The Media and Communications Manager supports the delivery of Bus Éireann's corporate communications and media strategy. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the role leads a high-performing press and corporate communications function and acts as the central point of coordination for all media relations activity.The role holder will set best-practice standards for media engagement and manage reactive communications with political representatives, media, and other local and national stakeholders.Working closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the role also contributes to the development and delivery of proactive external communications and stakeholder engagement strategies.This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications professional to further develop their leadership and management skills within a large, complex organisation, while playing a key role in shaping external engagement at national and regional level.Bus Éireann is one of Ireland's largest transport operators, delivering over 100 million passenger journeys annually across Public Service Obligation services, Expressway commercial services, and Europe's largest school transport scheme. As a provider of essential public services, the organisation operates in an environment of high public, political, and media interest.The Corporate Affairs and Communications team has responsibility for communications across all areas of Bus Éireann's operations, including commercial services, School Transport, public affairs, sustainability, and corporate reputation management.The Media and Communications Manager will work closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the Senior Leadership Team, and the CEO in delivering this brief.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:Communications and Media ManagementLead the management of reactive communications with political representatives, media, and other local and national stakeholders, ensuring timely, high-quality responses.Work closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the Senior Leadership Team, and operational leaders across Bus Éireann to coordinate responses.Develop, implement, and continuously improve processes for managing high volumes of media queries, parliamentary questions, and stakeholder correspondence.Motivate and manage the Corporate Communications team to deliver a responsive and effective press office functionProactive Communications DeliveryDeliver high-quality proactive external communications aligned with Bus Éireann's corporate communications strategy.Write, review, and approve content across multiple formats, including press releases, social media posts, speeches, opinion pieces, video scripts, and campaign materials.Prepare briefing materials for senior leaders for media interviews, political engagements, speeches, and presentations.Lead the drafting and coordination of key corporate publications, including the Annual Report, Sustainability Report, and Gender Pay Gap Report.Coordinate submissions to Government consultations on relevant policy areas.Oversee content management for the Bus Éireann website and social media channels, including quality control and content update processes.Strategic Support and Corporate EngagementSupport the delivery of the annual Corporate Communications plan and objectives.Assist in managing interactions with Government departments and regulatory bodies.Deliver effective crisis communications and issue management responses when required.Support the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives.Provide support to the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications on strategic projects and key relationships, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation.Team Coordination and ManagementCoordinate reactive activity and proactive projects across the Corporate Communications team, ensuring effective prioritisation and workload management.Media Relations and MonitoringMaintain strong working relationships with key national and regional media contacts.Support media issue and crisis management.Oversee media and public affairs monitoring, analysis, and evaluation.KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGEA third level or post-graduate qualification is essential, ideally in journalism, communications or in an equivalent field.A minimum five-years in a senior media relations/public affairs role is essential, ideally within an organisation with national reach.Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.Demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for a wide range of audiences, channels, and subject areas.Strong capability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, prioritise effectively, and meet tight deadlines across complex projects. A proactive approach to developing, implementing, and improving systems and ways of working.Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively at all organisational levels. Demonstrates a strong service ethos and the ability to build trusted relationships both internally and with media stakeholders.Experience adopting a digital-first approach to communications, with strong digital literacy and the ability to align communications channels, brand, and organisational objectives. An understanding of, and affinity with, regional Ireland, beyond a Dublin-centric perspective.Proven leadership capability with both internal teams and external stakeholders, balancing strategic thinking with the ability to respond effectively to urgent and tactical issues.A strong interest in news, current affairs, and the evolving media landscape, with a commitment to ongoing professional development.High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and e-Vetting systems, with excellent attention to detail and data governance awareness.Willingness to travel within Ireland as required and participate in an on-call rota, typically one week in four.WHY JOIN BUS ÉIREANNJoining Bus Éireann offers the opportunity to be part of a respected national transport company that plays a vital role in connecting communities across Ireland. Employees benefit from stable, long-term careers with competitive pay, pension schemes and comprehensive training and development opportunities. With a supportive work environment, opportunities for career progression and the chance to contribute to a sustainable public transport system, Bus Éireann is an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and secure employment.HOW TO APPLYIf you're ready to shape the future of Bus Éireann apply by close of business on27 February 2026.Bus Éireann is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can achieve their potential