About Gaisce – The President’s Award

Gaisce – The President’s Award is a three-tiered personal development programme for young people aged 15 to 25 to dream big and fulfil their potential. Combining self-directed challenges and structured supervision by a trained adult volunteer (President Award Leaders, or PALs), young people set and achieve a series of goals in the areas of personal skill, physical recreation, community involvement and adventure. Gaisce is the most prestigious award programme for young people in Ireland. The patron of Gaisce is the President of Ireland and the programme is a challenge directly from the President to all young people in Ireland.

More than 22,000 young people register to do their Gaisce award each year and there are an estimated 300,000 awardees. Gaisce has a relatively small staff team (less than 15) with participants supported by more than 1,500 active PALs. This year, Gaisce celebrates its 30th anniversary. For more information about Gaisce, please visit www.gaisce.org.

The Role

Reporting to the CEO, the role of the Communications Manager will be to develop and implement a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy that drives the objectives of the organisation. 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 and for policy development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and successfully implement a comprehensive and integrated communications strategy that increases awareness of Gaisce and its reach, particularly with key stakeholder groups (participants, volunteers, sponsors/supporters, partners and awardees).
Manage Gaisce’s website and all social media platforms.
Oversee and ensure accuracy of all Gaisce’s online and printed communication materials.
Plan, coordinate and manage events to meet objectives.
Identify, engage and develop relationships and effective networks with key stakeholders including media, C&V/youth organisations and policy makers.
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 volunteers/interns.
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 3 years relevant experience in developing and successfully implementing communications strategies (not necessarily in the C&V sector).
Proven experience of PR, advertising and digital marketing.
Proven experience of website/social media management and content generation, and of using digital media for communication purposes.
Demonstrable capacity to build and maintain relationships/networks with a wide variety of stakeholders.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent organisational skills.
Strong strategic, analytical and evaluation skills.

Skills / Experience (Desirable)

Event management (press launches, photo calls, award ceremonies).
Familiarity/understanding of media relations in Ireland.
People management (volunteers).

Qualifications: Relevant 3rd 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 should be submitted by email with the subject line ‘Communications Manager Application’ to recruitment@gaisce.ie and to arrive by 5pm on Friday, 13th March (late applications will not be considered). Applications should include a letter outlining suitability for the post clearly indicating how the qualification requirements, skills and experience are met. The letter should be accompanied by a CV (max 3 pages). It should include the names of two referees that have recent professional dealings with the applicant, which are relevant to the role. Referees will not be contacted without the permission of the candidate. Queries can be addressed to the same email address.

All applications received within the deadline will be screened against the role requirements and the person specification. Candidates called for interview will be advised by 20th March and interviews will be held week beginning 30th March.

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.