A. DetailsPosition: Communications Officer - PressGrade: Executive Officer (EO)Whole time equivalent: Full-time (35 hours per week)Reports to: Head of Press and CommunicationDuration: PermanentRole closing date: 12 noon, Wednesday 17th September, 2025.B. Department & Role OverviewThe Arts Council is the Irish Government’s agency for developing, supporting and promoting the arts in Ireland. We work in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. An exciting opportunity has arisen in our communications department.The Arts Council is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and talented Communications Officer – press, to work within our fast-paced communications team. The team delivers on all aspects of corporate communications and this role will contribute to the successful delivery of workplans across the team. The successful applicant will be given the opportunity to be part of a highly motivated, proactive team in a dynamic public sector body.C. Key ResponsibilitiesPreparing and writing media pitches, articles and press releasesDevelop relevant, accurate and engaging content for use on the Arts Council’s internal and external communications channelsHandling enquiries from journalists and other media contacts via telephone calls and emailArranging and organising events, interviews and press conferencesLiaising with media representatives and managersMonitoring current affairs and coverage of the organisation within the mediaLiaising with relevant service providers as required, i.e. photographers, videographers, copywritersApply best practice principles for Plain English and accessibility on all contentProvide monthly analytics and analysis of content performance to guide development of future contentProvide colleagues with communications support and guidance, as requiredSupport timely responses to Parliamentary Questions as neededWork within the Communications team to deliver high-end impactful internal and external campaigns, communicating the work of the Arts CouncilAssist communications managers and director to implement communications strategies and communications plansPublish, schedule and amend content on the Arts Council’s internal and external channels, including the website, social media platforms and newsletters, as requiredAdditional communications and public relations activities as neededNote: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade that may be assigned from time to time.D. Skills Knowledge and ExperiencesEssential:Professional qualification/s in relevant areasPrior experience in communications / public relations in an organisational or agency settingCurrent knowledge of best practice in communications / public relationsDemonstrable experience in media and press relationsProven excellent writing skillsDemonstrable ability to write and create content from an ‘audience first’ perspectiveExcellent communication skills and a creative thinkerExcellent administrative and organisational skillsExcellent ICT skillsAbility to work well in a team environment and be self-motivatedA commitment to high standards of public serviceCommitment to quality, sense of urgency, and ability to thrive in a reactive environmentFlexibilityA creative approach to problem solvingDesirable:A relevant third level qualification in communications or related fieldThe ability to communicate through the Irish language, both verbal and writtenKnowledge of the arts and/or public sector