Job Title	Communications Officer
Employer’s Name	Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference
Job Type	Full-Time Permanent
Location	Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, County Kildare, W23 P6D3
Working Hours	35 hours per week
Salary	€30,000 to €40,000, commensurate with the candidate’s skills and experience
Reporting to	Director of Communications

 

Who we are

The Catholic Communications Office (CCO) of the Irish Bishops’ Conference is responsible for initiating and facilitating media and wider communications activities of the Conference and its agencies, in both jurisdictions on the island, to serve the mission of the Church.  This is an exciting time of renewal for the local and universal Church as it is currently undertaking a ‘Synodal Process’, initiated by Pope Francis, to enable the entire People of God discern together on how best to move forward as a more synodal, listening, Church in the long-term.

The CCO works to promote the work of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference through various media channels, including print, digital, and broadcast, by providing accurate and timely information on Church teaching, faith and pastoral work.  Key internal audiences are the lay faithful, bishops, parish-based clergy and seminarians, diocesan communications officers and the agencies of the Bishops’ Conference.  CCO works with external audiences, including the mass media, other faith traditions, and civil authorities, to help facilitate dialogue between Church and wider society.  While at times operating in a counter-cultural context, our work encompasses promoting the Church’s message in fundamental areas affecting the common good of humanity such as the dignity of human life at all stages, peace, social justice, migrants, climate justice and care for creation, overseas development, marriage and family, education, pastoral care, the marginalised, vocations and evangelisation.

Who we are looking for

The Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to join us as Communications Officer.  Reporting to the Director of Communications, you will be a key member of the team with the initiative to drive and shape traditional and digital communications.  Along with colleagues from the other agencies of the Bishops’ Conference, you will work closely with clergy, religious, and laity in support of their Gospel-inspired pastoral and spiritual ministry.  You will play a vital role in enhancing the Church’s presence in the public square, engaging diverse audiences and promoting our mission in Ireland’s evolving cultural landscape.  In short, we are looking for creative person with a passion for communicating faith in action, the living Church.  Might this be you?

Job specification – the successful candidate should possess an inquiring mind along with:

Bachelor’s degree

A minimum educational requirement is that of a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.

Understanding of the Catholic Church

The vision and energy to underpin the work of the Bishops’ Conference by effectively communicating the Church’s message, and, to partner with confidence with our diocesan communications officer colleagues across the island to help support the promotion of faith, hope and love in the world.  Therefore, an appreciation of Church ethos, teaching, tradition, and structure, is required for this post.  Reflecting the significant role of Church in society, it is also important to have an understanding of the Church’s relationship with other Christian denominations and faiths, the workings of government in both jurisdictions, and that of the charity and civil society sectors. 

Communications experience

Professional experience in communications and/or marketing.  A Communications Officer should thrive in our creative environment; possess exceptional emotional intelligence, verbal and written skills; and, be able to adapt to work on diverse issues quickly and as required. 

Administrative support and editing experience

The skills to:

• organise and contribute to Council meetings across a range of pastoral areas.
• Assistant to the Editor of Intercom in producing and promoting the magazine, including:
• Proof-reading and editing magazine content;
• Participating in the planning of upcoming issues;
• Assisting with sourcing authors, articles and images for the magazine;
• Coordinating information flow between the CCO and the publishers of Intercom.

Other tasks relating to Intercom magazine include:

• Managing the Intercom social media accounts and intercommagazine.ie website;
• Handling queries relating to the magazine;
• Posting promotional and press copies of the magazine;
• Organising and participating in editorial advisory board meetings.

Digital

Proficiency in multimedia production, website management, social media engagement, and other digital design tools is essential.  A Communications Officer should be comfortable analysing metrics to inform communications strategy, adapt approaches and improve messaging.  It is essential to be proficient in omnichannel content generation for social platforms.  A strong knowledge of WordPress and MailChimp would be advantageous.

 Collaborative and team-oriented

A positive outlook complemented with the skill set to build collaborative relationships – within and without the Church – so as to constructively work on communications campaigns and events.  This will involve collaborating on a daily basis with clergy, diocesan communications officers, colleagues from Bishops’ agencies, as well as with lay members of the faith and journalists.

Cultural sensitivity

In the context of working for the Bishops’ Conference, it is essential for a Communications Officer to have an understanding of the island’s cultures, history, and the broader socio-political landscape.  The candidate needs to be sensitive to the unique and evolving dynamics of modern Ireland and be able to communicate in a manner that resonates with the faithful and the broader public, while at times consistent with Church values.

Media relations

The ability to maintain constructive relationships with journalists is very important.  A Communications Officer should be experienced in media relations, drafting press statements, managing queries in a professional manner, meet deadlines and expertly judge news-cycles. 

Continuous learning

A Communications Officer should demonstrate a commitment to ongoing learning and professional development.  Staying up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in communications, media and technology will enable the person to adopt innovative approaches and ensure the Church’s message remains relevant and impactful.

Other Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus concession days for Holy Days where the Holy Day falls during the week on a working day
• Hybrid working from home policy which allows for three days based in the office in Maynooth and two days working remotely from home per week
• Pension: Employer contributes 10% of salary to employees defined contribution pension scheme
• Death-in-Service and Income Continuance Plans

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter (maximum one page) outlining how your motivation, experience and skills fit the role for the attention of the Chief Operating Officer, Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference at admin@iecon.ie

Closing date for receipt of applications: 4.00 pm on Friday, 26 July 2024.