Head of Impact and Engagement (Permanent Role)

About AONTASEstablished in 1969, AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, is a non-governmental membership organisation that promotes that value of adult learning and advocates for the rights of all adults to quality learning across the tertiary education system. We have an unwavering commitment to educationally disadvantaged adults. We offer solutions-focused advocacy that is evidence-based, drawing on research and our extensive initiatives that engage with adults who have returned to education. AONTAS is a highly respected and connected non-governmental organisation at national and international levels. AONTAS is committed to providing a voice for adult learners based on our vision of learning as being truly lifelong, and takes account of the myriad benefits of learning to health, personal development, social engagement and community development. AONTAS advocates for an inclusive, learner-centred lifelong learning system that enables adults to have a meaningful learning experience.Purpose of this role: To lead AONTAS’ Impact and Engagement Team, oversee their work, and provide a supportive environment.To build and maintain strong relationships with AONTAS’ key stakeholders, including State Agencies, Government Departments, and organisations. Utilise strategic communications to guide AONTAS’ work to ensure we have a meaningful impact.Oversee AONTAS publications and the design of AONTAS materials.Position ProfileKey Responsibilities:Develop and maintain a high-level network of key stakeholders, organise stakeholder meetings and lead AONTAS’ stakeholder mapping. Coordinate external stakeholder engagements and activities with relevant AONTAS team members, including conference and interview requests. Create opportunities for meaningful partnerships that support the implementation of AONTAS’ work and build the profile of the organisation. Ensure the staff team consistently engage with key stakeholders and are updated and informed of stakeholder meetings. Utilise strategic communications to guide AONTAS’ work to ensure we have a meaningful impact.Lead and create an impact strategy and framework for AONTAS’ activities. Ensure AONTAS’ work is recorded and monitored for impact against the Strategic Plan. Publish one impact report per year and share content regularly for membership and communications engagement. Oversee AONTAS publications, including the ‘Adult Learner Journal’, the Annual Report, and National FET Learner Forum reports; oversee publication design and the growth of the AONTAS brand. Work in partnership with the AONTAS Communications Team to plan and deliver the Adult Learners’ Festival annually. Coordinate work placements and student placements in the broader AONTAS team. Support AONTAS as a space for learning opportunities and as a socially inclusive employer. Work with members of the Senior Leadership team to deliver AONTAS' Strategic Plan 2023-2026Lead a High Performing TeamProvide the Impact and Engagement Team with a supportive environment that builds their capacity and advances their professional goals (currently two staff members).Responsible for all Human Resource, budget, and employee management activities within the Impact and Engagement Team.Candidate ProfileCore Requirements: Masters in communication studies, Public Relations, English or relevant area. Experience leading a team and growing the capacity of team members.Experience in developing strategic and mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders.Experience in strategic communications including the development of media articles, reports, and blogs. Experience in guiding internal communication with team members on important political, social and sectoral topics. Strong knowledge of and experience in guiding and capturing impact in the delivery of activities.Experience in the delivery of a range of publications including annual reports, academic journals, blogs, and research reports.Preferred Experience: Strong knowledge of the Irish adult and community education sector.Strong knowledge of adult and community education in Northern Ireland. Experience working in a non-government organisation. Has successfully shown their ability to work collaboratively within and across teams and manage multiple programmes of work. Access to a vehicle and a full clean driver's license. Personal Characteristics: A strong commitment to goals of educational equality, social justice, and empowerment High level of professional responsibility and integrity Diplomatic and considered in the creation of internal and external communication messages and contentAbility to communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders in a constructive and approachable manner Ability to multi-task and deliver on multiple priorities with a track record of delivering work on time and to a high standard Capacity to work in partnership with colleagues and stakeholders Committed to a socially inclusive and positive working environment, championing shared values and being empathetic towards othersCurious and open-minded, with the ability to listen, and explore new ideas and alternatives. Points of Information: The ‘day-to-day’ activities of this role involve the management of a team that covers a range of work. Please read more about AONTAS’ activities here: www.aontas.comIt is expected that the successful candidate will represent the organisation from time to time at meetings and events across the island of Ireland, and Europe. The ‘Impact and Engagement Team’ work alongside the ‘Communications Team’ in AONTAS. Each has responsibility for different areas of work. AONTAS advocates to remove structural inequalities in adult education, and we believe that adult learning should be a meaningful transformative experience for all.This is not a new role. The successful candidate will join an established team. AONTAS has been in operation for over 50 years. We have more than 400 members across the island of Ireland including community education providers, Education and Training Boards, Higher Education institutions, NGOs, academics, learners, and others. Contributing to AONTAS:This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and may vary from time to time, to provide for change. You will be required to perform such other duties as may reasonably be required of you by AONTAS. At all times, employees must operate to the highest professional, ethical, and performance standards. Measures of Success:Strong relationships with key stakeholders. Ensuring all projects, publications and activities are delivered to a high standard and on time. Developing and implementing a strategic communications approach with clear messaging that is supported by staff. Clear identification of AONTAS’ impact that showcases the value of our work and the importance of adult and community education. A highly effective and collaborative team that works to the best of their ability. An organised and valuable annual Adult Learners’ Festival Benefits:Hybrid Working Policy Attractive pension and income protection scheme for staff, after a successful probation period Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Equipment provided by AONTAS (laptop and phone for work use) Funded conference fees Flexibility and support (for example, persons with additional/different needs, caring obligations or other) Funded professional development opportunities Opportunities to engage with and travel for EU programmes Cycle to Work SchemeA highly motivated and collaborative team Public transport is easily accessible and free on-site parking On-site kitchen and facilities in the AONTAS office Manager:Reporting directly to the CEO.The salary scale for this role is €50,211 - €52,972 - €54,362 - €57,733 - €59,041 - €60,354 - €61,671AONTAS is an Equal Opportunities Employer.Please let us know if we can provide you with further information or make reasonable adaptions to this process, to suit your needs.