Job Title: Communications Manager
Location: FAI HQ, Abbottstown, Dublin
Direct Reporting Line: Head of Communications
Commencement Date: TBC
Duration: Permanent / Full Time
Work Model: Hybrid
*this role involves considerable flexibility for international travel
Introduction
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) is the national governing body for football in Ireland, driving the growth, promotion, and development of the game at all levels. We are passionate about inspiring participation, supporting talent, and celebrating the power of football to unite communities across the country. With a proud history and an ambitious vision for the future, the FAI is committed to fostering excellence on and off the pitch, ensuring the game is inclusive, accessible, and a source of national pride.
Purpose of the Role
The Communications Manager a central role in shaping and delivering high-quality communications for Ireland's international squads. This role exists to ensure effective media relations, strong storytelling, and consistent messaging around our international teams, particularly during international windows, training camps, fixtures, and tournaments.
The postholder will also play a key role in supporting the FAI's grassroots communications strategy by managing and guiding the Grassroots Communications Executive, ensuring grassroots communications are aligned with the wider organisational communications strategy and promote the FAI's development programmes, participation initiatives, and community impact.
Due to the nature of the international football calendar, this role requires flexibility, including regular evening and weekend work, and extensive domestic and international travel.
Key Responsibilities
* Support the implementation of the FAI's overall communications strategy in alignment with organisational objectives and Head of Communications priorities.
* Manage day-to-day media operations for international squads, including press conferences, mixed zones, interview coordination, and matchday media management.
* Serve as the main point of contact for media when on international duty, managing requests, providing updates, and ensuring consistent messaging.
* Lead communications planning around international windows, squad announcements, fixtures, and tournaments.
* Prepare press releases, media notes, messaging briefs, and communications materials for international activities.
* Brief players, coaches, and staff ahead of media engagements to ensure clarity, alignment, and professionalism.
* Collaborate with Marketing, Digital & Content teams to develop engaging content that amplifies the profile of Irish international teams.
* Work cross-functionally with football, high-performance, and operations staff to support international team communications needs.
* Manage, support, and develop the Grassroots Communications Executive, ensuring clear strategic direction, coaching, and alignment with the FAI's communications objectives.
* Oversee and align grassroots communications output—across participation, development programmes, coach education, and community initiatives—with the FAI's broader communications strategy.
* Build strong relationships with domestic and international football media, journalists, and broadcast partners.
* Support crisis and issues management within international team environments to protect and enhance the reputation of Irish football.
Person Specification
* A proactive and adaptable communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trusted relationships with players, staff, and media.
* Calm under pressure, capable of delivering quality work in fast-paced matchday and tournament settings.
* Highly organised with strong judgement and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to changing circumstances.
* A natural collaborator with the confidence and professionalism to represent the FAI at national and international level.
* Passionate about Irish football and committed to promoting the game from grassroots to elite level.
Experience and Qualifications
Essential:
* Minimum 5–7 years' experience in communications, PR, sports media, or a related field.
* Demonstrated experience managing media relations, including press conferences, matchdays, or large-scale live events.
* Experience delivering communications activity in fast-paced or high-profile environments.
* Strong experience crafting clear messaging and producing high-quality written content.
* Experience managing or mentoring staff or junior colleagues.
* Ability and willingness to travel regularly and work evenings/weekends due to international football schedules.
* Experience coordinating cross-functional or multi-team communications workflows.
Desirable:
* Experience working in elite sport, professional football, or a high-governance environment.
* Qualification in communications, journalism, public relations, media, or a related discipline.
* Knowledge of the Irish football landscape, including grassroots structures and pathways.
* Understanding of UEFA/FIFA media requirements and international matchday protocols.
Skills & Professional Knowledge
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong storytelling abilities.
* Strong understanding of Irish and international sports media.
* Experience managing sensitive information with discretion.
* Ability to develop strategic communications plans and deliver operational execution.
* High organisational and planning capability with strong attention to detail.
* Proficiency in social and digital media coordination in a sporting context.
* Strategic communication & influencing skills
* Stakeholder & media relationship management
* Leadership & team collaboration
* Crisis & issues management
Competencies
Core Competencies
1. Innovation & Continuous Improvement (Progress)
Thinks creatively and with an open mind to identify new opportunities for growth and improvement. Embraces change positively and contributes to building a better future for Irish football.
2. Drive & Commitment (Passion)
Demonstrates energy, enthusiasm, and pride in everything they do. Takes initiative, delivers results, and strives to make a meaningful impact on the game and the organisation.
3. Collaboration & Teamwork (Togetherness)
Works effectively and respectfully with others to achieve shared goals. Supports, challenges, and motivates colleagues to perform at their best, recognising that success is achieved together.
4. Communication & Influence (Togetherness / Passion)
Communicates clearly, openly, and respectfully with colleagues and stakeholders. Builds positive relationships, inspires trust, and represents the FAI with professionalism and integrity.
5. Accountability & Professional Excellence (Progress / Passion)
Takes ownership of performance and upholds high standards in all tasks. Acts responsibly, follows through on commitments, and contributes to the FAI's vision of continuous progress and excellence.
Our Benefits
We are proud of the range of benefits we can provide:
* Two premium level tickets to each home international game
* Sick pay scheme and family friendly leave
* Opportunities to work at international matches
* Company pension
* Life assurance
* Bike to work scheme
* Free onsite parking
* Employee assistance programs
* Hybrid working arrangements and flexible hours working arrangements
* Discounted access to the National Aquatic Centre and gym complex
Application Details
Closing date for receipt of applications is close of business on 17th December 2025.
Shortlisting and interviewing process will take place thereafter.
The Football Association of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and promotes Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I).