Poetry Ireland seeking to recruit Communications Manager
Poetry Ireland is now seeking a Communications Manager to provide strong leadership and management across all marketing activities for the organisation.
Poetry Ireland is a dynamic and progressive not-for-profit organisation that aims to connect people with poetry, and in doing so, create opportunities for poets and enjoyable experiences for audiences. Since its establishment in 1978, it has championed Irish poetry and poets at home and abroad. Poetry Ireland is one of just seven organisations selected by the Arts Council for multi-annual funding. It is also funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
In September 2016 Poetry Ireland moved into its beautiful new home in Dublin's Parnell Square. The team embarked on ambitious and innovative plans with their partners, the Irish Heritage Trust, to redevelop this expansive Georgian townhouse as an all-island institution dedicated to poetry in all its forms. The new development will house the Seamus Heaney Library, elegant performance and workshop spaces and a poetry café and garden.
Poetry Ireland values creative and collaborative partnerships, and the organisation enjoys wide public and media reach for its extensive programme of activities. Its continued success is achieved through the efforts of a dedicated and motivated staff who have developed a creative and positive working environment. The organisation is governed by an experienced, dynamic and committed board of directors.
Poetry Ireland published and is committed to its Inclusion and Diversity Strategy, and continuously strives to include and engage people and poets belonging to underrepresented or misrepresented groups. It aims to develop policy and practices in the wider arts community that will create a more inclusive environment for emerging poets and poetry audiences.
This is an exciting prospect for the successful applicant, who will have a multitude of opportunities to promote Poetry Ireland’s activities to new and existing audiences, based in a dynamic, supportive and flexible environment.
Job Description
The purpose of the Communications Manager is to provide strong leadership and management across all marketing activities for the organisation, creating and delivering a considered, cohesive and appealing marketing and communications strategy. This position will involve working closely with the team at Poetry Ireland across the various programmes (publishing, education, live performance, professional development and capital campaign), as well as with external suppliers including publicists, graphic designers, videographers, printers and website developers.
Reporting to the director, the Communications Manager will:
- Strategically direct all internal and external (national & international) programme and organisational communications and delivery of marketing activities.
- Work with all departments to identify opportunities and develop plans to engage with new audiences, while increasing engagement with existing audiences.
- Develop an annual marketing and communications plan and longer-term strategic plan.
- Create and deliver imaginative, effective and targeted tactical marketing and PR campaigns for all programmes and events, frequently working with a range of partners.
- Write and sign off copy for all PR and marketing materials (press releases, flyers, posters, web, ezines, news etc.)
- Create and execute innovative and engaging social media content across all relevant platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, to grow our digital community.
- Plan, create and manage the budget for all digital and traditional advertising.
- Direct the development of creative content and design work for various digital and traditional marketing platforms.
- Research and recommend communication methods, channels and technologies to engage with various audiences (general public, schools, stakeholders, other sectors).
- Develop and maintain branding and visual identity guidelines.
- Manage all communications-related administrative duties including budget.
- Develop media sponsorships and new promotional partnerships.
- Manage the distribution of information through a range of channels including ezines, mailings, print campaigns, news items, invitations and stakeholder communications.
- Plan, organise, and manage events at 11 Parnell Square including launches, opening events, stakeholder events etc.
- Prepare communications reports and analysis for internal (staff & board) and external distribution (funders and other relevant supporters).
- Work with the director and development manager, prepare materials for fundraising campaigns.
- Represent Poetry Ireland at meetings, events, festivals and conferences.
- Take on a leadership role within the organisation, motivating team members and ensuring that all marketing and communications is delivered to the highest quality.
Requirements
- Proven ability to develop and implement successful marketing and communications strategies.
- Minimum of five years’ experience in a significant marketing role.
- Marketing qualifications or a proven track record in the area.
- Proven written, editorial, and verbal communication skills
- Excellent PC skills, with a high level of proficiency in MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Outlook, InDesign.
- Excellent digital marketing and communications knowledge and experience across website content management, SEO, Email clients (Mailchimp or similar), social media and other relevant digital systems and platforms.
- Creative flair and an imaginative approach to marketing and digital communications.
- An understanding and working knowledge of the arts and literature sectors is preferable, but not essential. A genuine enthusiasm for arts and literature is essential.
Personal Attributes
- Excellent writer
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Creative thinker with exceptional organising skills
- Proven budget management skills
- Ability to prioritise time and tasks efficiently and effectively
- Salary commensurate with skills and experience.
Contract
This is a three-year contract subject to a three-month probationary period. Employees must also participate in an annual performance review.
Holidays
21 days per annum with additional holidays allocated at the discretion of the company (Good Friday and Christmas).
Working Hours
Monday to Friday 10.00am to 5.30pm with occasional evening and weekend work required. Time off in lieu given as per company policy. The office is currently located at the Cregan Library at St Patrick’s Campus, DCU, Drumcondra. This is the work location. We accommodate “working from home” by mutual agreement and around Poetry Ireland events and programmes.
Application details
Suitably qualified applicants are invited to apply by submitting a cover letter and cv to director@poetryireland.ie
The deadline for applications is Friday August 5th and interviews for this position will take place on the week of the 15th August 2022.
DOWNLOAD Communications Manager Job Description and Application Details.