Communications Officer (Executive Officer)

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes.

Culture of the WDC

At the WDC, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference. Our culture is defined by teamwork, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. We value diversity, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you are passionate about making a difference in the western region of Ireland and want to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Purpose of position

Reporting to the Head of Communications, the Communications Officer will support the delivery of WDC's communications, public relations, and digital engagement objectives. Working closely with the Head of Communications and wider teams, the Communications Officer will help communicate the organisation's strategy, projects, and initiatives across multiple platforms and to a variety of stakeholders.

This is a key role in maintaining the WDC's visibility and public engagement, ensuring alignment with our five-year strategy and supporting the delivery of communications campaigns for both internal and external audiences.

Key responsibilities Digital Communications and Marketing

• Manage and implement the social media content calendar across key platforms (Twitter/X, LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram).
• Create and curate content for digital channels; monitor performance and engagement metrics.
• Support the delivery of digital advertising campaigns as required.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external stakeholders

Internal Communications

• Draft and distribute internal newsletters including communications from the CEO.
• Create and analyse staff surveys and feedback forms.
• Assist with the organisation of internal events, staff wellbeing days, and all-staff meetings.

Website Management

• Update and maintain content across WDC and Connected Hubs websites (WordPress CMS).
• Support the delivery of website optimisation aligned with SEO and Google AdWords standards.
• Liaise with the external web agency to resolve issues and implement updates.

Brand and Design Support

• Act, with the wider Communications team, as brand gate keeper for WDC, ensuring consistent use of logos, templates, and visual identity.
• Support the development of branded materials including reports, presentations, and promotional assets.
• Liaise with graphic design agencies for larger design and print projects.

Events and Campaigns

• Provide logistical support for WDC-hosted and attended events (physical and virtual).
• Assist in the planning, promotion, and delivery of public outreach campaigns and launches.

Administrative and Reporting

• Support budget tracking, financial drawdowns, and payment processing.
• Assist in compiling reports, filing records, and maintaining databases.
• Provide general administrative support to the communications team.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with key stakeholders and partners on projects such as ConnectedHubs.ie.
• Contribute to the preparation of press releases, stakeholder newsletters, and media briefings.
• Maintain the WDC's image bank (PhotoShelter CMS) and respond to image requests.

The above is not, and does not purport to be, a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post.

Eligibility Criteria and Experience

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

• Proven experience in communications, digital marketing, or public relations.
• Strong content creation and writing skills for digital and traditional media.
• Proficiency in managing websites (preferably WordPress) and social media platforms.
• Excellent organisational and multitasking skills.
• Experience working collaboratively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Competence in standard office software and content management tools.

The following requirements are desirable:

• Experience working in a public sector or not-for-profit environment
• Familiarity with communications strategy implementation and campaign management
• Understanding of regional development issues or working with rural stakeholders
• Proven experience of working remotely is advantageous

For effective performance at this level, the candidate will need to demonstrate that they possess the key competencies for effective performance at Executive Officer level:

• People Management
• Analysis & Decision Making
• Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

Further details on the Civil Service Competency Framework are available here.

Conditions

All appointments are subject to the Western Development Commission Act 1998 and staff must agree to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

The appointment will be for a full-time, permanent role, subject to a probationary period as specified in the employment contract. Candidates must satisfactorily complete a twelve-month probationary period before the permanent appointment can be confirmed.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will hold a full driving licence and have access to transport as this post will involve travel nationally in support of the seven-county Western Region. When absent from home and your designated office location on official duty, you will be paid accordingly.

Flexible Working

The WDC operates a Flexible Working model, recognising the benefits of flexible working while supporting collaboration, innovation and employee wellbeing.

As a regional development agency serving Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, Galway and Clare, regular in-person engagement remains an important part of how we work. Staff are expected to attend team meetings, management meetings, staff development days and other organisational events held across the region throughout the years.

Many roles within the WDC also require engagement with businesses, communities, stakeholders and partner organisations across the Western Region. Employees are therefore expected to be available to travel and build relationships throughout the region as required by their role.

The WDC maintains flexible office locations in Sligo, Galway, Letterkenny and Ballaghaderreen. Employees may be required to attend these locations from time to time in line with business needs.

New employees, or those undertaking induction or probation, may be required to attend in person more frequently during their initial period of employment, as agreed with their manager.

Given the regional nature of the role and the requirement for regular in-person engagement across the Western Region, candidates should carefully consider their ability to meet these requirements when applying.

Salary Scale

Personal Pension Contribution (PPC) Pay Rate: The salary for this position, with effect from 1st June 2026 is as follows:

After 3 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

after 6 years satisfactory service at the maximum.

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first point on the above scale unless the successful application has previous public sector experience as per circular 08/2019.

The WDC is an equal opportunities employer.