Communications Manager
Housing Association for Integrated Living (HAIL)
Key Role and Responsibilities
1. Communication
- Lead on the implementation and update of HAIL’s Communication Strategy and Crisis Management Plan.
- Assist the CEO and Leadership Team in raising the profile of HAIL with key funders and stakeholders in the areas of housing development and mental health.
- Work with colleagues in developing and managing the content of publications such as the Annual Report, newsletters and other branding materials, from initial concept through to production and distribution.
- Drive HAIL’s public affairs activities, identifying opportunities to engage with politicians, civil servants, policy makers and other relevant stakeholders.
- Monitor the Oireachtas and local authorities for relevant political developments.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with broadcast and print media, in order to raise HAIL’s profile and expand its media attention in a manner that respects the privacy of HAIL’s tenants and clients.
- Develop and maintain HAIL’s online presence via the website and various social media platforms.
- Liaise with the media, draft and issue press releases as required.
- Represent HAIL at events and in the media and/or identify suitable spokespersons from within the organisation and assist with their interview preparation.
- Oversee HAIL’s branding and ensure consistency of the use of the brand.
- Lead the internal staff communications group and manage internal communications including the quarterly staff newsletter.
- Keep abreast of housing and mental health policies that affect HAIL’s work.
- Monitor and evaluate all communications activity, reporting evidence of impact and making recommendations for future work.
- Support HAIL tenants and clients to tell their stories to the media through training and mentoring.
- In conjunction with all services within HAIL, develop and maintain a list of stakeholders and other personnel, who are relevant to HAIL’s strategic objectives.
- Manage events that involve the celebration and/or promotion of the work of HAIL.
- To undertake such other duties as might be reasonably assigned from time to time in consultation with your Manager.
2. Organisational and Managerial
- Contribute to the business planning and strategic planning process.
- Actively contribute at the management level in developing and delivering organisational strategy and assisting HAIL deliver on the aims and objectives of the organisation.
- Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements relevant to this role, by keeping up to date with legislation changes and creating or amending HAIL policies and procedures as required.
- Report as required to the Board and its Committees.
- Budget management/budget setting and financial planning for the Communications Section.
- Responsible for risk in areas of responsibility.
- Responsible for Health & Safety in areas of responsibility and implementation of H&S policies & procedures.
Personal Specification Key requirements for the position of Communications Manager are:
Professional Requirements
- A relevant third level qualification in communications, journalism, PR or equivalent field
Experience, Knowledge & Skills
The Applicant must have proficient experience, knowledge and skills in the following areas to be deemed suitable for this position.
- At least five years of relevant work experience in the area of communications, preferably with three years at a senior level;
- Experience in leading and managing communications projects;
- Good knowledge of the not-for-profit/charity sector. It would be desirable to have experience working in a housing and/or mental health environment;
- Excellent communications and interpersonal skills;
- Motivated, energetic and results-driven;
- Team player, with the confidence to take the lead and guide other staff;
- Excellent writing skills;
- Experience in working on campaigns using traditional and digital marketing tactics;
- Excellent organisational skills;
- Excellent IT skills with experience developing websites and social networking for organisational objectives;
- Experience in evaluating communications activity and reporting evidence of impact;
- Ability to monitor and respond to changes in the sector, and maximise new opportunities;
- Creativity and an ability to generate engaging communication messages;
- Experience in a growing and changing organisation.
The Conditions
The salary will be commensurate with the experience of the individual appointed and in line with the organisation’s salary scale.
HAIL offers:
- Flexible working hours
- 25 annual leave days plus 3 Company days (pro rata)
- Company Pension Scheme with current contributions rates of 6% employer contribution and 6% employee contribution
- Death in Service Benefit
- Health insurance for serious illness
Appointment
- This post will be filled immediately
- All contracts are subject to the successful completion of a six-month probationary period
Recruitment Process
- Please send your C.V. and letter of application to [email protected] by 5 pm on 27th January 2025.
- Please contact [email protected] for any queries.
- Interviews are likely to take place on 5th/7th February 2025.
*Only those shortlisted for the interview who possess the desirable and essential skills will be responded to.
HAIL is an Equal Opportunities Employer.