure cover and consistency across the team’s work and support other duties as required (e.g., issuing PR, events, media queries)

Specific Duties Include:

Photo/Videography

·       Photograph and record Galway City Council events, services, facilities and initiatives to a professional standard

·       Manage participants, including dignitaries; plan shot lists/content; script, edit, caption and export for various formats under tight timeframes

·       Build and maintain the Galway City Council media bank with tagged, timestamped, searchable resources

Social Media

·       Manage day-to-day operations of social media accounts including content creation, scheduling, comment moderation, and engagement analysis

·       Create high-quality, channel-specific content to increase engagement and reach.

·       Produce timely, responsive content (video, photos, graphics) tailored to platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram

·       Analyse, report and present on social media and communications initiatives, and make recommendations

Other

·       Develop resources for GCC publications and initiatives, including reports, events and presentations

·       Support staff training

·       Carry out other reasonable duties required to contribute to the work of the Communications Office, including issuing PR, media liaison, supporting events, etc.

·       have flexibility to work outside normal office hours.

Please note: The above duties are intended to describe the general nature and level of work expected. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with the position.

1.     Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2.     Health

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

3.     Citizenship:

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

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

               ii.          A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

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

             iv.          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

               v.          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

             vi.          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

4.     Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms:

(1)      (a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a pass), in Higher or Ordinary level, in five subjects (or four subjects if Irish is included) from the approved list of subjects in the Department of Education Established Leaving Certificate Examination or Leaving Certificate Vocational Programme including Irish and/or English and one of the following: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics,

AND

(b) Have obtained at least Grade C (or Honours) in Higher Level (or Honours) papers in three subjects in that examination (or two subjects if Irish and/or one of the following is included: Mathematics, Accounting, Business Organisation or Economics), or,

(2) Have obtained a comparable standard in an equivalent examination, or,

(3) Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard.

AND

(4) Have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.

Driving Licence Requirement Candidates are required to hold a current, full, unendorsed Category B driving licence valid in Ireland by the closing date for applications. If this is not the case, it should be clearly stated. A copy of the licence should be submitted with the application.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

Qualifications & Experience

·       hold a recognised degree (Level 8 in the National Framework of Qualifications) or equivalent professional qualification in Multimedia, Digital Media, Photography/ Visual Media/ Creative Media/ Film/ TV, Communications, or related field or hold a recognised Post Graduate degree (Level 9) in one of the aforementioned fields;

·       have a minimum of three years relevant experience in one or more of the above fields, with a proven track-record in delivering photographic, video, and digital resources and social media campaigns;

·       have a good standard of training and experience in social media management platforms (Hootsuite, Meta or similar); photo/ video/ graphic design software (Adobe suite, Canva or similar), and relevant emerging technologies;

Digital Analytics & Web

·       Experience in tracking digital analytics, setting goals, and reporting on performance

·       Experience in web editing and publishing

·       Familiarity with social media management platforms such as Meta Business Suite, Hootsuite, or similar

Gaeilge

·       Fluency or strong competency in Gaeilge

Photography & Videography

·       Proven experience as a photographer and videographer, including editing for press, conferences, events, web, social media, and presentations

·       Ability to manage an image/media bank, ensuring resources are credited, tagged, and easily searchable

·       Capacity to identify gaps in the media bank and create resources to address those needs

Social Media

·       Experience producing engaging social media content to increase reach and engagement, including graphic design, videography, and photography

·       Experience managing social media accounts to ensure consistent, targeted communication and audience engagement

·       Experience analysing and reporting on social media campaigns

Other Skills

·       Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, managing multiple tasks professionally and efficiently

·       Experience managing external contractors such as graphic designers, photographers, and videographers

·       Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small team, delivering high-quality work on time

·       Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings.

Personal Effectiveness

·       Takes initiative and seeks opportunities to exceed goals

·       Manages time and workload effectively

·       Maintains a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude toward the role.

·       Demonstrates a strong commitment to delivering an effective Public Service;

·       Personal motivation, is enthusiastic about the role and is motivated in the face of challenges and obstacles

·       High level of attention to detail and ability to work to tight deadlines

·       Displays ability to think and act strategically to promote and successfully communicate the purpose, mission and vision of the section

Delivering Results

·       Plans and prioritises work and resources effectively

·       Establishes and maintains high-quality services and customer care standards

·       Makes timely, informed and balanced decisions, demonstrating sound judgement

·       Promotes the achievement of quality outcomes in service delivery

·       Evaluates results against operational plans to ensure continuous improvement

Performance Through People

·       Builds and maintains positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

·       Manages performance effectively

·       Works collaboratively within a team to deliver programmes and projects, meeting strict deadlines

·       Communicates clearly and confidently, with strong verbal and written skills

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Local Government knowledge and understanding.

Knowledge and Understanding of the Role and Local Government

·       Understands the role of the Digital Media Officer within a Local Authority context

·       Demonstrates knowledge of the structure and functions of local government

·       Brings a relevant range and depth of experience to the role

·       Possesses the specialist knowledge, understanding and training required for the position

·       Keeps up to date with current developments, trends and best practices in the area of responsibility

PRINCIPAL CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

Type of Post

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration

The annual salary (Circular EL 07-2025, Revised Local Authority Scales Operative from 1st August 2025) is as follows:

(Analogous to pay scale of Staff Officer)

Point

01/08/2025

1

€51,722 - €61,865

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €51,722

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

(a)       there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold the position on probation,

(b)       such period shall be 12 months but, the Chief Executive may at their discretion extend such period,

(c)       such persons shall cease to hold the position at end of the period of probation unless during such period, the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory.

Hours of Duty

The person appointed will be required to work a 35 hour week. The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave entitlement will be 30 days per annum.

Residence:

Holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof.