Regional Communications Executive

Regional Communications Executive (Higher Executive Officer Grade) Duration: Fixed Term Contract (9 months Maternity Cover)

About the WDC: 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: The WDC is seeking to appoint a Regional Communications Executive at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) level on a 9-month fixed-term contract to provide maternity cover, with a view to possible extension. This is a mid-senior role at the centre of the WDC's communications function. Working hand in hand with the Head of Communications and the wider Communications team, the post holder will help deliver the WDC's communications strategy across PR and media relations, content creation (with a particular focus on video), marketing and brand, events, and social and digital channels.

The successful candidate will bring 5+ years' communications experience, be comfortable leading projects end to end, managing external agencies and production teams, and be a significant part of how the WDC tells the story of the western region. They will be able to step in quickly, maintain momentum on live campaigns, and deliver from day one.

Key responsibilities: PR and media relations

• Secure high-quality regional and national media coverage that raises the profile of the WDC and its messaging.
• Write and distribute press releases, media briefings, opinion pieces and speeches, and prepare spokespeople for interviews.
• Proactively identify, develop and pitch news stories and features.
• Manage media enquiries and support issues and reactive communications, escalating appropriately.

Content creation and video

• Develop compelling content for all channels, including case studies, articles, reports, newsletters and web copy.
• Lead the WDC's video content: developing concepts, writing briefs and scripts, and working with video production teams from pre-production through filming, editing and sign-off.
• Commission and manage photography and other creative assets.
• Ensure content is accessible, on-brand and tailored to each audience and platform.

Marketing and brand management

• Act as a custodian of the WDC brand, ensuring consistent use of brand guidelines, tone of voice and visual identity.
• Along with the Head of Communications, plan and deliver marketing campaigns for WDC programmes and initiatives, including paid and owned activity.
• Oversee the production of marketing collateral, publications and promotional materials.

Website management and maintenance

• Maintain and update content across the WDCs website, westerndevelopment.ie ensuring information is accurate, current and on-brand.
• Upload and publish news, press releases, case studies, video and event content through the content management system.
• Work with web developers and agencies on site updates, fixes, new pages and functionality.
• Ensure website content meets accessibility standards (WCAG and the EU Web Accessibility Directive), GDPR and public sector requirements.
• Monitor website analytics and use insights to improve content, user experience and search visibility (SEO).

Social media and digital marketing

• Support the planning and delivery of social media content and campaigns across the WDC's channels.
• Assist the Communications Officer with digital marketing, including paid social, email marketing and website content.
• Use analytics to track performance and optimise campaigns.

Event management

• Plan and deliver events, including launches, conferences, ministerial visits and media opportunities.
• Coordinate logistics, speakers, stakeholders, suppliers and media attendance.
• Maximise the communications value of events through promotion, content capture and follow-up.

Agency and supplier management

• Brief, manage and evaluate external agencies and suppliers (PR, creative, digital, video production and events).
• Manage budgets, timelines and deliverables, and support procurement in line with public sector requirements.

Stakeholder engagement

• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners, including government departments, local authorities, agencies and community groups.
• Contribute to internal communications as needed.

Monitoring, evaluation and reporting

• Monitor media coverage and channel performance, and provide regular analysis, insights and reports to the CEO and senior management.
• Maintain media contact databases and ensure good governance, including GDPR, and record-keeping across communications activity.

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:

• A minimum of 5 years' experience in communications, PR, media relations or marketing, including experience at a mid-senior level.
• A third-level qualification in communications, journalism, marketing, PR or a related discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
• A proven track record of securing high-quality media coverage and building strong media relationships.
• Demonstrable experience creating content for multiple channels, including commissioning and managing video content and working with video production teams.
• Experience in marketing and brand management, including delivering integrated campaigns.
• Experience planning and delivering events, from small media opportunities to larger launches or conferences.
• Experience managing external agencies or suppliers, including briefs, budgets and deliverables.
• Working knowledge of social media and digital marketing, including analytics and reporting.
• Excellent written, editing and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Sound judgement and the ability to work collaboratively with senior colleagues and external stakeholders.

Desirable:

• Experience in a public sector, state agency or non-profit communications environment, including an understanding of public sector governance, procurement and accountability.
• Hands-on skills in video, photography or design tools (e.g. Adobe Premiere Pro, Canva or similar).
• Familiarity with media monitoring tools, media databases and social media management platforms.
• Experience of issues or crisis communications.
• Knowledge of the western region and its economic, social and regional development priorities.
• An ability to communicate through Irish.

Key Competencies:

• Team Leadership
• Judgment, Analysis & Decision Making
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

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, fixed-term 9-month contract, subject to a probationary period as specified in the employment contract. Candidates must satisfactorily complete a 3-month probationary period before the 9-month fixed-term appointment can be confirmed. Notwithstanding the above, this will not preclude an extension of the probationary contract if performance dictates the same.

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 year.

Many roles within the WDC also require engagement with businesses, communities, stakeholders and partner organisations across the Western Region . click apply for full job details