Communications Executive

Location: Christchurch Square, Dublin 8

Contract: 1 year, Specific purpose - Mat Leave Contract - Approx Jan 2027 & Part-Time (30 hours / 5 days: Mon - Fri)

Salary: €32,517 - €45,419 (Pro-rated salary for 30 hours)

Why work at Barnardos?

Are you a purpose driven individual who is passionate about making a difference and helping some of society’s most vulnerable children? At Barnardos, we pride ourselves on delivering impactful services that make a difference to the lives of children and families across Ireland.

We believe that childhood lasts a lifetime. As trauma informed specialists our core purpose is to provide the necessary support for children to overcome childhood adversity, embedding a trauma informed ethos and practice into every service we provide.

What we can offer you?

We value the creativity and strategic thinking you bring to the role. That’s why we’ve built the support structures and collaborative environment needed to help you thrive and make a meaningful impact. You’ll also benefit from:

• A competitive salary that reflects your experience and expertise
• Generous annual leave entitlements plus discretionary company days
• Employee pension scheme with employer contribution / Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Access to regular trauma-informed support, supervision, and professional development opportunities
• Tax saver and bike-to-work schemes
• Access to our Employee Assistance and Wellbeing Programme for you and your immediate family

Please note: This is a 1 year fixed term contract – Finishing approx. Jan 2027 (30 hours per week – over 5 days: Monday – Friday).

What’s the role and service?

As a Communications Executive, you will play a key role within the communications team in building the Barnardos brand, raising Barnardos’ profile and increasing awareness, understanding and support for our work with children and families. The role also involves supporting an inclusive internal communications culture.

What will my day to day look like?

• Barnardos strategy – Implement Barnardos’ communications strategy, in consultation with the Communications Manager.
• Press office – lead the press office Monday – Friday, answer and direct all media queries with the support of the Communications Manager, draft media materials and responses, report on coverage analysis, identify and action news opportunities, building and maintaining relationships with key journalists; monitoring the external communications environment; promoting activities across Barnardos to target audiences; participation on a crisis communications team should an incident arise
• Brand profile –oversee central clearing house for written communication materials produced in Barnardos to ensure consistent messaging and house-style.
• Profile building – work with communications manager in the recruitment and development of media relationships.
• Project co-ordination – implement specific projects, to include the development and production of communication tools, the co-ordination of launches and events, and development of communications programmes and campaigns.
• Publications – production of key corporate and cross organisational materials including the Annual Report.
• Internal communications – support a communications culture that accommodates an up, down and across communications flow. Source and develop content for newsletters and Intranet.
• Ambassador relationships in line with the organisation strategy.
• Media training and support for spokespeople, identifying opportunities and pitching.
• Media evaluation and reporting for campaigns and awareness.
• Any other duties as required from time to time

What experience do I need?

• Minimum three years’ experience in communications or journalism.
• A mix of public awareness, corporate and consumer communications experience is desirable.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Project management expertise with ability to work on multiple projects, meet deadlines and secure results.
• An effective negotiator, skilled diplomat and a team player.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage competing priorities and maintain a professional approach.
• Ability to work on own initiative and consult where appropriate.
• Highly creative

Do I need a qualification?

• Third level degree or equivalent professional qualification.
• IT literate. Web technology and content management knowledge would be an advantage.

Full driving licence and access to the use of a suitably insured car essential.

Link to job description:  Communications Executive.pdf