Title: Press and Strategic Communications Officer

Based: Leinster House and Green Party Head Office

Remuneration: €48,483 - €57,726 per annum.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Leading on media strategy for campaigns and communications.
• Acting as the main point of contact for the Party with the media.
• Fulfilling the day-to-day communications needs of the Leader and Party in Leinster House.

PRESS & MEDIA

• Main media point of contact:
  • Leading with proactive engagement with the media to advance Green Party policy and political positioning.
  • Providing rapid and well crafted response to incoming media queries
  • Developing and maintaining positive and effective professional relationships with the media.
• Manage media appearances:
  • Ensure briefs for Parliamentary Party, Councillors and are prepared and reviewed in advance of media appearances.
  • Lead preparatory sessions in advance of media appearances.
  • Provide support for the Leader and other Elected Reps during media appearances, including facilitation of questions during doorsteps.
• Develop and issue Press Releases and other relevant Party materials to the media, on own initiative and in conjunction with Leader, Parliamentary Party, Councillors, Party Spokespersons and other relevant personnel.
• Monitor coverage of the Party in the media and prepare internal media reports, as requested.
• Work closely with elected representatives and election candidates to promote their messages and enhance their profiles at local and national levels.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

• Provide an ongoing strategic communications focus for the Party as a member of the Party Messaging Task Force, in accordance with the Party Strategic Plan.
• Devise the media and communications dimensions to key Party events and vehicles, including the National Convention, campaigns, launches, election events and broadcasts.
• Contribute to increasing positive public awareness of the Party.
• Advise on and implement the communications dimensions of Party policies and political positions.
• Work closely with the Electoral Task Force and the Messaging Task Force on voter research and engagement with polling companies.

ONLINE COMMUNICATIONS

• Work closely with Head Office and Leinster House staff to deliver the Green Party’s message, and that of Green Party representatives, through online media.
• Work with the Parliamentary Party to develop the Green Party’s social media strategies.

OTHER DUTIES

• Staff management & delegation of duties where appropriate to ensure adequate coverage of duties and mentoring duties as required.
• Carry out other functions, duties or tasks that may be assigned by the Leader from time to time.

WHO WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Profile

• 2 years+ experience in a communications role, ideally in Irish public policy either generally or at a sectoral level.
• Knowledge of the Irish media landscape, in particular media focused on political, environmental and social affairs.
• Proven track record of developing an effective communications strategy; with successful implementation.
• Excellent command of language and creating accessible written content tailored to a modern media environment, for social media and for the general public.

Other desirable attributes

• Experience responding to media queries and engaging professionally with media and individual journalists.
• An ability to work well with many stakeholders in a diverse organisation. Experience managing and prioritising communications needs across an organisation.
• Knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, Premiere Pro (or equivalent), Video Production using DSLR equipment and web publishing is an advantage but not necessary.
• An interest in the fundamental principles of the Green Party.