Who we are
The Irish Foster Care Association is the representative body for foster care in Ireland. Its membership is broad based and includes foster carers who have contracts to foster with Tusla, the Child & Family Agency and private/independent fostering organisations, social workers and others with an interest in foster care. IFCA works to support excellence in foster care and achieves this through support, the provision of learning opportunities, the development of our branch structure and advocacy.

IFCA Values
The paramount importance of the protection and welfare of children
Open, respectful, transparent ways of working
The role of foster carers in the lives of children
A partnership approach between all those involved in foster care
Equality and inclusion
Family based care for children who for various reasons cannot live with their own families
The work of volunteers at all levels within the Association
The contribution made by IFCA members to the work of the Association

Media and Communications Officer Role
This role offers an exciting opportunity to help drive IFCA’s presence in the public arena through traditional and social media. You will be working across a range of activities to deliver internal and external communications coverage. You will use a range of media skills and channels to generate proactive media coverage, identifying media and communications opportunities as well as working on reactive media and communications stories. A range of communication systems will also be used to ensure the IFCA membership are kept up to date on the activities of, and are actively engaged with, the Association.

Responsibilities
General
Implement relevant aspects of the IFCA Strategic Plan, monitor its implementation and advise on the further development of the strategy
Devise and implement a Press and Social Media Plan that contributes to the advocacy and communications objectives of IFCA
Adhere to IFCA’s Communications Policy
Ensure consistency and coherence of IFCA’s messaging and presence in the public sphere and within the sector across traditional and social media
Lead or contribute to the organisation of relevant IFCA events /campaigns, focusing particularly on traditional and social media aspects and other new and evolving media opportunities as they arise
Lead and contribute to IFCA’s communication with its members
Contribute to the generation and dissemination of appropriate information and promotional materials including online resources, leaflets and presentations
Contribute to the generation and maintenance of relevant resources on IFCA’s website
Prepare articles, briefings and other materials on relevant matters for communication
Contribute to IFCA’s management of critical events or public concerns

Media
Monitor media daily to ensure that IFCA can respond in a timely manner to maximise IFCA’s media presence
Draft, edit and issue press releases as directed by the CEO/Director of Finance, Policy & HR
Coordinate media interviews involving appropriate IFCA personnel and brief and prepare them in advance
Monitor IFCA’s public profile and brand, including its media presence and performance
Social Media

Develop, manage and drive IFCA’s social media presence
Source and develop suitable content that fits with IFCA’s branding and messaging
Proactively promote IFCA’s position and message using appropriate social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, etc) to reach and involve different target audiences
Monitor and analyse IFCA’s social media presence, using suitable analytical tools and metrics; continually respond and re-shape this presence accordingly.

Communications
Develop and manage relevant communication systems to enhance IFCA’s communication internally and externally
Collate relevant information and circulate as appropriate
Ensure communication systems used will keep the IFCA membership up to date on the activities of, and actively engaged with, the Association
Contribute to IFCA’s review and development of Communication Policy.

Knowledge and Understanding
The post holder should have knowledge and understanding of:

The media landscape
The role, influence, trends, metrics and development of social media
Government, politics and current affairs
The Community and Voluntary Sector

Skills and Experience
At least two years’ experience in a communications or equivalent environment is essential.
A third level qualification or equivalent is essential; desirably this should be in PR / Communications/Media Studies or equivalent environment
Excellent verbal and communications and presentation skills
Ability to identify and plan key areas of work
Ability to build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues, members and external personnel
Ability to work together as part of a team in pursuit of common goals as well as to work independently

Team
Attend team meetings
Contribute to team meetings and the overall work of the team
Terms & Conditions:

Part-time post, working 24 hours a week
Location: IFCA National Office, Tallaght, Dublin 24
Garda Vetting and attendance at Induction training is required.
Two satisfactory references of which one should be from the current employer.

Salary Scale
Starting salary: €26,641, pro rata and based on relevant experience.

Please email your CV and cover letter to Breda O’Donovan, Director of Finance, Policy & HR at breda.odonovan@ifca.ie. The closing date is 12.00pm on Wednesday 25th January 2017. Shortlisting will be applied and interviews will take place the week of 6th February 2017.