Closing Date: Monday, 25th August at 12 noon GMT
Title
Publicity & Communications Executive, Canada
Department
North America
Division
Markets
Grade
Grade D
Type of Contract
Permanent and Full-Time
Reporting to
Market Manager - Canada
Location
Toronto
This role will be filled in line with Public Pay Policy at Point 1 of the relevant Salary Scale unless the successful candidate is appointed from an existing public sector role.
About Us
At Tourism Ireland, we market the island of Ireland overseas. We take pride in connecting millions of visitors each year to all the island has to offer. Tourism is an industry supporting over 300,000 jobs across the island of Ireland and it thereby contributes meaningfully to economies and communities. We partner with sister agencies, airlines, ferry companies, accommodation providers, visitor attractions and others to grow the value of tourism, and to provide visitors with an inspiring and unique experience. Set up under the auspices of the Good Friday Agreement, Tourism Ireland plays an important role as a North South body for a key industry on the island of Ireland, serving both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Purpose of the RoleThrough the development and implementation of a comprehensive publicity and communications programme, the jobholder will play a pivotal role in building and growing brand awareness of the island of Ireland in the Canadian market. By maximising all publicity media channels and delivering a programme of strategic sponsorship activities the jobholder will contribute to visitor growth to the Island of Ireland from Canada in line with Tourism Ireland's strategic objectives and agreed targets.
Key Results Area
* Working with Market Manager, Canada, to develop, manage and execute publicity and communications strategy for Canada with a strong focus on digital PR and broadcast
* Identify and build effective relationships with key travel and lifestyle media. Research and pitch story ideas that resonate with interests and motivations of target segments.
* Ensure effective collaboration with external PR agency, ensuring clear objectives, regular communication, detailed briefs and monitoring performance.
* Manage and operate Canadian Journalists Assistance Programme using an account management framework targeting Tier 1 media. Work with colleagues in Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland to coordinate customized visits for journalists / VIPs.
* Manage and maintain media communications programme including media database, online media newsroom, e-communications, trade and consumer press releases and presentations.
* Plan and execute programme of press and corporate events across Canada.
* Working with Market Manager-Canada, identify high profile consumer sponsorship opportunities in key markets and manage activation and evaluation.
* Monitor Publicity and Communication activity performance against agreed BPIs to ensure strong return on investment, and complete regular evaluation reports.
* Manage and monitor allocated budgets for Publicity and Sponsorship activity in line with financial procedures.
* Monitor ongoing media trends and intelligence / competitor activity.
* Support and represent Tourism Ireland at key media network and industry events as required.
* Such other duties as the company may require from time to time reasonably require.
Note: This role will involve some travel and working unsocial hours. Other duties that the company may from time to time reasonably require.
The Person
The ideal candidate will possess the following skills, experience and competencies:
Essential
* Educated to degree level with a qualification in marketing / communications / business.
* Relevant previous experience and a track record of achievement in a communications/marketing role.
* Record of achievement in building strong relationships with and good knowledge of the Canadian travel and lifestyle media (all channels: Broadcast, Print, Digital)
* Experience in event and project management with strong organizational skills.
* Strong writing and communication skills, with ability to craft compelling narratives, story angles and press releases
* Excellent influencing and communication skills (written and oral).
* Demonstrate creativity and flexibility, and an ability to handle several projects and tasks simultaneously.
* Excellent IT (Microsoft Suite) and digital / social media skills.
* Budget management skills with demonstrable attention to detail.
* Strong team player with well-developed interpersonal skills and a proven ability to manage effective relationships with colleagues and stakeholders.
* A commitment to Tourism Ireland's values:
* Respect
* Ownership
* Collaboration
* Creativity
Desirable
* Good knowledge of the island of Ireland and its tourism product.
* Working knowledge of French.
Tourism Ireland is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly support diversity in the workforce. We are committed to an inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection process and work environment. If you are contacted for a job opportunity, please advise us of any accommodation needed to ensure you have access to a fair and equitable process. Any information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.