External Communications Officer

External Communications Officer

The External Communications Officer will play a vital role in supporting the Head of External Communications and External Communications Manager to maintain and develop relationships with the media, partner agencies, and key stakeholders.

As part of a busy press office, the postholder will proactively seek positive media coverage, respond to media queries accurately and within deadlines, write news releases and support the delivery of public relations campaigns and events.

The role includes representing NI Water at external events, managing photoshoots, and supporting crisis communications, including out-of-hours and emergency incidents.

The postholder will also be responsible for producing media analysis and regular reports, working with the media monitoring supplier, maintaining media contacts, and ensuring effective administrative support for the press office.

The External Communications Officer is one of a team of 12 staff who help manage the internal and external communications for NI Water.

Please refer to the Candidate Brief below for further details of role responsibilities.

Applicants MUST be able to demonstrate in their application and where necessary at interview:

1. A third level qualification (degree or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (i.e. communications, public relations, marketing or journalism) AND a minimum of one year's experience working in a press, marketing or public affairs environment. OR (in the absence of a third level qualification) A minimum of three years' experience working in a press, marketing or public affairs environment.

2. A minimum of one year's experience of producing clear, accurate written communications (e.g. press releases, news articles, stakeholder updates) and delivering verbal briefings to internal and external audiences.

3. Demonstrable experience using Microsoft Office applications.

4. Demonstrable experience of managing multiple projects or deadlines simultaneously (e.g. coordinating media responses, supporting projects and events).

Salary

This role offers a competitive remuneration package with a salary scale of £29,863 - £36,499 per annum

Location

Westland House, Old Westland Road, Belfast, BT14 6TE

Duration

Full-Time, Fixed-Term for 12 months (Maternity Cover)

What we Offer

• Generous annual leave and public/privilege holidays
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Hybrid Working (applicable to some of our roles after three months following onboarding and training)
• Occupational sick pay
• Employee assistance programmes
• Cycle to work scheme
• One of the largest corporate volunteering schemes in NI
• Award winning health and wellbeing programme which focuses on supporting four key area of employee health; Physical, Mental, Social and Financial

How to Apply

To submit your application, please click the APPLY icon.

For additional information about the role please download a Candidate Brief below.

Closing date for submission of Applications: Monday 8st December 2025 at 10.00am

Interview date: Tuesday 16th December (AM) and Wednesday 17th December 2025