Reporting To
Director of Public & International Affairs
Direct Reports
Public Affairs & Communication Executive, Policy & Research Executive
Place of Work
Cork Chamber
Role Purpose
The Public Affairs Manager will be responsible for maintaining progress and leadership on policy, sustainability, social, environmental, and economic issues.
Key Activities
Advocacy
Work with the Director of Public Affairs to design and implement the public affairs strategy and annual delivery plan
Draft and review policy consultation submissions relating to local authority development plans, central and local budgets, tax and employment reform, planning consultations, bi-annual international connectivity survey etc.
Coordinate and facilitate advocacy meetings and stakeholder groups
Closely collaboration with Chambers Ireland Public Affairs team
Ensure relevant lobbying activity is registered on the lobbying portal
Ownership of the Cork Chamber Quarterly Economic Trends Survey
Research of wide-ranging policy, and dissect key information to set out Chamber positions
Participate in Chambers Ireland Public Affairs Forums
Act as secretariat for the Cork Development Forum with Policy & Research Executive
Explore and develop opportunities, partnerships and collaborations
Challenge and offer solutions and pathways to develop internal and external activities, and advocacy to ensure thought leadership and leadership through action
Work with wider chamber team to deliver Public Affairs specific and other chamber events
Communications
Oversight of the Public Affairs team's contribution to Chamber communications activity, from weekly newsletters to press releases, to social media and Chamberlink magazine
Draft articles and editorials
Oversight of the Partner Programme events and communications
Supervision of stakeholder communications
Speech writing for CEO & President
Sustainability
Mange and evolve the Sustainable Cork Programme in collaboration with Chamber team
Provide secretariat assistance to the Sustainability Committee
In collaboration with wider team help deliver the Sustainable Development Goal Champion Programme
Provide thought leadership and be responsible for maintaining progress on social, environmental, and economic issues
Interpret EU, Irish and UK policy to understand the implications and opportunities of the Climate Action Bill and other sustainability Regulations for Cork businesses
Management
Oversee and act as the mentor for interns participating in the public affairs internship
Manage two Public Affairs Executives
Other
Active contribution to general Chamber activity such as events and communications
Other tasks relating to the role as required.
Experience
The ideal candidate should be degree qualified in a relevant discipline such as government/public affairs/ business etc and have at least 5 years' experience in government, communication, sustainability, and/or advocacy.
The successful candidate will play an active role in both driving and shaping the Chamber agenda.
They should have a proven track record on advocacy and sustainability and contribute positively and with energy to Ireland's most active regional business advocacy team.
Our Budget **** submission, Sustainable Cork Programme and National Planning Framework response offer further insight into the priorities of the Chamber advocacy team.
Essential Skills
Personal Skills and attributes:
Strong knowledge of politics and government affairs
Excellent writing skills and attention to detail
Strong interest and background in sustainability
Great interpersonal and networking skills
Ability to manage a team and ensure they delivery on agreed KPIs
Ability to engage strategically with to a wide variety of stakeholders
Assertive, resilient and critical thinker
Capability to prioritise competing demands, multi-task and meet deadlines
Fast problem solving and decision-making skills
Ability to respond positively to new challenges
Enjoys fast paced environments and exhibits integrated approach to work
Excellent organisational, time management and project management abilities
Willingness to take on a wide variety of tasks
Operates with a high level of performance, commitment and motivation
Business Knowledge & Experience:
A good understanding of current issues affecting business in Cork
An understanding of and previous experience in Public Affairs
Demonstrable experience in managing complex stakeholder networks
Knowledge and experience of the Irish political system both national and local
Good understanding and experience in communications
Previous experience in a membership organisation an advantage
Closing Date
Tuesday 5
th
November ****
Why us?
At Cork Chamber, we are committed to championing diversity in our team, in our governance, our operations and in advocacy, events and engagements.
Diversity & Inclusion is our guiding principle helping us to determine how to build the best team.
Our goal is to create a team where everyone feels like they belong.
We do this through an inclusive hiring process, robust HR policies and procedures and a comprehensive employee wellbeing programme.
Cork Chamber is an equal opportunities employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind: Cork Chamber is committed to equal employment opportunity for all employees and providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment.
All employment decisions at Cork Chamber are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the law.
What we offer
Be part of a team actively shaping the future of Cork
A competitive salary, commensurable with experience
Company pension scheme
Company Wellbeing programme containing additional employee benefits
Flexible working options (mix of home and office)
A central city location
Free parking
25 days annual leave
About us
Cork Chamber is committed to being a world-leading Chamber of Commerce, delivering on a progressive economic, social and sustainability agenda at the heart of a vibrant business community.
As the leading business organisation in the south of Ireland, it supports and represents the interests of almost 1,200 businesses employing over 100,000 people across the region.
Founded in ****, Cork Chamber is one of Ireland's largest and longest established Chambers and is the nation's No.1 regional lobby group.
Supporting sustainable development in the region, Cork Chamber is championing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, through which the Chamber priorities and activities are framed.