Director of Communications & Public Affairs

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Director of Communications & Public Affairs

🔹 Company: The Bar of Ireland

🔹 Location: Dublin, Ireland

🔹 Job Type: Full Time

🔹 Category: General Management

🔹 Date Posted: July 8, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and driving the communications and public affairs strategy of The Bar of Ireland
• Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including the profession, government, and media
• Managing and leading a team to deliver strategic objectives
• Capitalizing on members' unique work and priorities to offer influential input to Oireachtas, Government, and other activities

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams concurrently.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Political and Public Affairs: Capitalising on our members' unique work and priorities to offer influential, credible, and timely input to Oireachtas, Government, Departmental, and other activities (submissions, consultations, campaigns)

✅ Public Relations: Enhance and develop novel approaches to engaging the public to understand the work of barristers, the courts, and our justice system.

✅ Media: Providing commentary, explanations, and support to the media on complex legal developments, as well as strengthening our relationships with a broad range of media on organisational priorities.

✅ Social Media: Optimising our successful LinkedIn, Instagram, and other social media platforms through best-in-class strategies, engaging messaging and content, including video and audio.

✅ Digital Marketing: Strengthen and develop our digital marketing approach, through analysis of our inbound and outbound marketing efforts, including our website performance and potential.

✅ Thought leadership: Develop and implement a framework for showcasing relevant and timely insights to key audiences (solicitors, in-house counsel, State agencies, and wider justice sector) and raising the profile of the independent referral bar.

✅ Stakeholder management and networking: Be an active participant and representative of the organisation with our key stakeholders, including Department of Justice, Courts Service, LSRA, civil society organisations, and others.

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of stakeholder engagement and requires strong communication and project management skills.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: A third-level business/communications/professional qualification

Experience: A minimum of five years' experience in a communications/policy/public affairs role at a senior management level, preferably in a professional representative body and/or public affairs environment

Required Skills:

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to engage with key stakeholders
• Extensive public affairs and public relations experience with excellent research skills
• Ability to think and act innovatively in the delivery of a communications plan
• Strong organisation/project management skills
• Familiarity with the legal sector is desirable
• Experience of developing, mentoring, and managing an agile team

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working in a professional representative body or public affairs environment
• Fluency in Irish or another language in addition to English

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the legal sector or a professional representative body may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: €80,000 - €100,000 per annum (Based on industry standards for a senior communications role in Dublin)

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• Holidays - 25 days
• Pension
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service Benefit
• Income Protection
• Laya Digital Gym & Wellbeing Studio
• Flexible working

Working Hours: Full-time, Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as required

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is estimated based on industry standards for a senior communications role in Dublin. The benefits package is competitive and includes a range of employee-focused initiatives.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Bar of Ireland is the representative body for barristers who are members of the Law Library in Ireland. The Irish legal system is based on the common law, which originated in England. This type of system attaches great significance to judge-made law.

Company Size: The Bar of Ireland has 1,001-5,000 employees, making it a large organisation with a significant presence in the legal sector.

Founded: The Bar of Ireland was founded in 1541 and has a long history of representing the interests of barristers in Ireland.

Company Description:

• The Bar of Ireland aims to provide its clients with a high level of expertise in all areas of law and skilled advocacy by people of integrity and independence.
• The Irish Bar aims to provide its clients with a high level of expertise in all areas of law and skilled advocacy by people of integrity and independence.
• The Irish legal system is based on the common law, which originated in England. This type of system attaches great significance to judge-made law.

Company Specialties:

• Advocacy
• Mediation
• Education
• Representative Body

Company Website: http://www.lawlibrary.ie/

ASSUMPTION: The Bar of Ireland is a well-established organisation with a strong reputation in the legal sector. Its size and history make it an attractive employer for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding role in communications and public affairs.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior Management

Reporting Structure: The Director of Communications & Public Affairs reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with occasional remote work possible for certain tasks.

Growth Opportunities:

• Progression to a more senior role within the organisation, such as Chief Executive Officer
• Expanding the team and taking on additional responsibilities
• Developing expertise in a specific area of communications or public affairs

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant opportunities for career growth and development within the organisation.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Bar of Ireland's office is located in the Distillery Building, 145-151 Church Street, Dublin 7, Ireland.

Office Location(s): Dublin 7, Ireland

Geographic Context:

• Dublin is the capital and largest city of Ireland, with a population of over 1.2 million people.
• The city is known for its vibrant culture, historic landmarks, and bustling nightlife.
• Dublin is a major hub for the legal profession in Ireland, with many law firms and legal institutions based in the city.

Work Schedule: The work schedule is typically Monday to Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work as required.

ASSUMPTION: The work environment is dynamic and fast-paced, with a strong focus on delivering results and meeting deadlines.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening
• In-person or video interview with the hiring manager
• Final interview with the Chief Executive Officer

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and ability to engage with stakeholders
• Public affairs and public relations experience
• Research skills and ability to analyse complex information
• Innovative thinking and digital media expertise

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your work in communications, public affairs, and public relations
• Research The Bar of Ireland and the legal sector in Ireland to demonstrate your understanding of the organisation and its context

ATS Keywords: communications, public affairs, public relations, media relations, social media, digital marketing, stakeholder management, networking, project management, research skills, innovative thinking, team leadership, legal sector familiarity, mentoring, communication skills, relationship building

ASSUMPTION: The application process is competitive, and candidates should be prepared to demonstrate their relevant experience and skills throughout the interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter)
• Digital marketing tools (Google Analytics, SEO tools)
• Project management software (Asana, Trello)

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable using a range of tools and technologies to support their work in communications and public affairs.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Integrity
• Independence
• Expertise

Work Style:

• Collaborative
• Dynamic
• Results-driven

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do I possess strong communication skills and the ability to engage with key stakeholders?
• Am I comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment?
• Do I have experience in developing, mentoring, and managing an agile team?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who align with The Bar of Ireland's values and work style will be well-suited to this role.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing multiple workstreams concurrently and meeting tight deadlines
• Engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including the profession, government, and media
• Developing and implementing a communications plan that resonates with key audiences
• Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment

ASSUMPTION: This role presents significant challenges, but also offers the opportunity to make a real impact on the organisation and the legal sector in Ireland.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Director of Communications or Public Affairs role in a professional representative body or public affairs environment
• However, the legal sector context and the focus on the independent referral bar make this role unique
• Career progression may involve moving into a more senior role within the organisation or taking on additional responsibilities

ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider how their experience and skills align with the unique aspects of this role and the legal sector context.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a successful social media strategy for The Bar of Ireland
• Managing a high-profile public affairs campaign on behalf of the organisation
• Leading a team to deliver a major communications project, such as a conference or event

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and the level of leadership required in this role.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and how this role fits within it?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days?
• How does The Bar of Ireland support the professional development of its employees?
• What are the key challenges facing the organisation in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• What is the work-life balance like in this role, and how does the organisation support it?

ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role and their understanding of the organisation and its context.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare examples of your work in communications, public affairs, and public relations
• Research The Bar of Ireland and the legal sector in Ireland to demonstrate your understanding of the organisation and its context
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.