The Grade VIII Communications and Public Affairs Senior Manager role at Merlin Park University Hospital in Galway offers an exceptional opportunity to lead strategic communications within a major healthcare setting. This senior leadership position plays a critical role in shaping public engagement, media relations, and internal communications across the HSE West and North West region.
Job Overview
This Grade VIII Communications and Public Affairs Senior Manager position is a confined competition within the HSE, designed for experienced professionals currently operating at the same grade level. Based initially at Merlin Park University Hospital, the role contributes directly to regional communication strategies, stakeholder engagement, and public trust in healthcare services.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and implement strategic communications and public affairs initiatives across the region
- Manage media relations, including press releases, crisis communications, and public messaging
- Provide expert advice to senior leadership on communications strategy and stakeholder engagement
- Oversee internal communications to ensure alignment across healthcare teams and services
- Develop and manage public information campaigns to support healthcare priorities
- Coordinate with national and regional HSE teams on communications planning
- Ensure compliance with public sector communication standards and policies
- Support organisational reputation management and community engagement efforts
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Must be permanently appointed at Grade VIII level within the HSE
- Extensive experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Proven ability to develop and deliver strategic communication plans
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Experience managing complex or sensitive communications in a public sector environment is desirable
- Strong organisational and project management capabilities
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
This is a permanent wholetime position within the HSE. Salary will be aligned with the Grade VIII pay scale, with competitive pay and public sector benefits including pension scheme, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
Location & Employer Information
This role is based at Merlin Park University Hospital in Galway, serving the HSE West and North West region, which includes Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway. The successful candidate will operate within a dynamic healthcare environment, contributing to communication strategies that impact patient care, public awareness, and service delivery across a wide geographic area.
Application Details
Please complete the digital application form via the Rezoomo platform (using Google Chrome). CVs will not be accepted for this campaign.
Job Specification and Full Details: https://www.rezoomo.com/job/97043/
Candidate Support FAQs: https://support.rezoomo.com/en/collections/147587-candidate-faqs
HSE Recruitment Process: https://www.hse.ie/eng/staff/jobs/recruitment-process/
HSE Career Hub: https://careerhub.hse.ie/who-we-are/
For informal enquiries, please contact:
Ms Caroline Crawford, Regional Director, Communications & Public Affairs
Email: caroline.crawford@hse.ie
Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates will normally be given at least one week’s notice.
Last Day to Apply: 22 May 2026 at 10:00 AM
