Fáilte Ireland Manager, FOI & Corporate Communications

Job Title: Manager, FOI & Corporate Communications

Job Ref: HR/ES/30

Location: Hybrid work model with office location based in Dublin

Business Unit: Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Salary: €57,992 - €92,235*

*The successful candidate will commence on the 1^st point of the salary scale in line with current Government pay policy.

Reporting to: Head of Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Job Purpose

To lead and manage the Information & Corporate Communications section within the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Division.  As Manager, the successful candidate will be responsible for the efficient delivery of Fáilte Ireland’s obligations under the Freedom of Information Act and Parliamentary Affairs service.  The role is tasked with drafting, processing, and delivering a comprehensive and efficient Freedom of Information (FOI) and Parliamentary Affairs service which includes, but not limited to, answering and processing FOI requests from the media and public, internal FOI staff training, drafting and processing Parliamentary Questions from Oireachtas Members and a Department of Tourism liaison function. The role will also be required to contribute to strategic communications & public affairs leadership and provide senior level communications advice and inputs to the work of other Divisions as required. As a Manager in the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs division you will be required to lead on broader corporate communications initiatives such as communications strategy development, investment announcements and media responses.

Key Responsibilities

Information

• Lead and manage the day-to-day running of the Information Unit based within the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Division
• Process the drafting of replies for Freedom of Information requests and Parliamentary Questions within legislative deadlines
• Deliver FOI training internally to Fáilte Ireland staff
• Provide support and guidance to FOI Decision Makers, Reviewers and Senior Management on the application of FOI legislation
• Liaise with the Office of the Information Commissioner on referred cases
• Departmental Liaison for Parliamentary Questions, Topical Debates, Commencement Matters and all ad-hoc requests for information
• Prepare annual reports on Freedom of Information requests and Parliamentary Questions

Corporate Communications

• Identify opportunities to promote and positively represent the organization through external communications
• Manage work assignments for the corporate communications team as required to ensure effective collaboration among team members and the delivery of quality work.
• Initiate communications projects; present on and promote these projects to management.
• Contribute to the preparation of briefing material for senior management
• Fulfil other duties as required and participate as a full member of the Information, Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Team by supporting various work projects as required.

Resource Management

• Set clear goals for the Information Management team within the Corporate Communications & Public Affairs division, that are aligned to the operational plan and corporate obligations
• Effective management of team resource and allocation of appropriate resources and budgets to projects and tasks
• Manage all staff reporting to the position, support and motivate them to maximise their development potential
• Provide internal staff training on FOI requirements and responsibilities

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• High level of attention to detail, accuracy and an ability to follow through to complete tasks
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of modern media and communications environment
• Ability to work on own initiative 

In order to be eligible to apply for this role you must have / demonstrate in your application form the following:

• At least five years’ experience working in a senior FOI/Parliamentary Affairs/Communications/Public Affairs or related field role
• Strong leadership skills with people management experience and an ability to influence at a high level
• An understanding of the Freedom of Information Act and Fáilte Ireland’s obligations as a State Agency
• Organisational skills with an ability to plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines
• Project management experience
• Experience building relationships and working closely with senior stakeholders

Qualifications/Mandatory Training

• A Professional Qualification (minimum Level 6 under the QQI Framework) in a related discipline is essential

Desirable Criteria 

• Experience of managing Parliamentary Questions
• Broad knowledge of the tourism industry and Fáilte Ireland’s remit as the National Tourism Development Authority 
• Knowledge and an interest in Parliamentary and Government Affairs 

Key Competencies 

• Relationship management  
• Planning and organisational skills  
• Problem-solving/analytical skills  
• Business Communication (Written communication skills) 

A panel may be created from which future vacancies may be filled.