VACANCY: Media and Commucation Officer

Irish Sport; Dublin; On-site; EUR 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Rowing Ireland is seeking a Media and Communications Officer to lead a modern, dynamic communications strategy that supports public affairs and internal communications while elevating our digital profile. The role focuses on increasing awareness of Rowing Ireland and its initiatives across the island.

You will collaborate with affiliated clubs and the high-performance team to promote the sport, manage media relations, and produce high-quality content for events and campaigns nationwide,

Qualifications

• A third level qualification in a related discipline and / or relevant communications or media experience.
• Strong writer and communicator with high levels of accuracy, judgement and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a modern integrated communications strategy for Rowing Ireland, including internal and external messaging.
• Lead traditional media management: track coverage, prepare press releases, build media relationships.
• Manage digital and social media: grow all platforms and maintain the website with timely content.
• Coordinate media coverage for events (High Performance, National Championships) and travel as required.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement, sponsorship visibility and partner communications.

Skills

Strong writer

Excellent communicator

Interpersonal skills

Organised

Flexible hours

Education

Third level qualification in communications/related discipline

Tools

Microsoft Office

CRM systems

Social media platforms

Job description

The Media and Communications Officer will lead and deliver a modern, dynamic communications strategy that reflects Rowing Ireland’s position as one of Ireland’s number one high-performance NGBs. This role will be responsible for developing and delivering all external (public affairs) and internal communications, building our digital profile, elevating awareness of Rowing Ireland and its initiatives and delivering high-quality impactful coverage across all areas of the organisation.

The successful candidate will work closely with all major stakeholders across the rowing community, especially our affiliated clubs and our high-performance team to promote the sport across the island of Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Strategy

• Develop and implement a modern, integrated communications strategy for Rowing Ireland including both internal and external messaging.
• Ensure consistent messaging, brand identity and tone of voice across all channels.
• Lead and champion internal communications across Rowing Ireland, including staff, board and volunteers of the organisation.
• Enhance the reputation of Rowing Ireland and ensure it is presented authentically as a modern, ethical and effective organisation to its stakeholders.
• Promote Ireland’s high-performance athletes and teams, especially Olympic and Paralympic-level rowers.
• Ensure all areas and disciplines of the sport are promoted including Flatwater rowing, Coastal rowing, Indoor rowing, Club and grassroots initiatives
• Assist with the compilation of internal and external documentation, such as the Annual Report and Strategic Plans

Traditional Media Management

• Track all relevant coverage of Rowing Ireland via traditional media outlets (e.g. press, TV, radio) and ensure key RI personnel (e.g. CEO, Board) are apprised of relevant matters;
• Prepare press releases, features, event reports to highlight and promote all aspects of the sport.
• Maintain and build relationships with national and local media, to increase coverage and exposure of the sport.
• Manage day-to-day relationships with any broadcast and digital partners.

Digital & Social Media Management

• Manage and grow all Rowing Ireland social media platforms (e.g. Meta, YouTube, LinkedIn).
• Maintain and update the Rowing Ireland website with timely and engaging content that is always consistent with the values, brand identity and tone of voice of the organisation
• Create high-quality multimedia content (video, photography, written features) and where resource allows/capacity requires co-ordinate contractors and contributors to further enhance content quantity and quality.

Media & Event Coverage

• Organise key media events related to all activities across the rowing calendar, e.g. High Performance, Coastal, National Championships, Season launches etc.
• Where required, travel internationally with high-performance teams to cover regattas and major competitions.
• Travel throughout Ireland to cover Irish championships and other local major events.
• Liaise with key media outlets and manage all event related press releases and interviews.
• Deliver real-time updates and storytelling during events.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement, sponsorship visibility, and partner communications.

Key Requirements – Person Specification

• A third level qualification in a related discipline and / or relevant communications or media experience.
• Strong writer and communicator with high levels of accuracy, judgement and attention to detail.
• Effective interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective working relationships across a wide range of stakeholders.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively to tight deadlines in a fast-paced, changing sports environment.
• Proactive and resourceful, with sound judgement and the ability to identify and elevate issues appropriately.
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Office and proficiency with digital CRM and all social media platforms.

Mandatory

• Availability to travel nationally, internationally and work weekends as required.
• Experience in sports communications and/or working with athletes.
• Knowledge of rowing or endurance sports.
• Passion and keen interest in sport

Personal Attributes

• Creative and proactive, taking initiative
• Highly organised and adaptable
• Strong storyteller with attention to detail
• Team player with a positive attitude
• Comfortable working flexible hours, including weekends and travel

Applications for this role will close on Monday, the 20th of July 2026 at 5 PM