Role Purpose
The People & Culture Executive (Communications & Engagement) will play a key role in shaping employee experience across the organisation. The postholder will lead the coordination and delivery of internal communications, employee engagement initiatives, culture programmes, recognition activities, learning and development initiatives, and change activities that support organisational priorities and enhance the employee experience.
Working closely with leaders, managers and colleagues across the organisation, the role will help ensure employees receive clear, consistent and engaging communications while supporting initiatives that reinforce organisational values, culture and employee wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities
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Coordinate initiatives that strengthen employee engagement, connection and organisational culture.
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Support the implementation of the organisation's values and behaviours framework.
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Develop and deliver employee recognition and appreciation programmes.
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Organise employee engagement events, town halls, workshops and culture-building activities.
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Gather employee feedback through surveys, focus groups and listening activities and identify themes and recommendations to enhance employee wellbeing, inclusion and employee experience
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Support the development of a strong employee value proposition
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Identify opportunities to improve the employee journey from onboarding to exit.
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Develop and maintain an annual People & Culture communications and engagement plan.
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Coordinate internal communications campaigns relating to organisational priorities, people initiatives and change programmes.
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Draft and edit employee communications including newsletters, announcements, presentations, intranet content and leadership messages.
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Manage internal communications channels and ensure content is timely, relevant and engaging
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Monitor communication effectiveness and recommend improvements based on employee feedback and engagement data.
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Partner with the Corporate Communications team to ensure alignment and consistency in internal messaging, supporting the effective delivery of People & Culture initiatives
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Contribute to change management and engagement activities associated with organisational transformation projects.
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Develop communication and engagement plans for significant organisational initiatives and support employee understanding and involvement during periods of change
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Prepare reports and recommendations for the People & Culture Committee and senior leadership.
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Support training needs analysis and programme design, including identifying capability gaps, supporting organisational capacity building and coordinating the procurement of external training providers
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Coordinate the delivery of organisation-wide learning and development initiatives, including training programmes, workshops, external speakers and learning events that support organisational and employee development priorities
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Continuously review and improve culture and engagement practices.
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Develop and maintain a working knowledge of core People & Culture policies, procedures and practices to support team resilience and business continuity where required.
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Support the wider People & Culture function as required, contributing to key people processes and initiatives to ensure effective service delivery and operational resilience
Person Specification
Essential Experience
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Degree level Qualification
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HR experience is essential
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3 years' experience in employee engagement, internal communications, organisational development or a related people-focused role
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Public Sector experience would be an advantage
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Experience planning and delivering communication and engagement initiatives for diverse audiences.
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Experience lead projects, events or organisational initiatives.
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Experience working with stakeholders across different levels of an organisation.
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Understanding of employee engagement, organisational culture and change management principles.
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Understanding of employee experience and employee lifecycle concepts.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
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Ability to translate complex information into clear and engaging messages.
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Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build relationships across the organisation.
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Strong project management and coordination skills.
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Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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Ability to identify opportunities and implement improvements.
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Works effectively with leaders, managers and colleagues across the organisation.
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Promotes a positive and inclusive workplace culture.
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Ability to interpret employee feedback and engagement data.
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Uses evidence and insight to inform recommendations.
Success Measures (First 12 Months)
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Internal communications calendar established and operating.
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Employee engagement and recognition programme implemented.
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Increased employee participation in engagement activities.
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Regular employee insight reporting established.
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Positive improvement in staff feedback on communication clarity, engagement and employee experience.
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Values and behaviours visibly incorporated into communications and engagement initiatives.
Application Process:
To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how the applicant meets the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.
Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Cezanne on or before 30th July 2026 @ 1pm
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate. Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Salary:
The salary for this post will be €53,071 per annum for new entrants to the Public Sector. This salary will rise over time, as per the salary scale detailed below.
Level D salary scale: €53,071 - €76,227 per annum with contributory superannuation (pension). Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public sector should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation. Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.
Benefits:
We offer several key Benefits and perks, such as:
Competitive salary with defined progression through the grade
Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Pension Scheme)
Excellent progressive Policies including a favourable Blended Working Policy, Sick Leave, and other family-friendly policies
Modern office facilities with a subsidised canteen
Life Insurance
29 Days Annual Leave
Learning and Development opportunities
