Media Relations and Public Affairs Manager - Higher Executive Officer - Specified Purpose Contract in Dublin

About the Role

The purpose of this role is to support Coimisiún na Meán’s communications activities, with a focus on media relations and public affairs. An Coimisiún operates a busy press office function, dealing with journalists in Ireland and across the EU due to our central role in regulating online platforms. We also engage regularly with TDs, Senators, government officials, and other public bodies are prepare representatives for Oireachtas Committee appearances.

Commissioners and other staff are visible and active externally, explaining our mission, organisation and work to a range of audiences. We are looking for a team member who can contribute across all these areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to join an established public sector organisation with an important story to tell. The work of a regulator can seem complex and technical. Our team’s role is to bring it to life in a way that resonates with our various audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the day-to-day running of Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Relations function, including handling incoming media queries and coordinating interview requests as part of a busy press office.
• Leading the drafting and issuing of press releases to support public understanding of Coimisiún na Meán’s latest announcements and ongoing activities.
• Supporting the management of Coimisiún na Meán’s Public Affairs function, including drafting responses to Parliamentary Questions and preparing spokespeople for Oireachtas Committee appearances.
• Assisting with the preparation of spokespeople for media interviews, including drafting briefing notes and key messages.
• Assisting with the monitoring and analysis of Coimisiún na Meán's media coverage as well as other topics of interest to the organisation.
• Tracking political developments in the Oireachtas and beyond, ensuring that colleagues across Coimisiún na Meán are kept informed of relevant developments.
• Managing a staff member at Executive Officer level within the Media Relations and Public Affairs function, including allocating tasks and duties and supporting their ongoing professional and personal development.
• Managing the existing contract with the external media monitoring service provider, including organising daily media clippings and handling relevant financial and contact arrangements.
• Working with other teams and divisions across Coimisiún na Meán to plan and deliver communications activities that support organisational and project objectives.
• Supporting the development and updating of core project materials, including key messages, response lines, briefings, and presentations, for use across multiple channels and platforms.

Requirements

Essential Criteria

• At least three years’ relevant experience, working in two or more of the following areas: Media Relations/Press Office, Public Affairs, Public Relations, Politics.
• Previous work experience in one or more of the following areas: communications consultancy/agency or in-house communications in the private sector, or in-house communications in the public sector or working for a TD, Senator or Political Party.
• Experience drafting press releases, responding to media queries and communicating with journalists and other media representatives by email and phone.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, time management, project management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and build strong relationships across teams and with relevant stakeholders, including journalists, media personnel and communication professionals in the public and private sectors.

Desirable Criteria

• An interest in public policy relating to broadcasting, print, online and digital media, and social media platforms and the technology sector.
• Strong attention to detail and an understanding of how to turn data and facts into compelling stories for specific target audiences.

Details

Location: Dublin

Contract Type: Specified Purpose Contract, Full time

Duration: Approximately 6-9 months

Hours: 35 hrs per week

Annual Leave: 29 days per annum

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2 days in the office)

Office Location: One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20

Salary: Indicative HSE pay scale for this grade: €60,916–€79,189 per year.

Closing Date: 3pm, 10/11/2026

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit: A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via the apply now button below. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland. Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process. Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact [email protected]