Assistant Communications Officer - Maynooth University

UniJobs; Maynooth; On-site; EUR 48,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Maynooth University is seeking an Assistant Communications Officer to join the External Relations team in Maynooth. The post requires a background in journalism, public relations or press office with strong writing and media relations skills.

The role includes drafting content for press releases, managing media outreach and collaborating with faculties for university communications. The successful candidate will report to the Head of Communications and work closely with the Digital team on

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years’ experience in communications, media/PR or journalism.
• Strong news sense and writing/editing skills for diverse audiences.
• Ability to develop media relations and PR for university initiatives.
• Third level degree in a relevant area.
• Experience with web editing and online tools.
• Knowledge of Irish media landscape and third-level sector.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of the University’s communications plan across activities to promote and enhance the reputation of Maynooth University.
• Source strong news/features and draft press releases for external platforms including website, digital/social media and video.
• Liaise with faculties and departments for media opportunities and collaborations.
• Provide media relations/PR for university staff on research topics to convey to wider public.
• Create storylines/angles and briefs for media outreach and media kits for events.
• Collaborate with the Digital team on social media messaging and video content.
• Assist with MU announcements for events and webinars, and support alumni communications.
• Monitor media coverage and compile evaluation reports.
• Occasional after-hours availability as deadlines demand.

Skills

Journalism

Public relations

Media relations

Writing

Editing

Communications

Press office

Education

Degree in communications or related field

Tools

Word

Excel

Photo editing

Social media tools

Job description

Assistant Communications Officer - Maynooth University (11244) Maynooth, Republic of Ireland

Salary: EUR47675 - EUR57970 per annum

Unijobs DAC are currently recruiting for an Assistant Communications Officer with a strong track record as former journalist/public relations/press officer to work within Maynooth University. We are looking for someone to commence ASAP and the contract will be length of 6 months initially. Working35 hours per weekand based off the Senior Executive Assistant salary scale form Maynooth University the salary being offered will be between €47,675 - €57,970. Exact point on the scale will be decided post interview and will be based off previous experience.

Job Description

The role requires wide-ranging communications knowledge and a skillset applicable to external communications with a particular focus on scoping out and targeting appropriate stories for a range of media. The candidate will have a strong news sense and accurate writing/editing skills to assist in media promotions and public relations for university initiatives, announcements, research and events.

The postholder will report to the Head of Communications and work within the university’s communications, digital and marketing team. They will work with faculties, departments, institutes and centres across the university to positively enhance the public profile and reputation of Maynooth University.

The postholder will collaborate collegially across teams within the External Relations Office including Alumni Relations, Partnerships and Events along with liaising with team members in their own team.

Communications

Principal duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Reporting to the Head of Communications and supporting the implementation of the University’s communications plan across a range of activities to promote and enhance the reputation of Maynooth University and deliver upon objectives in the University Strategic Plan 2023-2028.
• Sourcing strong news/features to raise the public profile of MU; writing & editing diverse content for press releases, media notices and publications, for a range of external platforms including website, digital/social media and video.
• Liaising with staff across the university’s units and faculties, /departments in response to requests for collaborations, including media and online promotions.
• Providing media relations/PR for university staff on newsworthy research topics to convey in an accessible way for wider public/media appeal.
• Assistance in researching, developing storylines/angles/messages & writing briefs for media
• Working closely with the Digital team in the creation and dissemination of social media messaging, story packages, identifying and procuring photography/images, support in the creation of digital video content.
• Working as part of the Communications team on MU announcements for events, including press conferences, corporate stakeholder events/webinars and preparing media kits.
• Working with the Development and Alumni Relations Team to create and support written content, including the Alumni magazine.
• Media monitoring and collaborative circulation to staff/stakeholders of relevant items, preparing media evaluation reports.
• Availability for occasional after-hours work as deadlines/enquiries demand.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A minimum 3 years’ experience working in communications, media/public relations and or/journalism, preferably in a busy agency, communications/press office or newspaper/media platform environment
• Ability to identify story lines and create accurate and concise content/ messaging for both general and digital/social media.
• Superior writing and editing skills, targeted to different audiences and with a particular expertise in journalism-style writing (news and features).
• Third level degree qualification in a relevant area.
• Ability to convey complex research material in an accessible way for wider public appeal.
• Strong knowledge of web editing/online tools including photo editing/digital/social media platforms along with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Experience working at press conferences and events.
• Meticulous attention to detail, strong interpersonal communications skills.
• Ability to accurately assess media opportunities and evaluate risks.
• Ability to work well within a team under pressure and to deadlines.
• Interest in an academic environment, new and explorative research.
• Pro-active thinking; ability to think creatively about new avenues to promote the University.
• Knowledge of and interest in the Irish media landscape.
• Knowledge or experience working in or with the third-level sector.

Unijobs DAC is an equal opportunity employer.