Marketing & Communication Executive

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE POST

The Marketing & Communications will be responsible for raising awareness about Midlands Ireland and position the Midlands Region as a destination of choice, through: -

Key responsibilities: -

• Championing creativity and a consumer-first mindset in developing integrated marketing communications across all platforms and mediums.

• Project manage the delivery of effective through-the-line marketing communications through a combination of specific campaigns and always-on messaging leveraging paid, owned, and earned channels;

• Deliver against KPIs that are aligned with regional objectives;

• Oversee and direct the work of team member(s) if required and in consultation with Programme Manager;

• Brief agency partners and third parties e.g. media publishers, content creators.

• Oversee the development of media plans and actively manage their implementation.

• Support in the creative development process with agencies and manage the delivery of creative assets.

• Monitor paid, owned, and earned plans across campaigns.

• Prepare requests for tenders and coordinate the procurement process.

• Responsible for administration and financial management tasks.

• Ensure compliance with terms and conditions of National Just Transition Funding, including the preparation of recoupment claims

• Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Regional Enterprise Development office by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time.

• Project manage the delivery of effective through-the-line marketing communications through a combination of specific campaigns and always-on messaging leveraging paid, owned, and earned channels;

• Plan, host and delivery of county and regional networking events in partnership with local chambers to facilitate and encourage the development of regional supply chains;

• The Marketing & Communications Executive will report to the Programme Manager of the Midlands Regional Enterprise Office on a daily basis and will provide progress reports to the quarterly meetings of the Directors of Economic Development & Planning of the Midland Local Authorities and relevant local authority Strategic Policy Committees upon request;

• Continue to develop and implement marketing campaign across all platforms and mediums, to build up the current ‘content’ offering across all straplines of the Midlandsireland.ie brand.

• Will undertake and continue to build comprehensive content collation, curation and procurement of services required to position MidlandsIreland.ie, as the destination platform for all things Midlands;

• Prepare an annual work programme in consultation with members of MREP Steering Committee and relevant working groups;

• Deliver against KPIs that are aligned with regional objectives;

• Actively implement media campaigns and manage their implementation;

• Monitor paid, owned, and earned plans across campaigns;

• Prepare requests for tenders and coordinate the procurement process;

• Carry out all other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Regional Enterprise Development office by supporting different work projects, as required, from time to time.

• Have a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of marketing including strategy, creative, media, digital and PR.

The Marketing & Communications Executive will be responsible for the planning, hosting and delivery of international, national, regional and county networking and promotional events in partnership with regional stakeholders to facilitate and encourage the continued growth and development of the ICT sector within the Midlands Region.

COMPETENCIES FOR THE POST

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 or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates:

Management and Change:

• Be effective in translating corporate mission and objectives into operational plans and outputs

• Develop and maintain positive, productive and beneficial working relationships

• Effectively manage the introduction of change and demonstrate flexibility and openness to change

• Demonstrate enthusiasm for new developments/changing work practices and strives to implement these changes effectively

Delivering Results:

• Contribute to the development and delivery of operational and team plans

• Plan and prioritise work and resources effectively

• Establish high-quality service and customer care standards

Make timely, informed and effective decisions & recommendations that show good judgement and balance

Performance through People:

• Lead, motivate and engage employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans

• Effectively manage individual and team performance

• Communicating Effectively

• Verbal, written and communication skills

• Portray a positive, constructive and enthusiastic attitude to role

Personal Effectiveness and Local Government Knowledge:

• Knowledge and understanding of role being applied for & ability to effectively apply relevant experience.

• Resilience and Personal Well-Being

• Integrity, Ethics & Public Service Values

• Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement

• Demonstrates knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

• Demonstrates knowledge of current local government issues and advocates practical approaches to addressing them.

• Demonstrates a clear and realistic view of future trends and strategic direction of local government.

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Education, Training, Experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

a) A minimum of two years’ experience in a marketing or equivalent role

and

b) QQI Level 7 or level 8 degree in Business, Marketing or related relevant discipline

and

c) Have experience on brand building and on marketing campaigns

and

d) Experience in compiling campaign effectiveness reports for stakeholder

and

e) Strong organisational skills and interpersonal skills

and

f) Have excellent presentation/communications skills/relationship management

* Copies of qualifications must be attached to support this application. Failure to provide qualifications will deem this application invalid.

2. Citizenship

Candidates for any of the above panels 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.

3. Driving Licence

The Holder of the Post of shall hold a full driving licence for Class B vehicles free from endorsement/disqualification. When required to do so, holders of office shall drive a vehicle in the course of their duties and for this purpose provide and maintain a vehicle to the satisfaction of the local authority.

4. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

5. 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.

