Only 24h Left: Press Officer

Press Officer - Maynooth University Unijobs DAC are currently recruiting a Press Officer with a strong track record as a former journalist/public relations/communications officer to work within Maynooth University. We are looking for someone to commence ASAP and the contract will be length of 5 months initially. Working 35 hours per week the successful candidate will be employed as an agency employee and will be paid an annualised salary which will range between €. Job Description Maynooth University is seeking a Press Officer with a strong track record as a former journalist/public relations/communications officer to enhance the reputation of Maynooth University at a time of exciting change. The role requires wide-ranging communications knowledge and a skillset applicable to external communications with a particular focus on scoping out and targeting appropriate stories for a range of media. The candidate will have a strong news sense and accurate writing/editing skills to assist in media promotions and public relations for university initiatives, announcements, research and events. The postholder will work within the university's communications, digital and marketing team. They will work with faculties, departments, institutes and centres across the university to positively enhance the public profile and reputation of Maynooth University. The postholder will collaborate collegially across the External Relations Office including Alumni Relations, Partnerships and Events along with liaising with team members of their own team. Principal duties and Responsibilities will include: Writing strong news/features to raise the public profile of MU; writing & editing diverse content for press releases, media notices and publications, for a range of external platforms including website, digital/social media and video. Liaising with staff across the university's units and faculties,/departments in response to requests for collaborations, including media and online promotions. Point of contact for media queries and requests, sourcing timely and accurate responses and/or identifying senior university contacts for response. Assistance in researching, developing storylines/angles/messages & writing briefs for media Working closely with the Digital team in the creation and dissemination of social media messaging, story packages, identifying and procuring photography/images, support in the creation of digital video content. Working as part of the Communications team on MU announcements for events, including press conferences, corporate stakeholder events/webinars and in preparing media kits. Media monitoring and collaborative circulation to staff/stakeholders of relevant items, preparing media evaluation reports. Availability for occasional after-hours work as deadlines/enquiries demand. The ideal candidate will have: Essential: A minimum 3 years' experience working in communications, media/public relations and or/journalism, preferably in a busy agency, communications/press office or newspaper/media platform environment Ability to identify story lines and create accurate and concise content/ messaging for both general and digital/social media. Superior writing and editing skills, targeted to different audiences and with a particular expertise in journalism-style writing (news and features). Third level degree qualification in a relevant area. Ability to convey complex research material in an accessible way for wider public appeal. Experience working at press conferences and events. Meticulous attention to detail, strong interpersonal communications skills. Ability to accurately assess media opportunities and evaluate risks. Ability to work well within a team under pressure and to deadlines. Interest in an academic environment, new and explorative research. Pro-active thinking; ability to think creatively about new avenues to promote the University. Knowledge of and interest in the Irish media landscape. Desirable: Knowledge or experience working in or with the third-level sector. Irish Language Ability Unijobs DAC is an equal opportunity employer. Skills: Hardworking Reliable Dependable