Digital Communications & Communications Officer

THE COMPETITION

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, form a panel for the post of Digital Communications & Communications Officer from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Clare County Council is seeking a Digital Communications & Communications Officer for its Communications Unit. We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated and highly skilled person with a good knowledge of all aspects of communications to work with our award-winning team.

The Digital Communications & Communications Officer will be required to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team in the Council’s Corporate Services Department, under the supervision and direction of the Head of Communications or such person as may be assigned from time to time by Clare County Council. They will be required at times to work on their own initiative, as circumstances demand, on a broad range of projects.

The Communications Unit is responsible for Corporate Communications and provides a full communications service to all departments across the Council. As an integral member of the team they will play a key role in the successful execution of the local authorities communication strategies interacting constructively, efficiently and effectively with staff, local authority members, media, other stakeholders and the public.

In addition, they will take a lead role in the production and publishing of high-quality content for digital and social media campaigns in addition to managing Clare County Council’s social media platforms.

The Communications office is responsible for all areas of communications including:

• Media Relations

• Internal Communications

• External Communications

• Strategic Communications

• Crisis Communications

• Irish Language

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & EXPERIENCE FOR THE ROLE

The ideal candidate for the position shall:

• Excellent written and verbal communications skills.

• Excellent knowledge of digital and social media communications tools and platforms.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically to deliver engaging content.

• Significant skill in content planning, writing, sub-editing and editing with the ability to write across a variety of mediums (digital, social, print) and for a variety of audiences; providing opportunities to improve awareness of the Council.

• Ability to work under pressure and to strict deadlines.

• Ability to work outside of normal hours and at weekends as required.

• Ability to work within a team.

• Awareness of the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.

• Knowledge of creating, scheduling and publishing content on social media.

• Demonstrable evidence of digital content creation, particularly in the area of social media with detailed knowledge of how the various platforms and tools work for business e.g. Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.

• Working knowledge in the use of video editing software packages.

• Experience in the use of multimedia tools such as Canva, Adobe Photoshop or similar products.

• Experience writing media releases/writing for media and engaging with media.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Up to date knowledge in best practices in digital communications and measurement.

• Proven administrative skills with the ability to prioritise, manage and complete a variety of tasks at times of high pressure with an ability to work effectively on own initiative and to established deadlines.

In addition, it is desirable that applicants will have:

• A good knowledge of, or experience in, marketing and communications in the public sector.

• Demonstrable knowledge of digital analytic tools such as Google Analytics, SEO, CRO, etc.

• Proven ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide variety of stakeholders.

DUTIES

The duties and responsibilities are broadly defined and are not exhaustive. The performance of the entire range of duties is not necessarily confined to any one individual, as the work requires that the staff function in a flexible manner and work together as a team.

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• Play a key role in the Communications team, proactively contributing to the design and successful implementation of Clare County Council’s communication strategies including campaign planning, messaging, design, implementation, reviewing and reporting.

• Management of Clare County Council’s social media accounts including the creation of a social media calendar and day-to-day scheduling across all official platforms.

• Development and/or sourcing fresh, exciting and appropriate content for use across Clare County Council’s digital media platforms.

• Social media monitoring, evaluating and reporting; preparing and presenting analytics reports on online engagement.

• Work as part of the Communications team to further develop a Social Media strategy for the successful promotion of Clare County Council’s work and dissemination of Clare County Council’s strategic priorities and key messages.

• Project management of professionally produced communication videos for key events; including procurement of videographer, assisting with concept development, script writing, logistics management and overseeing edits.

• Create online video content, graphics.

• Draft media releases and statements.

• Liaise confidently and effectively with various stakeholders, including the media.

• Investigate and assess emerging digital tools to enhance customer experience.

• Plan and prioritise multiple projects while consistently meeting agreed timeframes.

• Coordinate, manage and prioritise own workload in a busy complex environment.

• Work independently and contribute positively to a team environment.

• Be flexible in your approach to work and adapt well to workplace change.

• Supporting the communications team in other tasks where needed and any other duties relevant to the role which may be identified from time to time.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST OF DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Key Competencies for the post include the following and candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing and/or interview processes will be based primarily on the information provided by candidates in the application form:

DELIVERING RESULTS

• Identifying problems and contributing to solutions.

• Organising work programmes and implementing solutions.

• Managing resources, including equipment.

• Complying with all council rules.

• Delivering quality work and services.

UNDERSTANDING PURPOSE AND CHANGE

• Knowing Council purpose and its priorities.

• Understanding the role of the Elected Council and the representational role of the Elected Members.

• Understanding and adhering to the code of conduct for all employees.

• Maintaining a positive image of the Council.

• Implementing change.

• Safety, Health and Welfare at work.

PERFORMANCE THROUGH PEOPLE

• Leading and directing.

• Performance management.

• Managing conflict.

• Communicating effectively.

PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS

• Takes initiative, is motivated and seeks opportunities to exceed goals.

• Maintains a positive, constructive, and enthusiastic attitude to their role.

• Skills, Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience.

• Resilience and Personal Well-Being.

• Commitment to integrity & good public service values.

• Demonstrates good level of verbal and written communication skills.

• Demonstrates flexibility and openness to change.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Character

Each candidate must 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:

(a) Have obtained at least Grade D (or a Pass), in Higher or Ordinary Level, in five subjects (or four 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

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

OR

(d) Hold a third level qualification of at least degree standard, have satisfactory experience in administrative procedures, including adequate practical experience in work of an executive nature, office organisation and control of staff.

(e) A full clean driving licence for Class B vehicles.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

a) A third level qualification at level 7 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework.

b) Relevant previous experience in a comparable digital media, multimedia, journalism, marketing or communications role.

Failure to input and upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

Failure to upload photographs (front & back) of your driving licence will deem you ineligible for this competition.

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.

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

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.

Salary:

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

The current salary scale applicable to the post €51,722 - €53,266 - €54,844 - €56,454 - €58,076 - €59,967 (1st LSI) - €61,865 (2nd LSI) (August 2025).

Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Working Hours:

The working hours effective from 1st July 2022 provide for a five-day, thirty-five hour working week. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary. The provisions of Clare County Council’s Leave Policy are applicable to this grade at the current time.