Job Type – Full-Time Permanent. We will consider a part-time position for a candidate who exceeds the minimum required experience and qualifications.
Location – Flexible, with some travel to offices in Naas/Dublin and other events in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Europe.
Working hours – 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, but hours are flexible. A part-time role may also be considered for the right candidate.
Salary - Competitive Package.
Reporting to – Head of Energy Storage Ireland.
The successful candidate will work as part of a team to build support for the policies and priorities of Ireland's energy storage and electrification industries by developing and delivering key messages to critical political, industry, policymaking and media stakeholders.
You will draft high-quality, accessible and concise public affairs and communications content to tight deadlines and publicly represent the organisation to different stakeholders and audiences.
Developing high-quality content and insights to inform member engagement and creating innovative content to promote energy storage and electrification across various print, broadcast and digital media channels is key.
Finding new ways to explain complex policy and technical issues so that they are accessible to a wide array of audiences is essential.
This role will be split approximately 80:20 between two associations: Energy Storage Ireland and Ireland Electrified.
Achieving renewable energy targets requires mobilisation across every level of Irish society.
The Senior Communications & Public Affairs Specialist will build support for the development of energy storage and electrification as key enablers of a cleaner, more independent Irish energy system.
Duties include:
* Drafting high-quality public affairs and communications content to support strategic objectives;
* Developing networks with key stakeholders;
* Assisting with media enquiries and requests for information;
* Supporting member committees and working groups in communication and stakeholder engagement;
* Developing content to inform association communications and member engagement;
* Creating innovative content to promote energy storage and electrification across media channels;
* Staying up-to-date on policy developments in Ireland and Northern Ireland;
* Monitoring the media and escalating relevant matters;
* Updating websites and social media platforms;
* Supporting membership engagement and promotion of new opportunities;
* Supporting conferences, events and publications.
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
Essential:
* 4 years' experience in public affairs or communications;
* Relevant third-level qualification in Public Affairs, Communications, Journalism or a related field;
* Excellent understanding of the Irish political, media and policymaking landscape;
* Outstanding written and verbal communications skills;
* Experience designing digital content and using social media channels;
* Comfortable representing the organisation in formal and informal settings;
* Establishing relationships with key stakeholders;
* Highly organised with ability to multi-task and work to tight deadlines;
* Ability to work as part of a team while guiding own work under minimal supervision;
* Committed to responding to the climate emergency and making Ireland energy-independent;
* Experience with MS Office tools, particularly Word, Excel and SharePoint.
Desirable Criteria:
* Experience working in a membership-based organisation;
* Knowledge of the Irish energy sector and renewable energy;
* Knowledge of energy storage and/or electrification technologies;
* Clean driving licence;
* Experience using WordPress and website management;
* Familiarity with policymaking and stakeholders in the energy sector.
Work Environment and Benefits
ESI and Ireland Electrified are sister associations of Wind Energy Ireland (WEI). This position will be employed by WEI but primary duties fall under ESI and Ireland Electrified.
We pride ourselves on being a good employer, creating a people-focused company and supporting our people.
We offer a positive progressive culture and flexible working arrangements.
Our office is based in Naas, Co. Kildare, but we carry out work/meetings in Dublin and other locations.
We provide non-salary benefits including:
* 23 annual leave days and 4 company days, plus an option to buy-back 3 additional days each year;
* Healthcare scheme provided by VHI;
* Pension scheme with employer contributions;
* Income protection insurance;
* Hybrid and flexible working;
* Supportive maternity & paternity schemes;
* Employee Assistance Programme;
* A competitive sick pay scheme;
* Phone and laptop, along with home office equipment;
* Mileage at standard civil service rates.