Policy and Communications Officer

Policy and Communications Officer Are you passionate about influencing change? This important role will help advance Samaritans’ strategy of reducing suicide. Help us reduce suicide by influencing national policy and practiceAre you passionate about influencing change? This important role will help advance Samaritans’ strategy of reducing suicide. You’ll help raise awareness of our work and be a key driver of change in policy and practice at both national and local level. Working collaboratively with volunteers, storytellers and partners you’ll ensure suicide remains a core focus of public health policy in Ireland.Contract ​€38,000 - €42,000 per annum plus benefitsFull time (35hrs per week) PermanentHybrid working with link to our Dublin officeIn-person working: Meeting in person and working collaboratively are things we value. We work in person around 2 days or more per month. We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences What you’ll do ​Policy and advocacy:Drive Samaritans Ireland’s policy and influencing strategySet policy and advocacy objectives and oversee actions and outcomesBuild relationships to influence decision-makers and partnersHelp establish and support a Lived Experience Advisory GroupTurn data and evidence into clear, persuasive policy messagesSupport branches with local advocacy and engagement​Communications and digital engagement:Manage Samaritans Ireland’s digital channelsDeliver and evaluate social media campaignsSource and support storytellers for digital and media contentCreate engaging digital and visual content aligned with brand standardsSupport media relations​What you’ll bringProven experience in a policy, public affairs or advocacy roleExperience of influencing policy or practice to bring about changeStrong digital engagement and content creation skillsExperience managing social media channels and online campaignsAbility to build relationships with multiple stakeholdersExcellent organisational and time management skillsClear and confident communicationExperience working with people with lived experience in a health or social care setting (desirable)Project management experience (desirable)​​Garda VettingWe take safeguarding seriously at Samaritans and follow safe recruitment practices. As this role may have direct contact with adults at risk, this role will require Garda Vetting.​Why Samaritans?At Samaritans, you’ll be part of a people-first organisation deeply committed to inclusion, compassion and learning. You’ll contribute to a team where your voice matters, your expertise makes a difference, and your work helps save lives.We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage those from underrepresented communities to apply. We are committed to creating an environment where all our people feel seen, heard and supported.You’ll join a values-led organisation with a powerful mission and a collaborative culture. We offer flexible hybrid working, excellent benefits, and the chance to make a tangible difference in suicide prevention across Ireland and the UK.For further information about Samaritans, including our charity structure, values, employee benefits, and application process, please read . You can also visit our careers website to access this.We recognise the enormous benefits and the social justice imperatives of ensuring diversity at every level of our organisation. Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. To ensure Samaritans is representative of those we support and who support us, we particularly welcome applications from disabled, racialised minority and LGBTQ+ candidates, as these people are under-represented at Samaritans. ​Apply nowIf this sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You will be asked to some answer short application questions and upload your CV.We kindly ask that you don’t rely on AI tools for your application answers, or to generate interview answers. We want to see your own unique ideas and writing skills. We want your application to stand out from the rest and showcase your own strengths.Interviews: w/c 1st December, on Teams. Second stage interviews will be held on 12th and 15th December at our office in Dublin. DOCX 72.98 KB DOCX 1.39 MB