Programmes Communications Officer

ROLE PURPOSE & RELATIONSHIPS  

The purpose of this role is to provide communications and marketing support for The Wheel’s Europe programme. Working closely with the European Programmes Manager, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing and implementing strategies to promote our Access Europe programme and grow its reach and brand. They may also support the delivery of communications activities for The Wheel’s other EU initiatives.  

The Programmes Communications Officer is a member of the Development and Member Services Team and reports to the European Programmes Manager.  

The post-holder will also need to develop and maintain positive professional relationships with colleagues, partners and the members of The Wheel. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:  

• Support the delivery of European Programme activities within The Wheel, aiming to increase sector organisations’ understanding of opportunities available and specifically raise visibility of the Access Europe programme and other EU initiatives 

• Assist with the conceptualisation and implementation of communications and marketing plans for Access Europe and other EU initiatives  

• Manage Access Europe’s social media channels and support a strategy for growing the online presence of Access Europe and The Wheel’s other EU programmes through regular and relevant posting and advertisement 

• Support the maintenance of the Access Europe and other EU Programme websites, keeping it up to date with quality content

• Create and implement digital marketing campaigns to promote events and initiatives

• Design visual assets for events, projects and campaigns 

• Write high-quality copy for a wide for a range of audiences, including members, stakeholders, policymakers and the public 

• Copy-edit and proofread documents, online content and publications

• Liaise with external printers and designers to produce high-quality publications and marketing materials such as flyers, brochures, and visual displays

• Track and analyse social media and other digital marketing metrics to inform content development and improve reach and impact, and create reports where necessary for funders and other stakeholders

• Provide support to our European Ambassador Schools Programme (which The Wheel coordinates in Ireland) by assisting the project lead with communications and events 

• Assist on communications for other EU programmes as required 

Essential criteria  

• A relevant third-level qualification in communications, marketing, journalism or a related field  

• At least two years’ experience managing communications  

• Experience in using graphic design software such as Canva and Adobe Creative Suite 

• Proficiency in managing social media channels, including running advertisements 

• Demonstrated experience of delivering successful media campaigns  

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English 

• Experience in managing or updating websites 

• Ability to build sustainable relationships with key individuals inside and outside of the organisation   

Desirable criteria  

• Basic knowledge of website CMS and HTML 

• Some knowledge of Salesforce CRM would be advantageous.  

• Not-for-profit experience (either as a volunteer or in paid employment) 

• Knowledge of the characteristics of EU funded projects 

Person Specification

We are looking for a skilled and versatile communicator who can work both independently and collaboratively in teams. 

You will have exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.  

You will be creative with an eye for detail and quality design.  

You will be self-motivated and be able to engage and build relationships with a range of external stakeholders.  

You will have a proven ability to multi-task and work on several projects simultaneously.  

You will be passionate about positive social change achieved through community and voluntary action. 

Behavioural Competencies 

The Wheel uses a Behavioural Competency Framework as a key cornerstone of its performance management processes. The priority behavioural competences identified for this role are: 

• Collaborative Working: Co-operates with others and participates outside of own work area, seeks to understand fully the work of the organisation, willingly offers support where needed. Creates a friendly work environment where any conflicts can be resolved amicably.

• Open Communications: Listens attentively, speaks clearly and to the point, and responds positively to questions. Uses relevant building/linking to improve on what has been said. 

• Quality: Pays attention to detail to produce high quality work; Is concerned with good outputs and thinks ahead to consider what is needed. Sets quality targets and aims to reach them; drives commitment to high quality work and ensures this through quality review processes.  

• Adaptability: Understands, accepts and adapts to change quickly, finding new ways of working while continuing to be productive and effective; Responds with enthusiasm & communicates clearly.   

Key Information

In accordance with the terms of the funding for these roles from the contracting authority this contract will be offered for one year with the option to extend for a further two years

This contract is for a 36-hour week and the salary is payable monthly in arrears

• The pay band for Officer level posts in The Wheel is €36,000 – €48,100. We anticipate that the salary for this role will be within the lower quartile of that band.  

• The Wheel both offers and expects flexibility in terms of hours and location of work for a role such as this and the remuneration and benefits package offered reflects this.

This role requires the post holder to attend in-person meetings in Dublin and elsewhere regularly.

Additionally, the role may require participation in meetings which can occur in the evenings and on weekends. The Wheel’s Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy applies to this position.  

Travel outside of the office is reimbursed according to our expense policy. 
 

The Wheel offers the following benefits in addition to salary: 

• A 6% employers' contribution to a mandatory company contributory pension scheme, subject to a 4% employee contribution. (A lower option is available.)

• Annual leave of 21 days 

• Closure of the office on Good Friday, Christmas Eve and the Christmas / New Year period which comes in addition to annual leave entitlement  

• The Wheel’s Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) policy applies to this position

• Death in Service benefit of four times salary 

• Further Education / Training and learning investment programme 

• Professional subscriptions (as applicable and necessary) 

• Travel (bike-to-work schemes/tax saver commuter tickets) 

• The Wheel is committed to hybrid working and is currently implementing a Hybrid Working Pilot, working towards a Hybrid Working Policy. This includes some in-office work, the precise nature of which will be worked out when the person is in role

 A complete list of all the terms and conditions will be made available to the candidate offered the role through The Wheel’s Staff Handbook.  

The Wheel is an equal opportunities employer. Shortlisting will apply. 

ABOUT THE WHEEL 

The Wheel is Ireland’s national association of community and voluntary organisations, charities and social enterprises. We are a registered charity in Ireland and are unique in our role as a ‘one-stop-shop’ for anything related to the charity and non-profit sector.

‘Our Vision is a thriving community and voluntary sector at the heart of a fair, just and inclusive Ireland.’  

We are an authoritative and trusted voice for the sector, and we are enthusiastically committed to transparency, accountability, and the highest standards of practice and governance. Together, we work to ensure that the sector is recognised and respected, adequately resourced and appropriately regulated.  

Learn more about who we are here https://www.wheel.ie/