NCAD Communications Manager

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

Annual Leave: 29 working days per annum (exclusive of public holidays)

Hours of Attendance: 35 hours per week (net of rest breaks)

Location: NCAD, 100 Thomas Street, Dublin

Role Purpose

NCAD is looking to appoint a purpose-driven and results-oriented Communications Manager to drive internal and external communications strategies and 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

• Develop and implement a PR and media relations strategy that demonstrates 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, collaborating with colleagues across the College.
• Work with colleagues to develop an annual communications and media relations strategy that showcases NCAD's research projects, alumni and student achievements, and public programmes including NCAD WORKS and NCAD In Public.
• Coordinate with Student Affairs to align the institutional communications strategy with the annual cycle of student recruitment communications.
• Prepare engaging press releases and media engagement at key points in the year.
• Oversee NCAD's social media strategy, expanding engagement through diverse channels.
• Ensure consistent brand identity across all NCAD communications.
• Support the delivery of events and develop speeches appropriate to each speaker's voice.
• Analyse media coverage and social media engagement to monitor trends and identify institutional opportunities and risks.
• Collaborate with team members on corporate reports (e.g. Annual Report) and business plans.
• Hold overall responsibility for the NCAD website, approving structural changes and ensuring visual and editorial content aligns with communication plans.
• Lead the project team in delivering 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.
• Level 8 Degree.

Knowledge & Experience

• Success in developing and implementing comprehensive communication, public relations, stakeholder engagement and marketing strategies and plans.
• Strong background in brand management, corporate communications and public affairs.
• Experience managing online and digital market presence, including business or company websites.
• Excellent time management, communication and relationship-building skills.
• Strong leadership and project management skills.
• Self-motivated, with strong prioritisation and organisational abilities.
• Skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or equivalent.
• Experience with Google Ads, SEO, Google Search Console and backend website management.
• Experience developing communications strategies in the cultural and creative sector.
• Experience developing communications strategies in the higher education sector.
• Qualification in communications, marketing or other related area.

Salary and Benefits

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.

Equal Opportunity Statement

National College of Art & Design is an Equal Opportunity Employer.