Communications, Content and Engagement Officer 

Applications are invited for the post of Communications and Engagement Officer with the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT).  The successful candidate will support the delivery of IPRT’s communications, campaigns, and engagement activities, working closely with the Communications and Campaigns Lead.  


 About IPRT 

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is Ireland’s leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for human rights and best practice in the penal system, and for progressive penal policy in which prison is a sanction of last resort. We have a track record of achieving big impact for a small organisation. We do this through a combination of research, advocacy, engagement, public affairs, events and working in alliance with others.  

Our work is evidence-based, informed by over 30 years of experience, extensive research and proactive engagement with people affected by the penal system. Our aim is to shift the focus of our penal system away from its current emphasis on punishment towards approaches based on prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, and the integration of criminal justice policy with wider social policy. A more effective and humane penal system, which combats social injustice and has safer communities at its heart, also benefits communities and wider society through its emphasis on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and a reduction in reoffending.  

Our model of change is that effecting reforms at the highest level will have the greatest impact for the largest number of people. To this end, we focus our efforts on generating evidence-informed policy research and recommendations, underpinned by human rights, while also working constructively with decision-makers to deliver effective penal policy in Ireland and changing attitudes around the criminal justice system. 


 About the Role 

The post offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious candidate to work in a high profile, dynamic and effective non-governmental organisation. The Communications, Content and Engagement Officer will support the delivery of IPRT’s communications, digital strategy, and stakeholder engagement, helping to amplify our voice, strengthen relationships, and ensure evidence-based research and advocacy reach key audiences. The role will also involve assisting the Governance and Administration Officer where needed. 

IPRT is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds as well as from people with criminal records. We don’t ask for information about convictions during the recruitment process. 


Terms of Employment 

This position is full time for a fixed-term period of one yearwith a view to extension subject to funding. The IPRT is currently operating a hybrid working policy. 

Hours of employment: Full time (35 hours per week, exclusive of breaks). Requirement to work flexibly and occasionally at weekends or evenings as appropriate to the role. IPRT’s time off in lieu policy applies. 

  • Probation period: Six months.  

  • Salary: €34,000  to €37,000 per annum, commensurate with skills and experience.  

  • Annual leave entitlement: 25 days per annum.  

  • Pension contribution: Five per cent match-funded employer contribution after successful completion of probation period with one per cent match-funded contribution from start date in line with new auto-enrolment requirements  

  • Place of work:  The usual place of work is the IPRT Office in Dublin 7. IPRT operates a hybrid working model. Attendance at least two days per week is expected, particularly during the probationary period or for in-person meetings and events. 

  • Post holder responsible to: Communications and Campaigns Lead. 

  IPRT proactively encourages the professional development of staff members and supports relevant training and upskilling within agreed budgets


JOB DESCRIPTION

The key duties of the position will include: 


COMMUNICATIONS 

  • Helping to deliver IPRT’s communications plan, ensuring digital strategy is fully integrated; 

  • Supporting media engagement and press communications, including drafting materials, pitching stories, and monitoring coverage; 

  • Engaging and building relationships with key stakeholders, ensuring consistent and strategic communication; 

  • Supporting campaigns and events; 

  • Producing content and materials for campaigns, events, and organisational publications ; 

  • Coordinating internal and external communications, including newsletters, email briefings, video content and outreach; 

  • Producing new assets as required; 

  • Undertaking other communications or digital tasks as assigned by the Communications and Campaigns Lead or Executive Director. 

 

CONTENT CREATION 

  • Producing compelling social media content for a range of platforms, including LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook; 

  • Creating content for and draft digital newsletters; 

  • Generating video content to connect with key audiences;  

  • Collecting and sharing case studies  and impact data to communicate IPRT’s mission and achievements.  

  • Ensuring that all content is accessible to all users (e.g., using alternative text for images, creating captions for videos). 

DIGITAL 

  • Supporting the growth of IPRT’s digital presence and scheduling, including social media, website content, and newsletters.  

  • Assisting in analytics reporting.  

  • Developing and delivering digital campaigns across platforms; monitoring performance, optimising reach and reporting on content performance to identify successful strategies and areas for improvement.  

  • Support the development of a redesign of IPRT’s website, and subsequently maintain and optimise the website.  

  • Keep abreast of emerging digital trends. 

 

MEMBERSHIP AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT 

  • Working with the Governance and Administration Officer, support management of the membership database, including communications with members and donors. 

  • Maintain relationships with members in prison through newsletters and other correspondence. 

  • Working with the Governance and Administration Officer, support the roll-out of a membership strategy to include member recruitment, renewals, engagement initiatives and ensure member information is accurate and up to date. 

  • Support IPRT team members to maintain engagement with key statutory stakeholders including the Irish Prison Service, the Probation Service and other key agencies across the criminal justice sector.   

OTHER 

  • Building strong working relationships with colleagues in the organisation; 

  • Undertaking other duties which are commensurate with the role, in pursuit of the Strategic Plan as agreed with the Communications and Campaigns Lead and Executive Director; 

  • Identifying own CPD needs in conjunction with the Communications and Campaigns Lead. 

  • Support the planning, coordination and delivery of IPRT events, including report launches, seminars, and public engagement activities. 

  • Support event logistics including invitations, registrations, materials, and follow-up communications. 

 

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Essential Skills and Experience  

  • A degree, certification, or recognised qualification in digital marketing communications, public relations, or a related field. 

  • Minimum of two years’ demonstrated experience in communications, content creation, media/journalism, PR, or marketing. 

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to produce engaging, purpose-driven content across multiple formats and tones.  

  • Experience supporting the delivery of multi-channel communications campaigns, including digital strategy, content planning, and performance reporting. 

  • A deep understanding of different social media platforms and the types of content that perform well on each. 

  • Proficiency in Office365 and digital content/video/graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, CapCut and/or Adobe Creative Suite). 

  • Excellent teamwork and collaboration skills.  

  • Strong organisational and time management abilities, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail ensuring all content is high-quality and error-free.  

  • Proven capacity to build and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.  

  • A professional, approachable manner with the ability to handle sensitive information confidentially. 

 

Desirable Skills and Experience 

The successful candidate may also have: 

  • Understanding of Irish NGO sector; 

  • Qualification in communications or digital marketing or equivalent professional experience; 

  • Experience with CRM systems, (ideally Salesforce) for managing member or event data in line with GDPR requirements;  

  • Proficiency in creating short-form video content for social media;  

  • Experience producing newsletters and similar outputs; 

  • Experience of PR and media engagement.  

  • Experience helping to coordinate or promote events.  

 Attitude 

  • Respect for the values and mission of IPRT; 

  • Commitment to ongoing professional development; 

  • Works well within a small dynamic team; 

  • Commitment to and understanding of a working environment which promotes equal opportunities and has regard for the health and safety of others. 

 Please upload your curriculum vitae plus a statement (no longer than two pages) as to how you meet the Person Specification as set out above by 5pm on Monday 8 December 2025. 

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after the closing date to arrange a date for interview. 

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