About CLM

Community Law & Mediation (CLM) is an independent community law centre whose vision is of a socially just and ecologically sustainable society.

CLM provides free legal information, advice and representation, alongside mediation and community education services. Grounded in frontline experience, CLM also works to influence policy and systemic change on issues affecting the communities it serves.

CLM’s strategic plan sets out an ambitious growth agenda, focused on expanding services, strengthening impact, and increasing the organisation’s influence at local and national level.

Purpose of Position

The Policy, Communications & Public Affairs Manager is responsible for ensuring CLM has a strong, credible and influential voice on social justice issues affecting the communities we serve. 

The role brings together strategic communications, policy development and public affairs to ensure CLM effectively shapes public debate, informs policy, and communicates its impact.  Working closely with the CEO and management team, the Policy, Communications & Public Affairs Manager will link CLM’s community level experience to strategic priorities, build CLM’s profile and strengthen its influence at local and national level. 

1. General

• Provide strategic oversight and coordination of communications, policy and public affairs across the organisation to ensure alignment, consistency and balance across CLM’s operating areas 
• As a member of the management team, contribute to organisational strategy, planning, and performance 
• Ensure communications, policy and public affairs activity supports delivery of CLM’s strategic priorities
• Advise the CEO and senior team on positioning, messaging, and external engagement 
• Support effective internal communications and alignment across the organisation

2. Communications & Profile

• Lead an integrated communications strategy to strengthen CLM’s visibility, credibility, and impact 
• Prepare and oversee communications outputs ensuring clarity, consistency, and quality across channels 
• Build CLM’s profile across local and national media through proactive and reactive engagement 
• Support CLM staff and representatives to engage effectively with media and public platforms
• Monitor media and current affairs to identify opportunities and risks 

3. Policy, Public Affairs & Influence

• Lead and further develop CLM’s policy and advocacy agenda 
• Translate CLM’s frontline experience into clear policy positions, submissions, and briefings 
• Identify and support opportunities to influence policy and legislative developments  
• Build and strengthen relationships with key stakeholders, including policymakers and sector partners 

4. Campaigns, Engagement & Brand

• Design and deliver campaigns aligned with CLM’s strategic priorities 
• Strengthen stakeholder engagement including NGO partners, communities, 
• Ensure consistency of CLM’s brand and messaging     
• Oversee key publications, including the annual report, and the organisation’s website and digital presence

Person Specification

1. Required experience

• 5 years+ experience in communications, public affairs, policy, or a related field 
• Demonstrable experience in communications and either policy or public affairs, with an understanding of how these areas intersect 
• Experience delivering projects or initiatives to a high standard 
• Experience representing an organisation externally, including engagement with media or stakeholders 
• Experience managing or supporting others and working collaboratively to deliver outcomes across teams

2. Skills & Competencies

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex issues clearly and persuasively 
• Strong strategic thinking and ability to identify opportunities to influence 
• Good understanding of media, public discourse, and digital communications 
• Ability to manage a varied workload and deliver to deadlines 
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills 
• Sound judgement, professionalism, and discretion 
• Ability and motivation to further develop expertise across policy, communications and public affairs

3. Desirable

• Third-level qualification in a relevant discipline 
• Legal background or familiarity with legal frameworks 
• Familiarity with social justice issues 

• Experience developing or contributing to advocacy campaigns

  For more details, please visit our website: Community Law & Mediation is recruiting a Policy, Communications & Public Affairs Manager - Community Law