Social Policy & Communications Officer Closing Date 09.10.26

Role Requirements Position Title:

Social Policy and Communications Officer

The Employer

Crosscare delivers services with a servant leadership ethos. Crosscare's Homeless, Youth, Information and Advocacy Teams support those most in need with Love, Respect and Excellence.

Crosscare exists to support individual and families when they face difficult challenges in life and when they find it hard to get the help they need. Crosscare focuses on helping people when they need it most or when they can't find support anywhere else.

Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project (see diasporasupport.ie) is a dedicated service supporting Irish people around the world. Our mission is to provide information, advocacy and referral supports to Irish emigrants who are leaving Ireland or returning from abroad, particularly those experiencing difficulty. This position is co-funded by the Government of Ireland Emigrant Support Programme.

Location

2 St Mary's Place North, Dublin 7.

Work Schedule

Full-time hybrid role. Monday to Friday, 9 - 5pm. Minimum 60% of working week required in person in our offices, with some out of hours work anticipated. Some flexibility around start and finish times.

Contract

1 year, with extension subject to funding

Salary

€39,625 - € 46,011 (Points 4 - 8 on D salary scale), dependent on experience

Reporting To

Project Leader

The Role:

The Social Policy and Communication Officer will be responsible for delivering on Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project's work, specifically in relation to Irish citizens involved in a migration experience.

Working in a small team, the successful applicant will take full responsibility for social policy and communications related activities, with regular team meetings and on site training and support. The role is based in our Dublin city centre office. Applicants must be resident in Ireland, and for the duration of the role.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE ROLE (include but are not limited to): Policy and Advocacy

• Support the development of the project's policy initiatives relating to the Irish diaspora in submissions, policy papers and reports to promote public policy dialogue
• Conduct desk based research and data analysis to develop an evidence base to support policy work and contribute to an enhanced understanding of the experiences and needs of Ireland's diverse diaspora
• Represent the project and broader organisation in local, national, and international fora with relevant agencies, groups and individuals
• Track and monitor progress of the project's policy and advocacy priorities, maintaining records (including lobbying records)
• Maintain up to date knowledge of significant policy development within areas of key interest to the diaspora, including in relation to housing, homelessness, social protection, and diaspora supports

Communications

• Assist with the development and implementation of project's communication goals across digital media and traditional media
• Promote the project's objectives and grow engagement with public/partners
• Draft press releases and other briefing documents as relevant
• Maintain records of digital media and press activities
• Assist with the maintenance, content development and oversight of project's social media and diasporasupport.iewebsite (Wordpress)
• Develop innovative campaigns, including creative media, and awareness raising initiatives
• Support development, coordination and promotion of events as relevant

Organisational

• Working as part of a team, engaging in team meetings, case meeting, supervision, review and planning sessions
• Ensure alignment with Crosscare's core organisation mission and values
• Maintain Crosscare confidentiality at all times, following policies and procedures, and data protection legislation
• Other duties as deemed necessary by the Project Leader

Role Requirements Essential Requirements:

• Degree / post graduate qualification in social sciences or equivalent
• Fluent English
• Previous experience in social policy and/or communications
• Strong writing, editing skills with ability to present complex information to varied different audiences in different fora

Desirable

• Awareness of Irish diaspora related issues, including knowledge of Ireland's Diaspora Strategy
• Knowledge of the policy context surrounding housing, homeless and social welfare issues - legislation, policies, national and local strategies, etc
• Research experience, including drafting practical policy proposals
• Experience of website, social media and content management systems
• Experience with public speaking and with media
• Experience of planning and delivering in person and online events

Personal Attributes

• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent social, communication (verbal and written) and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiating, diplomacy and influencing skills
• Motivation, resilience and ability to work on own initiative
• Interested in learning and working collaboratively
• IT Skills (MS Office and Zoom essential, experience in database use desirable)
• Commitment to social justice and a human rights based approach

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Generous annual leave
• Additional leave for long service
• Training and Development Programmes
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Digital Doctor Service
• Competitive pension plan
• Bike to Work Scheme

In Crosscare, we approach our work with an attitude of service, showing love, care and kindness in all interactions with others. We treat people with a level of respect they will remember long after our service and support have been received. We strive for excellence in everything we do. Our clients, young people and service users deserve it.

Crosscare is registered with the Charities Regulator (RCN: ) and the Revenue Commissioners (CHY-6262) Crosscare is the Social Care Agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin.

Detailed information on all aspects of our work is available at

Crosscare is an equal opportunities employer