Communications Manager - Grade 7

The Local Government Management Agency has an exciting opportunity for an experienced communications professional to take a leading role in driving strategic communications for the local government sector. We are seeking an ambitious and enthusiastic Communications Manager to join our team.

About the Role

This is a great opportunity to join the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) at a time of significant transformation and innovation, both within the Agency and across the wider local government sector.

The LGMA Communications Team works to increase awareness and understanding of the work and services of the local government sector, and to enable effective communication, consultation, and engagement with the sector.

We manage and co-ordinate communications and campaigns on behalf of the local government sector, including public libraries. We also support communications across the 31 local authorities and work closely with the County and City Management Association (CCMA) to advocate and engage on behalf of the sector. Within the Agency, we provide communications support across all of the LGMA pillars and lead on corporate and internal communications.

The Communications Manager position offers a unique opportunity to take a leading role in driving strategic communications for the local government sector.

We are seeking ambitious applicants, who are enthusiastic about the difference they can make in the role.

Given the nature of local government, the position will give you the opportunity to work across a range of interesting areas and projects, to communicating on important policy and service areas, such as climate action, housing or planning. You will also have the opportunity to significantly develop your management and strategic communications skills and experience.

You will get the chance to use your initiative and creativity to develop and manage a wide variety of integrated communications campaigns, including public information, consumer, brand awareness, and corporate communications campaigns.

You will also be centrally involved in areas such as stakeholder engagement, public affairs and issues management and the role will involve liaising with multiple stakeholders within local and national government and other organisations.

You will also work as a trusted advisor across the LGMA and the local government sector.

Reporting to the Head of Media and Communications, the Communications Manager will work within a collaborative team and will be responsible for managing a communications officer, a digital content officer and an internal communications officer.

The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate:

• Strategic thinking and campaign management, with experience of developing, leading and evaluating integrated communications, marketing, digital, advertising and public relations campaigns across multiple channels and budgets.
• Excellent communication, writing and influencing skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and effectively to different audiences.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills, with the ability to work collaboratively and influence at a senior level.
• Leadership and people management capability, with the ability to motivate, support and develop others.
• Sound judgement, decision-making and project management skills, with a proven ability to manage competing priorities and to deliver high-quality results.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the role include the following:

• Taking a lead role in developing and driving the Local Government Sector Communications Strategy and aligned communications plans.
• Leading on the development, roll-out and evaluation of evidence-informed, integrated marketing, advertising and PR campaigns to promote local government services and libraries.
• Managing proactive and reactive media engagement on behalf of the local government sector.
• Maximising digital communications opportunities, including providing expertise in relation to digital content and digital marketing.
• Overseeing the ongoing product, content and marketing management for LocalGov.ie. Driving the development of the Local Government Ireland brand and working towards the implementation of a unified brand for the local government sector, including across shared and digital services.
• Supporting collaboration, professional development and knowledge and skills development among those working in communications in the local government sector.
• Influencing and providing support to ensure high-quality communications is embedded across the organisation and working with colleagues to identify and advance strategic priorities through PR and communications initiatives.
• Providing advice and support in relation to internal communications.
• Representing and influencing on behalf of the LGMA and local government sector.
• Building positive relationships across the LGMA and local government sector and providing strategic communications advice and support to LGMA colleagues, local authorities and the County and City Management Association.
• Playing a key role in procurement, contract and supplier management.
• Undertaking management and supervisory duties within the Communications Team.
• Other duties as required.

The nature of this position is such that it may require out-of-hours work.

1. Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

2. Health

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

3. Education, Training and Experience

Candidates must, by the closing date for receipt of completed applications, be able to demonstrate the competencies set out in the LGMA Competency Framework (see Appendices in the Candidate Information Booklet) and must have:

(A) A recognised NFQ Level 8 qualification (or higher) in one of the following: communications, public relations, marketing, media, journalism, or other demonstrably relevant area

AND

(B) 4+ years of professional experience in a senior communications role.

4. Membership

The Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) is the national representative body for professional Public Relations and Communication practitioners. The successful candidate will be a member of the PRII, or, upon appointment, will be eligible to become a member of the PRII.

The following requirements are desirable but not essential:

• Experience working with the media and other stakeholders and building strong relationships internally and externally.
• Digital communications expertise, with experience of managing website development or redevelopment projects.
• Strong interest in current affairs and an awareness of the local government sector and the Irish political system.

Further information on the role and application process is available on LGMA.ie in the link below: