The Position:
The Communications, Marketing & PR Lead will lead the delivery and implementation of a Communications, Marketing and PR strategy in Waterford City & County Council to ensure that the objectives of the Council are achieved to the highest standard. The key elements of the communications strategy include:
- Prepare and implement an annual communications plan
- Create a positive media perspective towards Waterford
- Promote Waterford to key audiences
- Develop a communications network with key stakeholders and Ambassadors to promote Waterford
- Manage internal and external corporate communications
- Manage local and national media relations
Qualifications
The qualifications for the position of Communications, Marketing & PR Lead shall be as set out hereunder.
- Character
Candidates shall be of good character.
- Health
Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates, before they are appointed, to undergo at their own expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the Local Authority. On taking up appointment the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.
- Education, Training, Experience, etc.
Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:
- A minimum of 4 years experience in the Communications, Marketing, or Public Relations arena is required, and,
- The candidate will have a third level qualification in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related discipline, or have experience in a similar role in the public sector. This is a strategic role, which involves leading the communication of all Council activity to a wide range of stakeholders. Therefore, an understanding of local government, and the particular challenges and opportunities it presents for PR and marketing, is also required.
*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.
- Age
Each candidate must be under 65 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
However, the age restriction of 65 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
duties & responsibilities
While the Communications, Marketing & PR Lead will work directly with the Senior Management Team and the Director of Economic Development, s/he will also work closely with our diverse and professional staff across the organisation. The role of the Communications, Marketing & PR Lead will encompass the following 2 core areas:
- Communications
Strategic Communications Planning
- Prepare and implement an annual communications plan for the organisation for both internal and external stakeholders, including timing of key events.
- Develop an influential communications network with the media, local and national stakeholders, decision makers in Government and State Agencies and international networks
Website Development, Media and Social Media Management
- Develop and implement search engine optimisation strategy for website and other online tools
- Liaise with website designers and developers to update the website where necessary, and include new features where relevant.
- Develop and implement internal structures to maintain the website in order to ensure that content is managed and maintained, comprehensive, and up to date.
- Review the website content regularly in conjunction with Council departments, liaising with users, staff, elected members, and other stakeholders.
- Monitor usage of the website, online portal, and social media engagement, and work with Senior Management Team to devise a strategy to increase usage of the facilities.
- Put in place communication channels in mainstream and social media and communication networks to effectively deliver the Council’s message.
- Identify issues emerging in mainstream and social media of relevance to Waterford City & County Council
Relationship Building
- Lead, manage, and maintain an effective communications network across the organisation.
- Work in collaboration with the Council’s service delivery units in managing customer contacts in an efficient and effective manner.
- Develop and maintain relationships with a broad range of press and media contacts.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key local stakeholders in the city & county, the region and at national level
Dissemination of Information
- Write briefing documents and other publications, and ensure that these are communicated effectively to both staff and the public.
- Lead and manage the planning, coordination and organisation of briefings and interviews for the County Mayor and Chief Executive
- As a member of the Council’s emergency planning team, lead and manage the communications elements of the Council’s response to major emergencies and crises e.g. major emergencies, severe weather events etc
- Manage and co-ordinate the preparation and publication of the Council’s Annual Report, periodic newsletters, and other such reports and documents as required.
- Ensure that publications are disseminated and promoted online and in hard copy as appropriate.
- Draft speeches and briefing notes for the Mayor and Senior Management
- Marketing & Public Relations
Promotion and Media Work
- Draft and distribute regular press releases for the organisation.
- Seek opportunities to promote the organisation, its role, and positive achievements, ensuring that the organisation is presented in an appropriate and professional manner to all its stakeholders.
- Proactively seek out good news stories, prepare press releases and media/press briefing notes regarding same.
- Handle media queries
- Oversee the publication of Waterford City & County Council press releases, news features and staff information material.
- Prepare surveys and questionnaires to ascertain public opinion and perception of Council services, activities, and communications methods
- Ensure that any marketing, promotional material or sponsorship campaigns that are launched are compatible with the organisation’s brand image.
General Duties
The Communications, Marketing & PR Lead will also have other responsibilities, including but not limited to the following:
- Report to the Senior Executive Officer for Economic Development.
- Prepare and implement relevant Performance Indicators and Measures.
- Prepare and submit reports to senior management in relation to organisational performance and the performance of the Communications & Marketing Unit
- Provide guidance on PR tools and communications opportunities.
- Manage internal communications as required
- Responsible for enhancement of the Council’s corporate image and identity.
- Leading the Communications Team
- Undertake any other duties as may be assigned by Management from time to time.
Human Resources Department