Communications Specialist

OT Background

The Organic Trust is dedicated to protecting and upholding the organic principles, ensuring the highest standards for organic food and farming in Ireland. We work alongside our members at every stage of their journey – from application to certification and beyond – to protectthe integrity of the organic symbol; enablecompliance with confidence; supportwellbeing and business growth; developopportunities for skills and market access;and advocatefor the interests of our organic community at national and EU level. Our inspection and certification process is independently verified and accredited each year, allowing our members to strive for excellence and thrive in their own organic journey, because with the Organic Trust, organics – it's all about trust

The Organic Trust is ISO 17065 accredited; approved by the Department of Agriculture; by DEFRA in the UK to facilitate our organic inspection and certification services in the UK and by the European Commission. Members span from agricultural producers to processors/ manufactures, aquaculture and retailers.

The Role:

We are currently looking for an experienced and enthusiastic professional for a full-time permanent position, with the knowledge and expertise to support the Organic Trusts communications team. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, with the ability to produce and deliver proactive, creative and member-focused communications that align with the Organic Trust's organisational strategy 2022–2026.This role combines hands-on content creation with strategic input, requiring initiative, excellent communication skills and a deadline-driven approach.

The Communications Specialist reports directly to the Member Relations and Communications Manager.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver the Organic Trust's communications strategy, in collaboration with the wider team.

·Assist in the research and planning of key organisational brand and communications initiatives, such as the Ploughing Championships, Tullamore Show, OT farm walks and webinars.

·Provide a communications and marketing presence at events, including photography, videography and interviews, where required.

·Build and maintain relationships with national and regional media, promoting the Organic Trust team's expertise and connections within the sustainable agri-sector.

• Draft and publish press releases and media content.

·Oversee the design, production and dissemination of marketing and communications collateral as required, including production of the OT strategy document.

·Oversee all social media channels, including content planning and creation, managing user interactions, responding to enquiries, and fostering meaningful engagement.

·Monitor and report on levels of engagement on different social networks, collating statistics and reporting to the Communications Manager on social media activity.

·Develop and maintain the Organic Trust website and content, ensuring content is up to date, and proactively identifying future improvements for user experience and ease of use.

·Produce in house videos and graphics to support communications campaigns and collaborating with external agencies, when required.

·Under the guidance of the Communications Manager, take ownership of the creation, development and publication of the annual Organic Trust members magazine (Clover). End to end production of the magazine to include content creation, editing, printing, publication and dissemination.

·Create and deliver the monthly Organic Trust members newsletter, working with content specialists on the monthly publication.

·Support the Organic Trust staff in areas such as web content creation, social media platforms, email marketing, video and graphics production.

·Ensure all Organic Trust documents adhere to brand guidelines, maintaining consistency in style, tone and visual identity.

Minimum Qualifications and Experience:

·Previous experience in a communications, brand, or marketing role, or similar.

·Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Communications

·Social media and digital marketing experience.

·Previous experience of working in the organic sector in Ireland is desirable.

• Excellent Communicator– strong written, editorial and verbal skills; ability to communicate complex topics simply and clearly.
• Integrity & personability– Approachable and able to communicate with and on behalf of all Organic Trust members.
• Proactive & self-starter– takes initiative, seeking out stories, opportunities and creative ideas, without waiting for direction.
• Creative & engaging– brings fun, originality and warmth to content while keeping it professional and member-friendly.
• Deadline-driven & organised– ability to juggle multiple tasks, prioritise effectively and deliver under pressure.
• Collaborative & supportive– works well with colleagues and management, open to feedback and able to assist team members when required.
• Adaptable & flexible– comfortable switching between strategic and hands-on tasks (e.g. from drafting a social media plan, to shooting photos at an event).

This roles is a full time position based in the company's head office in Naas Co. Kildare.

The Organic Trust are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need. If you believe you have the required skillset and experience, and believe you are the right fit for this role, please submit your CV along with a cover letter to irene@organictrust.ie