DDLETB is seeking a strategic, innovative, and collaborative leader to fill the role of Head of Strategy, Communications & Transformation. Reporting to the Director of Organisation Support and Development, the postholder will play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering the organisation's long-term strategic goals, transformation initiatives, and communications strategy.
This role is central to strengthening service delivery and achieving operational excellence across DDLETB, ensuring that systems, structures, and strategic initiatives are designed and implemented to support learners and meet the evolving needs of communities.
Overview of the Role
The postholder will lead the development and implementation of the organisational strategy, oversee major change programmes, and ensure the effective alignment of internal and external communications. They will also provide strategic insight through socio-economic analysis, policy development, stakeholder engagement, and performance reporting.
Key Responsibilities:
* Lead the development and implementation of the organisation's 5 year strategic plan and annual service plans, ensuring alignment with national policy, organisational priorities, and emerging sectoral needs.
* Develop and oversee a strategic communications plan, covering both internal and external communications—to strengthen stakeholder engagement, enhance organisational visibility, and support key initiatives.
* Ensure consistent, impactful messaging through public relations, media engagement, digital platforms, and crisis communication planning.
* Promote a culture of strategic thinking by supporting departments in aligning long-term planning with operational and service delivery goals.
* Drive the organisation's commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) and Public Sector Duty by embedding EDI principles, human rights, and equality considerations into all strategic planning, decision-making, and service delivery.
* Support the delivery of Public Sector Duty by building equality and fairness into strategies and services.
* Embed sustainability and social responsibility into strategic initiatives, supporting national priorities such as climate action and digital transformation.
* Monitor and report progress against strategic goals, using data and performance metrics to inform leadership and governance reporting.
* Conduct socio-economic analysis, policy research, and environmental scanning to inform strategic positioning and future planning.
* Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders, including government departments, education and training providers, community organisations, and private sector partners.
* Identify and pursue national and international collaboration and funding opportunities to enhance organisational capacity and learner outcomes.
* Represent the organisation in national and international forums, inter-agency working groups, and strategic partnerships.
* Develop international initiatives and partnership opportunities that support learner mobility, innovation, and shared learning.
* Design and lead organisational transformation programmes that enhance structures, systems, and workforce capability.
* Lead change management initiatives that embed innovation, adaptability, and a culture of continuous improvement.
* Promote a high-performance and learner-focused culture through benchmarking, feedback, and continuous improvement practices.
* Support the promotion and visibility of the Irish language across the organisation in line with statutory obligations and national language policy.
* Any other duties, which may be specified from time to time.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
* A QQI Level 7 qualification (or higher) in a relevant field such as Public Policy, Strategy, Communications, Business, Economics, or Organisational Development.
* A minimum of 4 years' experience in a strategic or leadership role with responsibility for strategy development, organisational change, or communications.
* Proven track record in leading and delivering complex strategic projects or transformation programmes in a large organisation or public sector context.
* Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing strategic communications plans and managing multi-channel communication activities.
* Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, partnership building, and representing an organisation at senior forums or external events.
* Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills, with experience in socio-economic analysis, policy development, and performance reporting.
* Proven ability to lead organisational transformation and change management initiatives, with a focus on innovation and continuous improvement.
* Strong leadership and team management skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence, collaborate, and work cross-functionally.
* Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to produce clear, high-quality reports, briefings, and strategic documents.
* High-level proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with digital tools for project management, communication, and data analysis.
Desirable Requirements
* Postgraduate qualification in strategy, leadership, organisational development, or a related discipline.
* Experience working in environments that require compliance with governance frameworks, statutory duties, or public accountability requirements.
* Familiarity with research commissioning, socio-economic studies, or benchmarking initiatives.
* Experience working in or with the education and training sector, local authorities, or government departments.
* Proficiency in the Irish language and an understanding of national language policy.
Closing Date for Applications 13/10/25 4p.m.