Media and Communications Specialist

Reporting to: Communications Manager

Department: Corporate Services / Policy and Communications

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time, Hybrid

Place of Work: 11/12 Warrington Place Dublin D02 Dublin

ABOUT US

Co-operative Housing Ireland is the national organisation representing, promoting and developing co-operative housing in Ireland. Since our foundation in 1973, we have delivered over 6,000 homes through social rented, shared ownership and homeownership co-operatives. As an Approved Housing Body (AHB), we work with a wide range of partners, including local authorities, Government, developers, aspiring homeowners and tenants. We currently manage more than 5,000 homes across the country.

ROLE OVERVIEW

We're seeking a creative, driven Media and Communications Specialist to help tell the story of co-operative and social housing in Ireland. You'll lead media relations, pitch and place stories, and create engaging content for digital channels, publications, internal comms, and events. Passionate about storytelling and social justice, you'll work with journalists, tenants, colleagues, and partners to share impactful stories nationwide.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Media Relations, Advocacy and Storytelling:

• Pitch and place stories in national, regional and local media, including press, radio, television and online.
• Build and maintain strong media relationships and monitor coverage.
• Tell the stories of Co-operative Housing Ireland's member tenants and communities in a respectful and compelling way.
• Translate housing policy and social issues into accessible, plain-English content.
• Write press releases, op-eds, quotes, speeches and campaign materials.
• Work with internal teams to identify real-life stories and campaign opportunities.

Digital Content and Multimedia:

• Manage Co-operative Housing Ireland's social media channels and digital content schedule.
• Create or coordinate engaging content, including graphics, short videos, reels and infographics.
• Maintain and update website content for accuracy, accessibility and impact.
• Work with external designers, editors or multimedia producers as needed.
• Monitor digital performance and audience engagement.
• Contribute to the development of Co-operative Housing Ireland's digital storytelling capacity.

Publications and Brand:

• Support the production of Co-operative Housing Ireland's annual report, newsletters and other printed materials.
• Liaise with external designers, printers and contributors to ensure timely delivery.
• Maintain brand consistency across all communications.
• Edit and proofread written content to a high standard.

Internal Communications and Events:

• Support internal staff updates and cross-departmental communications.
• Assist with housing launches, photo calls, briefings and stakeholder events.
• Travel occasionally to Co-operative Housing Ireland housing developments to gather stories and support events.

WHAT YOU WILL BRING

Essential Experience & Skills:

• Four to five years of experience in journalism, public relations, communications or media.
• A strong writer with a portfolio of published or broadcast work.
• Proven experience in pitching stories and working directly with journalists.
• Skilled in producing content for public audiences across digital, print and social platforms.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Interest in housing, social justice or public interest communications.

Desirable Skills:

• Experience with Canva, Mailchimp, website CMS, SEO or analytics tools.
• Basic multimedia skills such as video editing, podcasting or photography.
• Experience supporting internal communications or employee engagement.
• Familiarity with briefing materials, speech writing or campaign development.

Personal Qualities:

• Curious, thoughtful and able to spot stories that others might overlook.
• Proactive and full of ideas, with the confidence to lead on projects.
• Organised and detail-focused, with strong time management.
• A clear communicator and collaborative team player.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive Salary Bands
• 22 Days Annual Leave + 3 Company Privilege Days
• Annual leave increase to 30 days linked to length of service
• Generous Company Pension Contributions (up to 12% employer contribution)
• Income Protection
• Paid Sick leave Scheme
• Educational Assistance Program
• Paid Study & Exam Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP Scheme)
• Life Cover/Death in Service
• Paid Professional Subscription
• Hybrid-Working

SELECTION PROCESS

Please note that interviews for this position may take place anytime from the launch date to closing date until a successful candidate is found.

How to Apply: Interested applicants should submit a CV and Cover Letter.

Due to the high volume of applications received, we regret that we are unable to respond to all applications. Only those suitable for this position will be contacted.

Co-operative Housing Ireland is an equal opportunities employer.

All documentation received by Co-operative Housing Ireland will be processed in accordance with the Data Protection Acts & General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR; 2018)