Marketing and Communications Manager
With over 18,000 students and 2,000 members of staff, the University of Limerick (UL) is an energetic, research led and enterprising institution with a proud record in innovation and excellence in education, research and scholarship. The dynamic, entrepreneurial and pioneering values which drive UL’s mission and strategy ensure that we capitalise on local, national and international engagement and connectivity. We are renowned for providing an outstanding student experience and conducting leading-edge research. Our commitment is to make a difference by shaping the future through educating and empowering our students.
With the River Shannon as a unifying focal point, UL is situated on a superb riverside campus of over 130 hectares. Outstanding recreational, cultural and sporting facilities further enhance the campus’s exceptional learning and research environment.
Applications are invited for the following position:
Faculty of Science & Engineering
Lero
Marketing and Communications Manager – Specific Purpose Contract
Salary Scale: €58,657 - €83,397 p.a. pro rata
Informal enquiries regarding the post may be directed to:
Mr Joe Gibbs
General Manager
Lero
University of Limerick
Email: joe.gibbs@ul.ie
The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday, 14th January 2025.
Applications must be completed online before 12 noon, Irish Standard Time on the closing date.
JOB DESCRIPTION
OVERALL PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
Lero has had considerable success in securing research funding to date, with over €190M awarded to Lero researchers since Lero’s establishment on 2005.
Funding comes from a variety of sources, including Research Ireland, Enterprise Ireland, the European Commission, the European Space Agency and industry partners. In November 2020 Research Ireland renewed its commitment to funding the Centre for an additional six years beginning Jan 2021.The Lero Marketing and Communications Manager will work with the Lero Leadership and Management Team, its Researchers and member institutions to promote Lero’s research and its impact on the wider community. They will promote Lero as a leading international research centre to national and international audiences.
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:
Reporting to the Lero General Manager, and working with Lero researchers, the Program Manager will:
* Work with the Lero General Manager to devise and implement the Lero marketing and communications strategy, utilising appropriate media and channels to ensure that Lero’s research and impact are widely understood. Key elements of the strategy will be the definition of messages, audiences, channels and desired outcomes.
* Establish Lero nationally and internationally as a go-to source for thought leadership and comment on selected technology-related issues. Organise a cohort of Lero spokespeople on topical issues and promote them to media organisations and conference/event organisers.
* Working with Lero colleagues, organise relevant events to communicate Lero’s research and impact to targeted audiences.
* Support colleagues working with schools and industry partners as required.
* Promote Lero through relevant social media and digital marketing techniques.
* Manage the Lero website as part of the communications strategy, ensuring that content is relevant and up-to-date.
* Mobilise a team of people across Lero to participate in communications activities, providing suitable guidance and training as needed.
* Work with Lero researchers across all the partner institutions to identify suitable case histories and other material for PR purposes. Manage the PR activity to ensure a regular flow of Lero media stories, targeting national and international communications channels.
* Develop marketing materials and promotional items to develop and enhance the Lero brand.
* Ensure all funder terms and conditions are met in relation to marketing and communications requirements.
* Liaise with Research Ireland, other agencies and other research centres to co-ordinate Lero’s participation in collaborative marketing and communications events.
* Target and manage Lero’s participation in selected third-party events, conferences, etc.
* Represent Lero in public as required.
CONTEXT:
Key Working Relationships & Contacts
* Reporting to Lero General Manager, the post holder will work closely with Lero management & operational team, in particular the Centre Manager, the Business Development Manager, the Communications Manager and the Funding Manager.
* The post holder with work closely with Lero researchers located across all Lero sites.
Working Environment/Special Circumstances
* The role will require some travel between the Lero academic partners.
Job Boundaries
* Plans and prioritizes own work, with reference to line managers, colleagues, and external partners.
* Develops/delivers on project plans, milestones and KPIs.
* Gathers relevant information. Solves problems, makes decisions independently within own area of responsibility, or in conjunction with other team members.
* Understands and can align own work to the goals and objectives of Lero requirements.
DIMENSIONS:
* Manages the MarComms budget and satisfies funding body reporting.
* Support Lero partners and funding bodies in MarComms related activities.
KNOWLEDGE, FUNCTIONAL SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS:
Knowledge
Knowledge and understanding of public engagement.
Essential
Analytical skills to measure and articulate the impact of marketing and communications activities.
Essential
Demonstrated ability to create, design and deliver innovative events or activities targeting a wide range of audiences.
Essential
Knowledge of the Irish Media landscape and an established contact network both in Ireland and beyond.
Desirable
Functional/Work-based Skills
Experience in developing and executing marketing and communications plans through multiple media channels (broadcast, print, online, social media, etc.)
Essential
Strong people skills and networking experience with the ability to forge long term strategic relationships and multi-disciplinary partnerships.
Essential
Superb written, graphic and oral communication skills.
Essential
Demonstrated ability to work across organisational boundaries, achieving results through influencing skills and collaboration.
Essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, with a demonstrable ability to advocate and foster engagement across a range of audiences.
Essential
Experience
Minimum of 5 years’ experience in marketing/communications role.
Essential
Significant experience and expertise in social media and digital marketing.
Desirable
Experience in devising, planning and managing communications events.
Desirable
Demonstrable experience in dealing with key stakeholders within the higher education sector and/or with key external industrial stakeholders.
Desirable
Experience in the commissioning of marketing materials (printed material, video/audio, websites, promotional items, etc.)
Desirable
Experience in working with academic researchers.
Desirable
Experience in speaking on radio/TV.
Desirable
Educated to at least degree standard, ideally in marketing or a STEM subject.
Essential Criteria:
* A bachelors’ degree (level 8 NFQ) in marketing or a relevant subject.
* Minimum 5 years’ experience in senior marketing/communications roles.
* Experience in developing and executing marketing and communications plans through multiple media channels (broadcast, print, online, social media, etc.)
* Significant experience and expertise in social media and digital marketing.
* Experience in devising, planning and managing communications events.
* Experience in the commissioning of marketing materials (printed material, video/audio, websites, promotional items, etc.)
* Superb written, graphic and oral communication skills.
* Analytical skills to measure and articulate the impact of marketing and communications activities.
Desirable Criteria:
* Qualification in marketing/communications.
* Qualification in a STEM subject.
* Experience in an R&D environment.
* Established contact network in the Irish media landscape and beyond.
* Demonstrated understanding of/background in societal impacts of digital technology.
* Experience in working with academic researchers.
* Experience in speaking on radio/TV.
Note: Candidates are encouraged to submit links to examples of marketing & communications deliverables (website and/or social media links, etc.)
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