Communications Officer - Press (Open Competition)

A. Details

Position: Communications Officer - Press

Grade: Executive Officer (EO)

Whole time equivalent: Full-time (35 hours per week)

Reports to: Head of Press and Communication

Duration: Permanent

Role closing date: 12 noon Wednesday 17th September 2025.

B. Department & Role Overview

The Arts Council is the Irish Governments agency for developing supporting and promoting the arts in Ireland. We work in partnership with artists arts organisations public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish exciting opportunity has arisen in our communications department.

The Arts Council is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and talented Communications Officer press to work within our fast-paced communications team. The team delivers on all aspects of corporate communications and this role will contribute to the successful delivery of workplans across the team. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to be part of a highly motivated proactive team in a dynamic public sector body.

C. Key Responsibilities

• Preparing and writing media pitches articles and press releases

• Develop relevant accurate and engaging content for use on the Arts Councils internal and external communications channels

• Handling enquiries from journalists and other media contacts via telephone calls and email

• Arranging and organising events interviews and press conferences

• Liaising with media representatives and managers

• Monitoring current affairs and coverage of the organisation within the media

• Liaising with relevant service providers as required i.e. photographers videographers copywriters

• Apply best practice principles for Plain English and accessibility on all content

• Provide monthly analytics and analysis of content performance to guide development of future content

• Provide colleagues with communications support and guidance as required

• Support timely responses to Parliamentary Questions as needed

• Work within the Communications team to deliver high-end impactful internal and external campaigns communicating the work of the Arts Council

• Assist communications managers and director to implement communications strategies and communications plans

• Publish schedule and amend content on the Arts Councils internal and external channels including the website social media platforms and newsletters as required

• Additional communications and public relations activities as needed

Note: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade that may be assigned from time to time.

D. Skills Knowledge and Experiences

Essential:

• Professional qualification/s in relevant areas

• Prior experience in communications / public relations in an organisational or agency setting

• Current knowledge of best practice in communications / public relations

• Demonstrable experience in media and press relations

• Proven excellent writing skills

• Demonstrable ability to write and create content from an audience first perspective

• Excellent communication skills and a creative thinker

• Excellent administrative and organisational skills

• Excellent ICT skills

• Ability to work well in a team environment and be self-motivated

• A commitment to high standards of public service

• Commitment to quality sense of urgency and ability to thrive in a reactive environment

• Flexibility

• A creative approach to problem solving

Desirable:

• A relevant third level qualification in communications or related field

• The ability to communicate through the Irish language both verbal and written

• Knowledge of the arts and/or public sector