Marketing and Communications Manager

Position: Marketing and Communications Manager

Reporting to: The CEO

Contract: Fixed-term position for 3 years

Salary: €40,233

Location: Dublin (some travel may be necessary)

ABOUT GAISCE - THE PRESIDENT'S AWARD 

Gaisce – The President’s Award is a self-development programme for young people which enhances confidence and wellbeing through participation in personal, physical and community challenges. Gaisce is a direct challenge from the President of Ireland to young people aged 15-25 to dream big and realise their potential. Gaisce is non-competitive: participants are encouraged to choose their own activities and goals with the support of a trained, adult President’s Award Leader (or PAL). The Gaisce programme is delivered by over 1,500 PALs working and volunteering in a variety of organisations across Ireland. There are three levels of Gaisce – Bronze, Silver and Gold. The more time and energy participants give, the greater their reward.

www.gaisce.ie

THE ROLE

Reporting to the CEO, the role of the Marketing and Communications Manager will be to lead development and implementation of Gaisce’s communications strategy that drives the objectives of the organisation, as defined in the strategic plan 2015-2018. Principally, to elevate awareness of Gaisce and the value of the Gaisce Awards programme amongst key stakeholders, and increase levels of participation in Gaisce – The President’s Award. In addition, the Communications Manager will have responsibility for overseeing Gaisce events.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Lead on Gaisce’s communications strategy to reach and engage with key stakeholders including, but not limited to: young people, Gaisce participants, Gaisce Awardees, Gaisce Award Partners (organisations that deliver Gaisce), volunteers, the general public.
• Develop and implement the organisation’s digital strategy with a particular emphasis on website content, social media, digital advertising, email marketing, video and mobile. 
• Manage all mass email communication to key stakeholders.
• Oversee and ensure accuracy of all Gaisce’s online and printed communication materials.
• Plan, coordinate and manage Award ceremonies and events to meet objectives.
• Identify, engage and develop relationships and effective networks with key stakeholders including media, C&V/youth organisations and policy makers.
• Design and develop promotional brochures and materials.
• Keep abreast of political and policy developments that affect young people.
• Respond to press enquiries, write press releases and briefings, and prepare policy positions and submissions.
• Ensure all communication activities are managed appropriately, professionally and in line with best practice and data protection legislation.
• Measure and evaluate impact of communications strategy and associated campaigns.
• Recruit and manage Interns (Youth Engagement Officer) and volunteers to support marketing and communications activity.
• Manage annual communication budgets.
• Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required from time to time, commensurate with the nature of the post
• Act in the best interest of Gaisce and in line with the vision and mission of the organisation.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Skills / Experience (Essential)

• Minimum 4 years relevant experience in developing and successfully implementing successful marketing and communications strategies.
• Proven experience of PR, marketing and digital marketing.
• Proven experience of developing and managing online content.
• Experience of html email clients (Mailchimp).
• Demonstrable capacity to build and maintain relationships/networks with a wide variety of stakeholders.
• Experience of event management
• Exceptional interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent organisational skills.
• Strong strategic, analytical and evaluation skills.

Skills / Experience (Desirable)

• Experience of organising award ceremonies, press launches, press photocalls.
• Experience of working within or with the not-for-profit sector.
• Familiarity/understanding of media relations in Ireland.
• Experience of design (utilising Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, Apple Pages etc) for print and online materials
• People management (interns / volunteers).

Qualifications

• Relevant 3^rd level academic and/or equivalent professional qualification in a related field is essential.

Personal Attributes

• Commitment to empowering young people to fulfil their potential.
• Self-starter and team-player.
• Target-driven and motivated.
• Flexibility to work outside of normal business hours.
• Knowledge of the community and voluntary / youth sector in Ireland.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS 

Reporting to the CEO, the successful candidate will work closely with other members of the Gaisce team and will supervise the work of volunteers/interns.

TERMS 

This is a 3-year fixed term appointment with a 6-month probationary period. There is a fixed salary of €40,233. The appointment is covered by the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and membership of the scheme will be compulsory for the successful candidate. There is a holiday entitlement of 25 days in the first year, excluding public holidays.

Application

Applications for the post are by application form only (available at: http://gaisce.ie/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Gaisce_MCM-Application-Form-.docx). Completed application forms should be sent either by email to recruitment@gaisce.ie with the subject line ‘Marketing and Communications Manager Application’ or by post (marked ‘Private & Confidential’) to: Gaisce - The President's Award, Ratra House, North Road, Phoenix Park, Dublin D08 YD62. Queries can be addressed to the same email address.

Closing dates for applications is 5pm, Wednesday, August 24th 2016 with a view to interviews being held in the first week of September.

All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification.

Gaisce, Gradam an Uachtaráin – the President’s Award is committed to best practice and operates on the basis of equal opportunities. Applications are therefore invited from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates. Appointment will be based solely on merit and canvassing will disqualify.