* Details
Position: Communications Officer - Press
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Whole time equivalent: Full-time (35 hours per week)
Reports to: Head of Press and Communication
Duration: Permanent
Role closing date:
12 noon, Wednesday 17th September, 2025.
* Department Role Overview
The Arts Council is the Irish Government's agency for developing, supporting and promoting the arts in Ireland. We work in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. An exciting opportunity has arisen in our communications department.
The Arts Council is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and talented Communications Officer – press, to work within our fast-paced communications team. The team delivers on all aspects of corporate communications and this role will contribute to the successful delivery of workplans across the team. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to be part of a highly motivated, proactive team in a dynamic public sector body.
* Key Responsibilities
* Preparing and writing media pitches, articles and press releases
* Develop relevant, accurate and engaging content for use on the Arts Council's internal and external communications channels
* Handling enquiries from journalists and other media contacts via telephone calls and email
* Arranging and organising events, interviews and press conferences
* Liaising with media representatives and managers
* Monitoring current affairs and coverage of the organisation within the media
* Liaising with relevant service providers as required, i.e. photographers, videographers, copywriters
* Apply best practice principles for Plain English and accessibility on all content
* Provide monthly analytics and analysis of content performance to guide development of future content
* Provide colleagues with communications support and guidance, as required
* Support timely responses to Parliamentary Questions as needed
* Work within the Communications team to deliver high-end impactful internal and external campaigns, communicating the work of the Arts Council
* Assist communications managers and director to implement communications strategies and communications plans
* Publish, schedule and amend content on the Arts Council's internal and external channels, including the website, social media platforms and newsletters, as required
* Additional communications and public relations activities as needed
Note
: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade that may be assigned from time to time.
* Skills Knowledge and Experiences
Essential
* Professional qualification/s in relevant areas
* Prior experience in communications / public relations in an organisational or agency setting
* Current knowledge of best practice in communications / public relations
* Demonstrable experience in media and press relations
* Proven excellent writing skills
* Demonstrable ability to write and create content from an 'audience first' perspective
* Excellent communication skills and a creative thinker
* Excellent administrative and organisational skills
* Excellent ICT skills
* Ability to work well in a team environment and be self-motivated
* A commitment to high standards of public service
* Commitment to quality, sense of urgency, and ability to thrive in a reactive environment
* Flexibility
* A creative approach to problem solving
Desirable
* A relevant third level qualification in communications or related field
* The ability to communicate through the Irish language, both verbal and written
* Knowledge of the arts and/or public sector