Role: Communication Manager               

Reports to: Director of Fundraising and Communications    

Location: Co-operation Ireland Office, Dublin or Belfast / Hybrid working available 3 days a week

Salary Scale: Point 3 -  €43,000 - €52,000 (IRE based), £33,000 - £41,000 per annum (NI based).

Contract Period: Permanent Contract 

Hours: 35 hours per. Co-operation Ireland is committed to providing a positive working environment, supporting employees to achieve an appropriate work life balance and operates an attractive flexible working policy).  

Job Purpose Summary

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Communications Manager to lead the development and delivery of Co-operation Ireland’s internal and external communications.

This role will shape how we tell our story — ensuring our work is communicated clearly, consistently, and with impact across all channels. The successful candidate will combine strong strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, supporting teams across the organisation to produce high-quality, audience-focused communications.

This is a key role in strengthening our brand, enhancing our reputation, and engaging our audiences.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Strategy & Leadership

• Develop and implement a multi-channel communications strategy aligned with organisational goals
• Set clear objectives and KPIs and track performance against them
• Work closely with the Director of Fundraising and Communications to deliver integrated communications.
• Lead ongoing brand development and act as brand guardian, ensuring consistency across all programmes
• Develop and maintain core messaging and tone of voice across the organisation
• Identify reputational risks and lead proactive communication responses
• Keep up to date with communications best practice, innovation, and sector trends

Media Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local, national, and sector media
• Draft press releases, opinion pieces, media briefings, and statements
• Proactively identify and secure media opportunities to raise the organisation’s profile
• Monitor media coverage and provide insight and recommendations

Digital & Content Management

• Oversee and develop the organisation’s website and digital presence, ensuring content is current, engaging, and effective
• Develop and implement an organic social media strategy aligned to key audiences
• Create and oversee engaging content for Earned and Owned media.
• Test and develop a Paid media strategy.

Storytelling & Publications

• Lead on sourcing and developing human interest stories and case studies that demonstrate impact
• Oversee the creation and production of Annual reports, Impact reports, Brochures, and publications.
• Manage a photo library and case study database

Internal Communications

• Develop and implement the internal communications strategy
• Provide guidance and training to staff on brand, messaging, and content creation
• Foster a culture of shared storytelling and collaboration across programmes

Fundraising 

• Collaborate with fundraising teams to develop compelling, donor-focused communications
• Ensure communications effectively support income generation and stakeholder engagement

Monitoring & Evaluation

• Track and evaluate communications performance using analytics and feedback
• Report regularly on key metrics to senior leadership
• Use insights to improve messaging, channels, and content continuously
• Monitor public perception and audience engagement

General

• Support organisational events and cross-functional projects
• Contribute to wider organisational objectives and strategic priorities