* 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.

PARTICULARS OF OFFICE

1. The Post:

The post is temporary, whole-time and pensionable and the appointment will be made on the basis of a two-year Temporary Specific Purpose Contract. A panel will be formed for an initial period of one year and this may be extended for a period of time at the discretion of the Chief Executive. The panel will be used to fill appropriate positions that may arise for its duration. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel.

2. 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. Starting pay for new entrants will be at the minimum of the scale. 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.

The current salary scale applicable to the post is €58,474 - €71,437 LSI2

3. Duties:

The duties of the post are to give to the local authority, and

a) such other local authorities or bodies for which the Chief Executive, for the purposes of the Local Government Acts 2001 and 2014, is Chief Executive, and

b) to any other local authority or body with which an agreement has been made by the local authority, or by any of the authorities or bodies mentioned in subparagraph (a) of this paragraph under the general direction and supervision of the Chief executive or such other employee as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative or management nature as may be required by any local authority or body herein before mentioned in the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties to exercise such powers, functions and duties as may be delegated to him/her by the Chief Executive from time to time, including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by any such local authority or body. The post holder will, if required, act for an employee of a higher level. The post holder may be required to work outside his/her normal job description from time to time.

4. Work Base:

Offaly County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department or premises in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide him/herself at his/her own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

4.Working Hours:

The working hours at present provide for a five day, thirty-five hours working week, hours may vary from time to time.

The working hours may be reviewed at any time by the Council. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including at weekends, as necessary. No additional remunertation will be paid in respect of such activities.

The provisions of Offaly County Council’s Time and Attendance Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time. A flexible working hours system is in operation subject to the terms and conditions of the Time and Attendance Policy.

6. Annual Leave:

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangement for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 (as amended)

7. Sick Leave:

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

8. Probation:

Appointees will be on probation for the first year of employment. The terms of the Offaly County Council Probation Policy will apply.

9. Superannuation:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

New members joining the Public Sector on or after 1st January, 2013 will be required to join the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. The Single Scheme applies to all pensionable first-time entrants to the Public Service as well as to former public servants returning to the public service after a break of more than 26 weeks. A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 3% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5%, of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). This includes a contribution to a Spouse’s and Children’s Scheme. Pension and retirement lump sum based on career-average pay, pensions will be co-ordinated with the State Pension Contributory (SPC).

For persons who commenced public sector employment prior to 1st January 2013:

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (ie. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Childrens Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

10. Retirement:

Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012:

The compulsory retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years. Minimum pension age of 66 years, rising to 67 years and 68 years in line with State Pension age changes, is applicable.

Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act, 2004:

There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ from 1st April, 2004 to the public service as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may be paid. As a new entrant to the public service, under the terms of this legislation, new entrants will not be required to retire on grounds of age.

Anyone who is not a ‘New Entrant’ to the public service, defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004 is subject to compulsory retirement age of 65 years.

11. Travel:

Holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a vehicle in the course of their duties and for this purpose, provide and maintain a vehicle to the satisfaction of the local authority. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department circulars and Local Authority Travel and Subsistence Policy.

Offaly County Council, as employer, must be indemnified on your insurance policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

12. Recruitment & Selection Processes:

Shortlisting:

Normally the number of applications received for a position exceeds that required to fill existing and future vacancies to the position. While a candidate may meet the eligibility requirements of the competition, if the numbers applying for the position are such that it would not be practical to interview everyone, Offaly County Council may decide that a number only will be invited to same. In this respect, Offaly County Council provide for the employment of a short listing process to select a group for interview who, based on an examination of the application forms, appear to be

the most suitable for the position based on the specific competencies identified in the job description. An expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position. This is not to suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ experience on the application form. On occasions a short listing interview may take place.

Competitive Interview:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority having regard to the likely number of vacancies to be filled. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may within the life of the panel be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

Right to Review:

Offaly County Council’s Recruitment & Selection Policy document is available from the Human Resources Department on the HR page of iPortal or on our website at www.offaly.ie/careers . This document includes details of the review procedure available to applicants for each stage of the recruitment process.

13. Taking Up Appointment:

Offaly County Council shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if he/she fails to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint him/her.

14. Health:

Where a permanent post is being filled, it will be necessary for each successful candidate, before he/she is appointed, to undergo, at their expense, a medical examination by the local authority’s Occupational Health Medical Advisor. On taking up appointment, the expense of the Medical Examination will be refunded to the candidate.

15. Safety & Welfare:

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Offaly County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. He/she shall familiarise him/herself with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety, clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the

terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on his/her person at all times a valid SafePass card. Should he/she not hold a valid SafePass card, course will be given if a safe pass is required for the post