Policy and Communications Lead – Nursing Homes Ireland

Policy and Communications Lead – Nursing Homes Ireland

Job Purpose

We are seeking a dynamic Policy and Communications Lead to drive our organisation’s core business activities and strengthen the voice of the Nursing Home Sector.

Reporting to the CEO, you will lead the development of relevant policy functions pertinent to the Nursing Home Sector, oversee internal and external communications, and manage public affairs, lobbying, promotion of the sector, and media relations.

You’ll also play a key role in supporting our members, leading in communications, and contributing to innovative projects that enhance the quality and perception of nursing home care.

This is a varied and rewarding opportunity to make a real impact within the social care sector, combining strategic policy work with creative communication and stakeholder engagement.

Join Nursing Homes Ireland for an exciting opportunity to make a real impact in the social care sector.

The Organisation:

Nursing Homes Ireland is the representative organisation for the private and voluntary nursing home sector. This sector, and the care our members provide, are essential for healthcare delivery in Ireland.

Private and voluntary nursing homes provide:

  • Care for approximately 27,000 residents
  • Account for more than 80% of all long-term care beds in the country, and,
  • Employ approximately 40,000 staff

Nursing Homes Ireland was formed in January 2008. It is the single representative body for the private and voluntary nursing homes sector. We are committed to empowering members, leading & promoting the sector and influencing policy.

Duties including but not restricted to:

  • Management of the organisation’s ongoing public affairs activity. This will entail taking a lead role in representations to Ministers, Senior Government officials, Oireachtas Members and stakeholders.
  • Proactive engagement with media to secure NHI input in media discussion regarding nursing home care, health and social care.
  • Drafting of correspondence to key stakeholders including Ministers, Senior Government Officials, Statutory Organisations and provide response to NGO and public representations to NHI
  • Ensure Members are continuously briefed regarding organisational activities and developments by providing regular briefings pertinent to the private and voluntary nursing home sector across a range of matters
  • Produce short, clear concise briefing notes/ summaries/ research analysis
  • Lead out on national PR/Marketing initiatives to engage membership, stakeholders and positively promote nursing home care
  • Delivery of NHI newsletter, guidance booklets, newspaper supplements, organisation end-of-year review.
  • Scripting and creation of NHI speeches and presentations to be delivered at Public Affairs Events and Conferences
  • Fulfil duties such as scripting, managing media and production of promotional material for NHI events
  • Lead in facilitating the NHI Public Affairs and Communications Subcommittee, briefing on organisation strategy and engaging with the Subcommittee regarding NHI Public Affairs and Communications strategies.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will:

  • 3rd level degree in Communications, Media, PR or a related discipline.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to interact, influence and consult at all levels.
  • Ability to create clear, consistent, creative and compelling content and deliver in a timely and appropriate manner.
  • Critical awareness with the ability to effectively identify, utilise and present data in a ways that facilitates evidence-based decision making.
  • Strong collaboration, team building and stakeholder engagement skills.
  • Ability to draft submissions, make clear arguments and communicate key messages across and clear ‘asks’.
  • Ability to work effectively on own initiative and in a team environment with commitment to personal and professional development.
  • Strategic thinker with a high degree of commercial awareness and strong business focus.
  • Attention to detail and highly organised.
  • A high degree of personal computer literacy, including Word, Excel, CRM, SurveyMonkey, Website and Social Media.
  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

The above Job Description is not intended to be comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to him/her from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post while in office.

How to Apply

Please submit the following to hradvice@nhi.ie:

  • A detailed cover letter
  • Your CV