Communications Executive

1. PREAMBLE Mary Immaculate College is an autonomous, university-level, Catholic College of Education and the Liberal Arts. Founded in 1898, and linked academically with the University of Limerick, MIC is the oldest higher education institution in Limerick. Significant expansion in recent decades has seen the College’s menu of educational programmes expand across two impressive campuses, one based in the heart of Limerick City and one in Thurles, Co. Tipperary. The diverse student community is made up of more than 5,000 learners, participating in fifteen undergraduate degree programmes and a wide range of postgraduate programmes up to and including doctoral level. Academic staff members engage in professional academic research activities, and research underpins all teaching and learning at the College. MIC seeks to prepare its students for professional excellence and to nurture their capacity to lead flourishing lives.

2. CANDIDATE PROFILE & SCOPE OF THE POSITION Mary Immaculate College wishes to appoint a suitable candidate to the position of Communications Executive – on a full-time permanent basis. The Communications Executive is a key member of the Strategic Communications & Marketing Services team, working within the Communication division. As an integral member of the team they will play a key role in the successful execution of the College’s various communication strategies interacting constructively, efficiently and effectively with staff and external bodies as needed. Essential Qualifications, Skills & Experience: 1. (a) A third level qualification at level 6 or higher on the National Qualifications Framework, and a minimum of 2 years’ relevant previous experience in a comparable Communications, Digital Media, Marketing role or a related discipline; or (b) A minimum of 3 years’ relevant previous experience in a comparable role in Communications, Digital Media, Marketing or a related discipline; 2. Significant experience in content planning, writing, sub-editing and editing with the ability to write proficiently across a variety of mediums (digital, social, print) and for a variety of audiences; 3. Strong understanding of digital communications and social media platforms as tools for engagement, and the appropriateness of each for different audiences and scenario; 4. Working knowledge in the use of multimedia editing tools; 5. Proven ability to work collaboratively and supportively with a wide variety of stakeholders; 6. Proven administrative skills with the ability to prioritise, manage and complete a variety of tasks at times of high pressure with an ability to work effectively on own initiative and to established deadlines.

In addition is desirable that applicants will have: 7. Demonstrable knowledge of digital analytic tools such as Google Analytics, SEO, CRO, etc; 8. A thorough knowledge of, or experience in, marketing and communications in the higher education sector. Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge. Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to Irish. 3. JOB DESCRIPTION Reporting Relationship The appointee is required to carry out the duties attached to the post, under the general direction of the Communications Manager to whom they report to and to whom they are responsible to for the performance of these duties in the first instance. The appointee will also report to the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing. The appointee will report through the Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing to the College President and/or to such other College Officers as the President may designate from time to time. They will liaise with the Deans of Arts and Education, Heads of Departments, Course Leaders and other College personnel and with relevant College bodies in carrying out the duties attaching to the post. The reporting relationship is subject to review and may be altered from time to time, in line with service needs and developments in the College.

Duties and Responsibilities • Play a key role in the Communications team, proactively contributing to the design and successful implementation of MIC’s communication strategies including campaign planning, messaging, design, implementation, reviewing and reporting. • Develop compelling and engaging content for a variety of communication channels, including press releases, website, social media, blogs, newsletters. • Assist in the creation of multimedia content such as videos, photos, infographics, and other assets to effectively convey the College’s key messages. • Cultivate and maintain relationships with media outlets to secure positive coverage of the College’s activities, achievements, and events. • Prepare and distribute press releases and serve as the primary point of contact for media inquiries. • Management of MIC press clippings archive. • Assisting in the development of MIC’s social media profiles by ensuring appropriate content is regularly created and published across relevant platforms. • Assist with the Alumni Development function including development of alumni comms, management of alumni database and organisation of annual alumni reunion. • Production of quarterly staff, student and alumni newsletters. • Monitor the success of activities undertaken, gathering the results to inform future activities through evaluation and presenting progress reports on same. • Ongoing development of SOP’s relating to tasks undertaken as part of this post. • Supporting the SCM team in other tasks where needed and any other duties relevant to the role which may be identified from time to time.

The duties and responsibilities are broadly defined and are not exhaustive. The performance of the entire range of duties is not necessarily confined to any one individual, as the work requires that the staff function in a flexible manner, and work together as a team. The College retains the right to assign new duties and/or to re-assign staff to other areas of the College, in response to service needs.

4. TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT General All persons employed will sign an appropriate contract, which will contain terms and conditions of the Acting appointment. A job description is given to all applicants for employment and this will form part of the contract documentation.

Place of Work The appointee’s place of work will be Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. The College reserves the right to require the appointee to work from any other location. It is a requirement of the College that the appointee must reside within a reasonable distance of the College. Exclusivity of Service and Outside Work The person appointed will be required to devote his/her full-time attention and abilities to his/her duties during his/her working hours in the College and to act in the best interest of the College at all times. Therefore, for as long as the successful applicant is working in the College, he/she may not, without the prior written consent of the College, be actively engaged or concerned in any way, either directly or indirectly, in any other business or undertaking where this is or is likely to be in conflict with the College’s interests or the performance of the duties that the person has been employed for. The appointee will not, during his/her tenure of office, undertake paid outside work unless he/she has received the permission of the Vice President Administration and Finance (VPAF) to undertake such work on the terms and conditions as agreed for the particular undertaking in question. In every case, it is the duty of the appointee to seek in writing the prior permission of the VPAF. It is also the duty, in every case, of the appointee to inform the person or body for whom the work is being undertaken, that the work is being conducted in a private capacity and that the College cannot in any circumstances be responsible for such work.

