The Media and Communications Manager supports the delivery of Bus Éireann’s corporate
communications and media strategy. Reporting to the Head of Corporate Affairs and
Communications, the role leads a high-performing press and corporate communications function
and acts as the central point of coordination for all media relations activity.
The role holder will set best-practice standards for media engagement and manage reactive
communications with political representatives, media, and other local and national stakeholders.
Working closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the role also
contributes to the development and delivery of proactive external communications and
stakeholder engagement strategies.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced communications professional to further
develop their leadership and management skills within a large, complex organisation, while
playing a key role in shaping external engagement at national and regional level.
Bus Éireann is one of Ireland’s largest transport operators, delivering over 100 million
passenger journeys annually across Public Service Obligation services, Expressway
commercial services, and Europe’s largest school transport scheme. As a provider of essential
public services, the organisation operates in an environment of high public, political, and media
interest.
The Corporate Affairs and Communications team has responsibility for communications across
all areas of Bus Éireann’s operations, including commercial services, School Transport, public
affairs, sustainability, and corporate reputation management.
The Media and Communications Manager will work closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs
and Communications, the Senior Leadership Team, and the CEO in delivering this brief.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Communications and Media Management
• Lead the management of reactive communications with political representatives, media, and
other local and national stakeholders, ensuring timely, high-quality responses.
• Work closely with the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications, the Senior Leadership
Team, and operational leaders across Bus Éireann to coordinate responses.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve processes for managing high volumes of
media queries, parliamentary questions, and stakeholder correspondence.
• Motivate and manage the Corporate Communications team to deliver a responsive and
effective press office function
Proactive Communications Delivery
• Deliver high-quality proactive external communications aligned with Bus Éireann’s corporate
communications strategy.
• Write, review, and approve content across multiple formats, including press releases, social
media posts, speeches, opinion pieces, video scripts, and campaign materials.
• Prepare briefing materials for senior leaders for media interviews, political engagements,
speeches, and presentations.
• Lead the drafting and coordination of key corporate publications, including the Annual Report,
Sustainability Report, and Gender Pay Gap Report.
• Coordinate submissions to Government consultations on relevant policy areas.
• Oversee content management for the Bus Éireann website and social media channels,
including quality control and content update processes.
Strategic Support and Corporate Engagement
• Support the delivery of the annual Corporate Communications plan and objectives.
• Assist in managing interactions with Government departments and regulatory bodies.
• Deliver effective crisis communications and issue management responses when required.
• Support the implementation of corporate social responsibility initiatives.
• Provide support to the Head of Corporate Affairs and Communications on strategic projects
and key relationships, working closely with stakeholders across the organisation.
Team Coordination and Management
• Coordinate reactive activity and proactive projects across the Corporate Communications
team, ensuring effective prioritisation and workload management.
Media Relations and Monitoring
• Maintain strong working relationships with key national and regional media contacts.
• Support media issue and crisis management.
• Oversee media and public affairs monitoring, analysis, and evaluation.
KEY SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE
• A third level or post-graduate qualification is essential, ideally in journalism, communications
or in an equivalent field.
• A minimum five-years in a senior media relations/public affairs role is essential, ideally within
an organisation with national reach.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a high level of accuracy and
attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to adapt messaging for a wide range of audiences, channels, and
subject areas.
• Strong capability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously, prioritise effectively, and
meet tight deadlines across complex projects. A proactive approach to developing,
implementing, and improving systems and ways of working.
• Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively at all
organisational levels. Demonstrates a strong service ethos and the ability to build trusted
relationships both internally and with media stakeholders.
• Experience adopting a digital-first approach to communications, with strong digital literacy and
the ability to align communications channels, brand, and organisational objectives. An
understanding of, and affinity with, regional Ireland, beyond a Dublin-centric perspective.
• Proven leadership capability with both internal teams and external stakeholders, balancing
strategic thinking with the ability to respond effectively to urgent and tactical issues.
• A strong interest in news, current affairs, and the evolving media landscape, with a
commitment to ongoing professional development.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and e-Vetting systems, with excellent attention to
detail and data governance awareness.
• Willingness to travel within Ireland as required and participate in an on-call rota, typically one
week in four.
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
1. Customer Focus
Actively listening to build and deliver solutions that meet customer expectations. Recognises
the importance of understanding internal and external stakeholder requirements and going
the extra mile to exceed their expectations.
2. Safety
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of safety regulations and consistently strives to
adhere to them in all aspects of their work. Actively ensures compliance with established
safety protocols and guidelines, promoting a culture of safety within the team and
organisation.
3. Collaboration
Demonstrates the ability to collaborate effectively with others to achieve common goals within
their team or department. Demonstrates strong communication skills in one-on-one or small
group settings, actively listening and engaging with others. Shows attentiveness and
understanding, ensuring that all perspectives are heard and valued.
4. Versatility
Recognises that different situations may call for different approaches and starts adjusting
accordingly. Begins to acquire data from various sources when solving problems. Scans the
environment for new technical skills, knowledge, or capabilities that may benefit performance.
5. Driving Results
An intentional focus on achieving set objectives and performance targets and commitment to
continuous improvement. It involves a goal-oriented mindset, planning to address challenges
through effective problem-solving.
6. Sustainable Practice
Displays a strong awareness of environmental and social responsibility principles, emphasising
the importance of ethical actions. Demonstrates a solid understanding of industry trends and
best practices, recognising their critical role in driving positive impact.
WHY JOIN BUS ÉIREANN?
Joining Bus Éireann means becoming part of a respected national transport company that plays a
vital role in connecting communities across Ireland. We are committed to supporting our employees
through competitive pay, professional development opportunities, and a positive work environment
that encourages career progression and work-life balance.
As part of our commitment to employee well-being and long-term career development, we offer a
comprehensive range of benefits.
BENEFITS
• Contract: Permanent
• Annual leave: 25 days increasing to 28 after 5 years’ service
• Subsidised GP Scheme for yourself, your partner and dependents up to age of 16.
• Travel concession on CIE services for yourself and dependents
• Residential travel on CIE services to and from workplace
• Pension Scheme
• Welfare Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Parking on site
• Gym on site
• Study scheme
• Subsidised canteen
HOW TO APPLY
If you’re ready to shape the future of Bus Éireann visit careers.buseireann.ie to apply by close of
business on 29
th May 2026.
Bus Éireann is proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to fostering a diverse
and inclusive workplace where everyone can achieve their potential.
