FIRST FORTNIGHT SEEKS A PART TIME COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER

This position has now been filled.
RECRUITING A PART TIME COMMUNICATIONS & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER FOR 22 WEEK CONTRACT FROM September 7 2021 – FEBRUARY 8

First Fortnight is seeking to invite applications from suitable candidates for the role of Communications and Community Engagement Officer to join their dynamic team. This is a 5 month, part time role with a specific purpose contract.
The Communications and Community Engagement Officer will bring experience of designing and running impactful communication campaigns in addition to having experience working in the community and voluntary sectors.
As part of their role the Communications and Community Engagement Officer will work with the COO and working group in the implementation of an engaging and innovative digital communications and community strategy for First Fortnight Festival 2022 that will further First Fortnight’s key objective of challenging mental health stigma.
The Communications and Community Engagement Officer will co-ordinate a group of communications volunteers, collaborate with the Director of PR on a communications plan for the festival and work with the charity’s communications working group who will support the role and the communication strategy.
They will also be expected to work with other services within the charity in assisting them meet their communications goals.
While they will be line managed by the Chief Operating Officer, they are expected to lead with initiative and take responsibility for their own tasks.
This role is an ideal opportunity for a communications professional who is excited to develop and display their talent in producing creative and impactful communications (online and offline).

RESPONSIBILITIES
The Communications and Community Engagement Officer will be responsible for the following tasks-
Communications
·      Co-ordinate communications on behalf of First Fortnight
·     Leading a group of comms volunteers including organizing meetings, developing communication plans and the creation of engaging, relevant content with them.
·       Leading out on artwork, branding and messaging (including copy-writing, proofing, approvals)
·       Assisting with the production of media content (when required)
·       Collaborating with the Director of PR for First Fortnight 2022 in relation to a Comms and PR plan for the festival.
·       Collaborating with the First Fortnight Centre for Creative Therapy team in relation to the communication and promotion of the service and service expansions.
·       Communication with First Fortnight Ambassadors
·       Collaboration with the Fundraising and Communications Working Group and Board
·       Developing and implementing First Fortnight Festival 2022 digital communications and community strategy
·       Management of channels including Instagram, Facebook, Twitter
·       Management of newsletter content, circulation and growing audience

Community Development
Building a positive arts community challenging mental health stigma around the country is important to us.
Our recent research into diversity, inclusion and accessibility after a public consultation forum has highlighted that integrating direct contact with communities and groups makes a difference to accessibility and engagement with the festival. As such community engagement is a vital element that is required alongside our communications plan.

As part of their role the Communications and Community Engagement Officer will:
·       Create and implement a community engagement strategy
·       Connect directly with local communities throughout the country, particularly around the festival and explore ways to engage, so there’s improved communication
·       Improve networks and help create new connections and build up a community database
·       Collate feedback provided to influence future programming by the organisation

PERSON SPEC
The ideal candidate will have:
·     an ability to generate ideas, work on their own initiative and work as part of a team in a busy environment
·    an excellent working knowledge and understanding of information technology including platforms such as Microsoft Office, Google docs, social media platforms, Mailchimp, Canva (or other graphic design platforms), excellent online skills to develop engaging and dynamic content that communicates the mission and vision of the charity
·       excellent communication skills – written and verbal
·       an ability to work to deadlines and under pressure
·       experience leading and managing a team (staff and/or volunteers)
·       a friendly and enthusiastic manner and attitude and be able to demonstrate a commitment to making a difference.
·    experience devising and implementing messaging-led communications campaigns
·   expertise in digital communications tools, in particular use of various social media platforms

ADVANTAGEOUS
The successful candidate will have:

·     A commitment to and passion for communications. An interest in social change, mental health or communications around challenging behaviours is particularly advantageous
·      Confidence and openness to learn about and use new software and platforms
·       Excellent presentation skills- both physical and digital representation
·       A working knowledge of picture editing software.
·       Excellent knowledge and experience in relation to the community, voluntary sectors and community development
·       An interest and experience working in the area of culture and creative arts
·       Experience leading a volunteer team

EDUCATION
The successful candidate will have a third level honours degree. Preferably in Marketing/ PR/ Communications/ Multimedia or equivalent.
Applications from candidates with a relevant alternative degree  relevant experience (paid or unpaid) will also be considered.

Start date Tues Sept 7th

This position is for 2 days per week, with an expressed preference for Tuesdays and Thursdays. The successful candidate will be expected to be flexible with regards their working hours during busy periods, as is the nature of an arts festival. On occasion, they may need to work extra days one week, and less the following. We will give as much notice as possible and will in turn will be as flexible as possible with regard to other work commitments.
With Covid and First Fortnight offices, the working structure still has to be finalized but the intention would be a mixture of physical and remote working, with a back up of fully remote depending on governmental guidelines.

The festival intends to be a hybrid festival with both physical and digital events, but every physical event must have a digital alternative.

The Communication and Community Officer will report directly to the COO and in their absence, the CEO.

The salary for this 22 week contract work is €5500.

Application Process
Please submit:
• Letter of Application outlining how you meet the person specification, detailing the qualities and experience you bring to the role
• Your CV with contact details of two referees
• Give us your top 3 community groups/leaders that impress you and why

Applications should be submitted by email only to Edel Doran, COO, edel@firstfortnight.ie
Application Deadline
Thursday 19 August at 12.00 noon

Interviews will be conducted via zoom on 26th and 27th August.

Photo Credit: Michael Duggan from A Desire for Closeness Exhibition by Nicola Anthony