NCAD Communications Manager

Job Title: NCAD Communications Manager

School/Unit: Academic Development, Academic & Student Affairs

Post Title: Communications Manager

Post Duration: Full-Time, FTC - 3 year contract

Grade: VII

Reports to: Head of Strategic Development

Salary: NCAD €60,611 (Point 1) - €78, 795* per annum

*Candidates should note that as per Department of Finance guidelines, entry will be at the first point of the salary scale, and the rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with government pay policy. Candidates should note that different pay and conditions may apply if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is a serving civil or public servant.

Annual Leave: Annual Leave will be 29 working days per annum. This leave is exclusive of public holidays.

Hours of Attendance: Working hours will be 35 hours per week (net of rest breaks).

Location: This position is based at NCAD, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin

Role Purpose:

NCAD is looking to appoint a purpose driven and results orientated Communications Manager to drive internal and external communications strategies and that amplify NCAD’s strategic ambitions, the impact of its work and the achievements of NCAD students, staff and alumni.

The ideal candidate will come from a Communications or Marketing background and will be passionate, proactive and a great communicator.

Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and implement a PR and media relations strategy that will help to demonstrate NCAD’s achievements and developments in line with its overall strategic plan
• Develop and champion a strategic vision for internal communications with staff and students, working with colleagues across the College to support consistent and clear communication at all levels
• Work with colleagues across the College to develop an annual communications and media relations strategy that will help demonstrate NCAD’s achievements and developments; encompassing research projects, alumni and student achievements and public programmes including NCAD WORKS and NCAD In Public
• Work closely with colleagues in Student Affairs to align the institutional communications strategy with the annual cycle of student recruitment communications.
• Preparing engaging and informative press releases and media engagement at key points in the year
• Oversee NCAD’s social media strategy, expanding engagement through the use and application of diverse channels
• Oversee the delivery of NCAD’s brand identity ensuring visual consistency across NCAD communications
• Work with colleagues across the College to support the delivery of events and develop speeches appropriate to each speaker voice
• Analyse media coverage and social media engagement to monitor trends and identify instituional opportunities and risks
• Work with team members across the organisation in the delivery of all corporate reports (e.g. Annual Report) and business plans
• Overall responsibility for the NCAD Website, being the point of approval for structural changes and ensuring visual and editorial content are aligned with NCAD strategic communication plans.
• Oversee the project team in the delivery of a new College website, providing regular reports to the College Management Team on progress and risks.

Requirements (essential):

• Proven experience (3+ years) in a senior communications, marketing or public relations role or related area.
• Educational requirement, Level 8 Degree

Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing comprehensive communications public relations, stakeholder engagement and marketing strategies and plans
• Strong background in brand management, corporate communications, and public affairs
• Strong experience managing online and digital market presence including business or company website.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent time management, communication, and relationship-building skills
• Strong leadership and project management skills
• Self-motivated, with good time management and the ability to prioritise and work in a structured and organised manner.
• Skilled using Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent
• Experience with Google Ads, SEO, Google Search Console, and backend website management

Desirable

• Experience of developing communications strategies in the cultural and creative sector
• Experience of developing communications strategies in the higher education sector
• Qualification in communications, marketing or other related area

Closing Date: 18th June 2026