Probationary Period This appointment is subject to satisfactory completion of the standard 6-month probationary period. The probationary period may be extended at the discretion of the College but will not in any case exceed 11 months. Absences during the period of probation will extend the probationary period. Performance and conduct during the probationary period will be reviewed through a process of assessment meetings. Termination of employment during the probationary period, for any reason or no reason, will be at the discretion of the College. The disciplinary procedure will not apply to a dismissal during probation where the probationary employee has been employed by MIC for less than 12 months.

Hours of Attendance Full time hours are 35 hours per week. The normal hours of duty are Monday to Thursday, 9am to 5.00pm with a 1-hour lunch break and Friday 9am to 4.45pm with a 45-minute lunch break each day. However, the duties attaching to the position are such that the post holder may be required to work evenings/weekends on occasion to accommodate service needs. Subject to College policy, the post holder may avail of “Time-Off-In-Lieu (TOIL)” or overtime where working hours exceed

35 hours per week

Salary The Salary scale for this position has been approved by the Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science and the Higher Education Authority in line with Government Policy on Public Sector remuneration. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. The appointment will be made on the salary scale at a point in line with current Government Pay Policy. New entrants to the Civil or Public Sector, as defined in Circular 18/2010, will commence on the first point of the salary scale.

With effect from the 1st of October 2024, the annual salary scale for the grade of Executive Officer (Grossed up New Entrant) is: €34,353, €36,544, €37,320, €39,550, €41,667, €43,566, €45,400, €47,229, €49,018, €50,831, €52,618 €54,513, €55,785 €57,597(LSI 1), and €59,419 (LSI 2)

With effect from the 1st of October 2024, the annual salary scale for the grade of Executive Officer (Grossed up Non- New Entrant) is: €37,320, €39,550, €41,667, €43,566, €45,400, €47,229, €49,018, €50,831, €52,618, €54,513, €55,785 €57,597(LSI 1), and €59,419 (LSI 2) Increments are awarded in line with national pay agreements. Salary will be paid on a monthly basis on the 25th of each month, or the previous Friday if 25th falls on a weekend, using the Paypath facility. Payment of salaries and wages are subject to statutory deductions, i.e. Income Tax (PAYE), Superannuation Contributions, Pay Related Social Insurance (PRSI) and Universal Social Charge (USC).

Superannuation New entrants appointed will be required to participate in the Single Public Service Pension Scheme and pay Superannuation contributions at the appropriate rates in accordance with the provisions of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and Other Provisions) Act, 2012. Details of this scheme can be obtained from the College’s website. All other eligible appointees are automatically included in the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme on taking up appointment. In compliance with the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme, deductions amounting to 6.5% are made from salary. Details of the regulations concerning the Colleges of Education Pension Scheme may be obtained from the College’s Human Resources Office. The appointee will be required to pay Additional Superannuation Contribution (ASC) under the provisions of the Public Service and Pensions Act 2017. Appointees who commenced employment in the public service between 1st April 2004 and 31st December 2012 and have not had a break in employment of greater than 6 months will have no mandatory retirement age. All other appointees will have a mandatory retirement age of 70.

Pension Abatement If an appointee has previously been employed in the Civil or Public Service and that appointee is entitled to or in receipt of a pension from the Civil or Public Service or where a Civil/Public Service pension comes into payment during the appointee’s re-employment that pension will be subject to abatement in accordance with Section 52 of the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012. Please note: In applying for this position, the applicant is acknowledging that they understand that the abatement provisions, where relevant, will apply. It is not envisaged that the College will support an application for an abatement waiver in respect of appointments to this position.

Annual Leave The annual leave entitlement for this grade is 25 working days per leave year. Current employees of MIC who hold a higher annual leave entitlement will retain the higher entitlement on appointment subject to a maximum of 30 days per leave year. Annual leave should be taken when students are off campus and the taking of leave must have the prior approval of the relevant Line Manager. Public Holidays are granted in accordance with the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997.

Sick Leave

There is a discretionary sick pay scheme, details of which are available from the Human Resources Office. Employees who have a minimum 3 months continuous employment with the College may be granted sick pay subject to the terms of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme. Sick pay is contingent on full cooperation and compliance with the Colleges absence management procedures.

Confidentiality In the course of working in Mary Immaculate College, the person appointed may have access to or hear information concerning staff and/or students and/or the functioning and the business of the College. Such information acquired in the course of employment with the College, including any aspect of the College’s responsibilities or operations, is considered to be confidential information. On no account must information concerning students, staff or other College business be divulged or discussed except in the performance of normal duties and, unless authorised to do so, this information shall not be communicated to a third party. In addition records must never be left in a manner that unauthorised persons can obtain access to them and must be kept in safe custody when no longer required.

Health & Safety Mary Immaculate College attaches the highest regard to the safety, health and welfare of its employees. It is the duty of each employee to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and of other people in the workplace. Each employee must comply with all health and safety policies and procedures in operation in Mary Immaculate College and familiarise him/herself with the Safety Statement. Employees are obliged to wear any PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that they may be provided with and no person shall intentionally or recklessly interfere with or misuse any appliance, protective clothing or other equipment provided in the workplace for health and safety purposes. Employees are statutorily/legally obliged to ensure that any accidents/incidents which may occur are reported promptly to the Health and Safety Officer on the MIC Accident/Incident Report Form.