Director of Partnerships & External Affairs

Director of Partnerships & External Affairs

Fixed Term Contract (9 months, with possible extensions to 18 months total)
Location: Hybrid (West of Ireland or Dublin)

About the Organisation

A leading national public body with responsibility for delivering a major Government Strategy is seeking an experienced and strategic senior leader to join its Executive Leadership Team on a fixed-term basis. The organisation works collaboratively across government, EU institutions, public bodies, communities, and industry to drive transformational change and deliver measurable societal impact. This is a critical leadership role at a pivotal time.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the Director of Partnerships & External Affairs will lead the organisation's external relations, communications, strategic partnerships and stakeholder engagement functions. This role requires a commercially minded and politically astute senior leader who can build meaningful partnerships, enhance public reputation, drive innovation, and develop new income streams, while operating effectively in a high-profile public service environment.

This appointment is required immediately due to strategic importance.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Leadership

• Member of the Executive Leadership Team
• Lead and deliver directorate objectives aligned to Government Strategy and Corporate Plan
• Champion organisation-wide strategic and policy direction
• Drive corporate change initiatives and public service reform

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and implement a national and EU partnership strategy
• Build and manage high-impact relationships across government, political, EU and non-government sectors
• Strengthen stakeholder management frameworks
• Identify and leverage new collaboration and funding opportunities
• Represent the organisation at public, political and international forums

Communications & Public Affairs

• Lead all marketing, communications, PR and media relations activity
• Develop and implement strategic communications and public affairs programmes
• Oversee campaigns and education initiatives across multiple platforms
• Manage crisis and emergency communications planning
• Provide high-quality briefing materials for executive and board level

Education, Outreach & Impact

• Drive innovation in education programme delivery
• Expand community outreach and engagement
• Enhance brand reputation and public impact
• Ensure messaging is clear, compelling and aligned

Fundraising & Income Generation

• Develop new income generation capability
• Identify funding opportunities at national and EU level
• Lead submission of funding applications in collaboration with Finance

Governance & Management

• Lead, develop and performance manage multidisciplinary teams
• Oversee procurement processes and contractor management
• Manage directorate budgets and ensure value for money
• Ensure compliance with data protection and public sector governance requirements

About You

You are a senior leader with a strong track record in communications, partnerships, and strategic leadership within complex environments.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree (Level 8 NFQ or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior leadership experience in communications and media
• Proven experience developing and expanding strategic partnerships
• Experience operating at Executive or Senior Management Team level
• Demonstrated ability to navigate political and EU systems
• Strong strategic, analytical and change management capability
• Experience managing complex, high-profile projects
• Knowledge of Irish public administration structures

Key Competencies

• Exceptional leadership and influencing ability
• Political awareness and stakeholder diplomacy
• Commercial and entrepreneurial mindset
• Strong negotiation capability
• Crisis management and resilience under pressure
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills

Contract Details

• Duration: 9 months initially
• Extension: Up to three additional 3-month extensions (maximum 18 months total)
• Salary: Equivalent to Public Service Principal Officer scale
• Start Date: Immediate

Why Choose Staffline Ireland?
Staffline is dedicated to supporting jobseekers across Ireland with a wide range of opportunities and resources. Whether you're looking for a flexible contract or a step toward a permanent role, our experienced team is here to help. With offices in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick, and beyond, we connect talent with trusted employers throughout the country.