The Grade VII Communications and Public Affairs Manager role at Merlin Park University Hospital offers a senior leadership opportunity within healthcare communications in Galway. This position plays a critical role in shaping public messaging, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications across the HSE West and North West region.
Job Overview
This Grade VII Communications and Public Affairs Manager position is a key leadership role responsible for delivering high-impact communications strategies within Merlin Park University Hospital. The successful candidate will influence public perception, support organisational priorities, and strengthen engagement with internal and external stakeholders across the healthcare system.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement strategic communications and public affairs plans
- Manage media relations and oversee press engagement activities
- Provide expert communications advice to senior leadership teams
- Coordinate internal communications to support organisational objectives
- Lead stakeholder engagement initiatives across regional healthcare services
- Support crisis communications and reputational risk management
- Ensure consistent messaging aligned with national healthcare priorities
- Monitor and evaluate communication strategies for effectiveness
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Significant experience in communications, public affairs, or media relations
- Proven leadership and team management capabilities
- Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication abilities
- Experience working in complex or public sector organisations desirable
- Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
- Relevant third-level qualification in communications, PR, journalism, or related field
- Eligibility restricted to HSE, Tusla, Section 38, or statutory health agency employees
Salary, Benefits & Working Hours
Salary is aligned with Grade VII (0582) public sector pay scales. This is a permanent whole-time position offering job security, pension benefits, and opportunities for career progression within the health service. Working hours follow standard HSE arrangements, with flexibility required based on service needs.
Location & Employer Information
This role is based at Merlin Park University Hospital in Galway, a key facility within the HSE West and North West region. The hospital plays an important role in delivering specialist and community healthcare services, offering a dynamic environment where communications directly impact patient engagement, public trust, and service delivery.
The position is part of a wider regional structure covering Donegal, Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo, and Galway, providing broad exposure to strategic healthcare communications at scale.
Application Details
Applications must be submitted via the official online portal. CVs are not accepted for this campaign.
Job specification and additional information are available through the application link.
For informal enquiries, contact Ms Caroline Crawford, Regional Director of Communications and Public Affairs, HSE West & North West.
Email: caroline.crawford@hse.ie
Interview Timeline: Interviews will be held as soon as possible after the closing date. Candidates will typically receive at least one week’s notice.
Last Day to Apply: 18 May 2026 at 10:00 AM
