A great opportunity has become available with an insurance firm who is looking for a Head of Communications on a fixed term contract to cover maternity leave. This would be a great opportunity for someone who is looking to step into a 'Head of' position coming from a Senior Communications background.
Job Title: Head of Communications, Media & Branding
Reporting to: CEO
Job Purpose
To strategically plan and implement effective media, communications, and public relations initiatives that promote the organisation as a respected and credible representative body in the insurance industry in Ireland. This includes managing crisis communications, fostering positive relationships with media outlets, stakeholders, enhancing the overall reputation and visibility of the members.
Job Responsibilties
- Develop and implement a comprehensive media, external & internal communications strategy that aligns with the organisation's strategic goals and objectives, enhancing brand visibility and reputation both of the industry and the organisation.
- To support membership recruitment and retention opportunities or threats, analyse membership data to support recruitment/retention activities, and improve campaign effectiveness feeding into an effective Membership Comms Strategy.
- Oversee external communication activities to ensure consistent messaging and branding across all channels.
- Act as the first point of contact for all media queries with responsibility for providing prompt counsel/media responses.
- Lead and manage communications groups from the member sectors, ensuring regular meetings and gathering input on key issues.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with key media outlets, influencers, and stakeholders to enhance the organisation's media presence.
- Oversee the creation and distribution of press releases, media packs, and other internal & external communication materials (e.g., Fact File, Annual Report, Staff Newsletters) to promote the organisation's initiatives and achievements.
- Monitor and analyse media coverage and communication metrics to measure the effectiveness of media and communications strategies.
- Manage crisis communication strategies and responses to protect the organisation's reputation in challenging situations.
- Develop and manage the departmental budget to ensure cost-effective implementation of media and communications activities.
- Represent the organisation at events both domestically and internationally, in addition to preparing colleagues for such engagements.
- Help lead the organisation at major conferences and events with industry and stakeholder audiences including managing all accompanying communications activity.
Key Requirements
- Minimum of 8 years senior experience in a relevant environment.
- Professional level education or equivalent practical experience in communications, journalism, public relations, public policy or related field.
- Up to date understanding and knowledge of the Irish media, policy and stakeholder environment with strong relationships.
- Demonstrable results in communications output that relate to strategic organisational priorities.
- Strong oral and written communication skills, especially the ability to clearly articulate arguments supported by convincing evidence, and the presentation skills required to speak at senior level meetings, conferences and in public.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to cut through complex issues and present it to stakeholders in an effective way.
- Excellent lobbying and influencing skills, including the ability to win the confidence of senior stakeholders.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to build and maintain close relationships with key partners, influencers and decision-makers.
- Problem solving skills and an ability to work with ambiguity to provide clarity to key stakeholders.
Desirable
- Senior Leadership Team membership experience.
- Experience and knowledge of regulation and legislation at Irish and EU level.
- Experience of working within the insurance industry.
- Experience of working in a representative body.
