Head of Communications (6-12 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Head of Communications (6-12 Month Fixed-Term Contract)

Contract type 6-12 Month Fixed-Term Contract

Location Dublin 1

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVP) is one of Ireland's most respected charitable organisations, with over 180 years of experience supporting people affected by poverty and social exclusion. Guided by our values of compassion, dignity, and social justice, we work through our members, volunteers, and staff to create a fairer and more caring society.

We are seeking an experienced Head of Communications to join us on a short-term contract (6-12 months). The Head of Communications leads the development and delivery of a unified communications and brand strategy for SVP, ensuring consistent, engaging, and values-based messaging across all platforms.

Reporting to the CEO, the role works closely with National Leadership, Regional teams, and functional Heads to strengthen awareness, trust, and engagement with SVP's mission and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement an integrated communications and brand strategy aligned with SVP's mission, advocacy, and strategic goals.
• Lead, mentor, and inspire a high-performing Communications team, ensuring excellence, creativity, and measurable results.
• Advise and support the CEO and National Leadership on communications planning, positioning, and issue management.
• Oversee annual communications plans, KPIs, and performance standards.

Brand

• Ensure consistent messaging, tone, and visual identity across all communications.
• Strengthen SVP's brand presence and storytelling to communicate its mission, values, and societal impact.
• Develop and guide public awareness and engagement campaigns that inspire trust and understanding.
• Lead SVP's media relations and reputation management strategy, ensuring timely, accurate, and values-led communication.
• Prepare and brief spokespersons, ensuring alignment with SVP's tone and messaging.
• Manage issue and crisis communications, supporting leadership with accurate and effective responses.
• Digital Communications & Content
• Direct the creation of engaging, audience-focused content across digital, social, and traditional platforms.
• Oversee the Digital Communications team to ensure consistent presence and innovation online.
• Use analytics and audience insights to drive content strategy and improve communications impact.

Collaboration & Organisational Support

• Partner with the Social Justice and Fundraising teams to deliver aligned, values-driven campaigns.
• Support Regional teams, Conferences, and Young SVP to communicate local impact and engagement.
• Promote consistent messaging across social housing, family services, and Vincent's shops.
• Manage relationships with external PR, creative, and communications partners to deliver impactful campaigns.

Education & Experience

• Degree in Communications, Media, Marketing, or related field (Master's desirable).
• 8+ years' experience, including 5+ in a senior communications leadership role.
• Proven record in brand strategy, media engagement, and digital communications.
• Experience in mission-driven, charitable, or public sector organisations preferred.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership, storytelling, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong knowledge of the Irish media and social landscape.
• Skilled in digital communications and content performance analysis.
• Strategic, adaptable, and calm under pressure.
• Committed to SVP's values of compassion, dignity, and social justice

Why Join Us

This is a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in strengthening SVP's national communications capacity and visibility during a period of transition and growth.

A full job description will be available upon application.