The successful candidate will work on a portfolio of Irish Cancer Society activities, leading in the development of exciting and innovative communications campaigns, and supporting the Head of Communications in the execution of these campaigns.

You will be a core member of the Communications Department and will play a key role in planning and delivering communications, through traditional and digital channels, that meet the overall strategic objectives of the Society.

Key duties and responsibilities

Public Relations & Communications Strategy

• Develop and lead implementation of comprehensive external communications & PR strategies to enhance Irish Cancer Society's brand visibility and reputation in line with the Society's strategy and goals.
• Manage the communications team in creating compelling content, including press releases, statements, website, and social copy effectively communicate key messages to the target audience.

·      Oversee media queries and manage significant media requests or placement of any senior staff on media opportunities- media briefing and statement drafting.

Stakeholder Engagement

·      Build, maintain and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, media partners, sponsors, media outlets, ICS staff and influencers (celebrities, media volunteers, medics, researchers etc).

Team Leadership

·      Identify, develop, train and support Society spokespeople.

·      Manage Media volunteer process.

·      Manage team on call and social rotas.

Marketing Support

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams including marketing, digital and design to ensure consistent & coherent messaging and branding across all external communications strategies and campaigns.
• Provide support in developing marketing collateral, website content, and digital communications as needed.

Crisis Communications

• Oversee crisis communication plans and ensure team responds to media queries promptly and professionally.
• Craft crisis comms messaging with relevant teams and ensure all stakeholders are briefed and prepped.

Brand & Key messaging

• Develop key campaign messaging and support the communications team in developing copy, media releases and campaign content.
• Provide copywriting guidance and assistance to other members of the team.
• Help to align copy generated by other parts of the business where appropriate with our tone of voice and to fit with our strategic priorities.
• Maintain and enhance the Society's brand reputation ensuring a consistent and compelling brand image across all touchpoints.

Analytics & Reporting

• Monitor and analyse effectiveness of communications efforts through KPI's & Metrics, making data driven improvements.
• Monitor media trends, industry news, and competitor activities to identify opportunities and risks and provide proactive recommendations.

·      Deliver regular updates for board and ELT.

Budget Management

• Develop and manage communications budgets with Head of Communications, ensuring effective use of resources.
• Manage invoicing/quotes for expenditure.

Other duties

·      Perform other duties as required.

·      Support the Head of Communications and deputise when required.

Person Specification

·      Self-starter with initiative, creativity, and ability to develop innovative and effective communications strategies for the leading health charity.

·      Proactive, professional approach with excellent writing skills.

·      Enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and constantly meeting deadlines.

·      Ability to identify and negotiate opportunities for the Irish Cancer Society to grow its profile in the media consistent with our strategic objectives.

·      High level IT skills

·      Adept at working across all channels including traditional and digital media.

·      Established network of media contacts.

Your qualifications and experience

·      At least five years' experience in communications, PR or Marketing position, preferably in the health sector, in the private of voluntary sector.

·      Experience managing projects in a fast-paced environment handling multiple projects is desirable.

·      Proven track record in the development and implementation of communications strategies with tight deadlines.

·      Ability to think creatively and identify and respond to emerging trends and techniques.

·      Proven track record of managing and leading team members within the communications and marketing function.

·      A third level qualification or post-graduate qualification in communications is desirable but not essential.

·      Experience of the Irish healthcare arena is desirable, including healthcare policy.

The Society measures experience based on the quality of the experience obtained, rather than in time passed and welcomes applicants at all stages of their career.

General

·      All employees are required to be aware of their responsibilities towards health and safety and to adhere to fire regulations.

·      The Irish Cancer Society operates a no-smoking policy and the post holder must not smoke in the office or when on Society business outside the office.

·      Maintain confidentiality at all times, and compliance with the Data Protection Act is an essential requirement.

·      This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the Society at any time after discussion with the post holder.

The closing date for applications is Friday 29^th August at 5pm 

Please note all CVs are logged through a third-party system for processing

The Irish Cancer Society is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

WE DO NOT REQUIRE THE ASSISTANCE OF AGENCIES 

Some of our benefits:

·      23 days Annual Leave a year or Pro Rata equivalent, plus public holidays, Good Friday and Christmas Eve (if it falls on a working day)

·      Service Days - Additional days awarded to reflect long service with the Society.

·      Sick Pay Scheme (following Probationary period)

·      Flexitime

·      Defined Contribution Pension Scheme (after 6 months)

·      Group membership for VHI and HSF (health plans)

·      Bus/Rail Ticket Scheme and Cycle to Work Scheme

·      Death In Service Benefit (from commencement of employment)

·      Paid Family Leave (Maternity, Paternity, Adoptive, Force Majeure and compassionate Leave)

·      Learning and Development Programmes

·      Educational Assistance (Study and Examination Leave)

·      Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

·      Optional Flu vaccine provided