Communications & Dissemination Administrator (Executive Officer)
The Economic & Social Research Institute (ESRI)
The Economic and Social Research Institute (ESRI) wishes to recruit a Communications and Dissemination Administrator to join our Corporate Resources team.
The Institute
The ESRI, founded in 1960, is based in Dublin’s South Docklands area. Our mission is to produce high quality research, relevant to Ireland’s economic and social development, with the aim of contributing to knowledge and informing policymaking and public debate. We achieve this primarily through our research output which is supported by a funding model which draws upon different funding sources. These include a direct government grant from the Department of Public Expenditure and Reform, national research funding (e.g. Research Ireland/Health Research Board), grants for research programmes, commissioned research and EC funding. We have over 100 staff including economists, sociologists and other social scientists, in addition to support and technical staff.
Role Description
Working in a fast-paced environment, the Communications and Dissemination Administrator will be working as part of the team that has responsibility for public relations, marketing, social media and digital communications. Team members are directly involved in writing and issuing media releases on new ESRI research, which regularly receives widespread coverage in national broadcast, print and online media outlets. The team organises the publication of new reports, which are often launched by Government Ministers at events attended by key stakeholders in government, media and academia. We are now looking for a team member who is keen to continue to develop their career in public relations, policy communications and digital media. This is a varied and fast-paced role, which is suitable for a proactive, goal-oriented professional.
Reporting to the Communications and Dissemination Manager, the role of the Communications and Dissemination Administrator is to support the activities of the Information, Communication and Publications (ICP) function in the Institute, in particular with regard to the following tasks:
- Supporting the development and implementation of the Institute's communications, publication, and information operations and strategy.
- Creating, editing and disseminating clear, accessible, high quality, engaging content for social media, media communications, newsletter/notifications, website, and events
- Creating and editing social media videos, as well as creating graphics via Canva.
- Supporting the dissemination of research via online webinars, hosting, and editing, and publishing of video recordings.
- Developing, monitoring and reporting on communications campaigns using appropriate tools/analytics.
- Providing advice and support to Institute colleagues on the dissemination and communications of their research outputs.
- Supporting the development of information management processes and systems for the effective reporting of information, internally and publicly.
- Distributing press releases, responding to press enquiries, and building relationships with national and international media.
- Acting as a point of contact in Communications and Dissemination.
- Updating the website with content such as on events and publications.
Qualifications and Experience
- Educated to degree level in communications, sociology, politics, social policy, economics, journalism or a related field.
- 2+ years’ post-graduate experience in a communications role, ideally in an academic or policy environment.
- Experience in creating and editing videos for social media.
- Experience in designing graphics for social media.
- Experience of planning and delivering successful communications campaigns and producing engaging, high-quality communications across a range of platforms.
- Experience in media communications and engaging with media.
- Experience supporting and hosting online events.
Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills with the proven ability to make complex information accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences.
- Excellent writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to identify key messages from research findings, and to communicate the messages effectively.
- Excellent social/digital media and content creation skills, specifically related to creating and editing videos and managing social media accounts.
- Fluency in written and spoken English.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with ability to engage professionally with external and internal stakeholders.
- Meticulous attention to detail with high level of accuracy, recognising the importance of accuracy for reputation.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritise tasks and manage work efficiently to meet tight deadlines.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently on own initiative while communicating effectively with team members.
- Proficiency in the use of social media platforms and analytics (LinkedIn, YouTube), online events platforms (e.g., MS Teams, Zoom), MS Office software (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook), communications data analytics software (e.g., Google Analytics).
- Proficiency using graphic design software, e.g. Canva
- An understanding of, and interest in, Irish current affairs, socio-economic issues and public interest messaging.
Location
ESRI, Whitaker Square, Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2. Applicants should note that staff have the option of working remotely from their home in Ireland on a ‘blended’ basis with a minimum requirement of one day per week (or as business requires) based in the ESRI office. The arrangement is currently running on a pilot basis. Full details will be provided at interview.
Terms & Application Procedure
The role is full-time (35 hours per week - standard working hours are 09.30-17.30, Monday – Friday; flexible working hours are supported). The appointment will be on an open-ended basis, subject to a successful probationary period, at Executive Officer (Standard) level. Candidates will be appointed at the first point of the scale, €37,554.
The ESRI is currently conducting selection processes via videoconference (MS Teams or Zoom).
To apply for this position please follow the link below. The closing date for applications is 5pm on Monday, 28 April 2025. All applications will be acknowledged. Late or incomplete applications will not be processed.
The ESRI is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to accommodating the needs of people with disabilities to enable them to participate in the selection process. Please let us know if you have any particular requirements should you be invited for assessment/interview or that you wish us to take into account when considering your application.