About the Role
Position: Operations and Communications Manager
Reports to: Director, Digital Repository of Ireland
Department: Digital Repository of Ireland
Key purpose of role
This role requires excellent organisational and people skills, as the successful candidate will be required to liaise and collaborate with staff across the organisation as well as with a range of external stakeholders. There are two key areas in the portfolio of Operations and Communications Manager - the first is to support the smooth operation of the Digital Repository of Ireland’s core activities and research projects, including programme planning, scheduling, monitoring, forecasting, budgeting, evaluation and reporting. The second is to facilitate strong internal communications and to manage external communications, including the DRI website and various social media platforms.
Key responsibilities
Operations
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Working closely with the DRI Director in the day-to-day operations of the DRI to support efficient planning, a well-functioning team, and timely achievement of deliverables
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Assisting with the project management of DRI’s research-funded projects and internal programmes of work
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Drafting key reports to funders and partners, including metrics, operational guidelines and policies in accordance with GDPR
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Maintaining DRI’s financial records (i.e. budgets, invoices, payments, reimbursements and tendering processes), working closely with RIA finance department, and liaising with DRI partner finance departments at TCD and MU
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In line with duties, membership on key taskforces and working groups within DRI, and with relevant external bodies
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Membership of and secretariat to the DRI management team, and secretariat to the DRI board
Communications
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[External Comms] Developing, implementing and evaluating DRI’s outward-facing communications strategy and supporting DRI staff in audience development initiatives
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Drafting external communications, and maintaining DRI’s website including blogs, press releases, news, social media, the newsletter, and related analytics
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Building relationships with relevant press contacts and organisations that promote onward communication of DRI content; management of DRI’s press contacts database and lists
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[Internal Comms] Ensuring the efficient and transparent flow of information across the DRI organisation and key staff in DRI partner institutions
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Coordinating the onboarding and exit of DRI staff, including oversight of HR and IT processes, access permissions
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As the owner of an overview of DRI’s programme of work, ensuring excellent communication across the organisation, providing support to and facilitating coordination of activities by other key functions across DRI
Person specification
Essential criteria
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A degree in a discipline relevant to DRI’s remit (arts, humanities, social sciences, information)
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A minimum of three years’ experience in one or more of the following: operations management, project management, programmes administration, office management
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Demonstrable experience in a communications function, or supporting external communication/communications to stakeholders
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Evidence of the capacity to develop, manage, and measure the success of workplans at the organisational level, with attention to strategic priorities, managed growth and staff harmony
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Experience managing multiple budget lines with demonstrable accounts management experience
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Excellent skills in organisation, time management, report writing and IT (capacity to learn new platforms)
Desirable criteria
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A postgraduate degree/research experience in a discipline relevant to DRI’s remit (arts, humanities, social sciences)
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Skills in creative and innovative communications and engagement strategies
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Professional experience working with stakeholders in the research and/or cultural sectors
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Experience managing research grant budgets, e.g. Horizon 2020
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Experience working with distributed teams
Application process: Completed applications consisting of one electronic copy with all documents contained in one MS Word file (not pdf) as set out below must be submitted by e-mail to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. (Ioana Marcu) in the order as set out below:
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A statement, in the form of a letter, demonstrating how you meet the requirements for the position of Operations and Communications Manager
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A curriculum vitae summarising your qualifications and relevant experience
Applicants will be shortlisted based on information provided in their application.
Closing date: The closing date for applications is 24 January 2022. Late applications will not be considered.