PRII Digest
Public Relations Institute of Ireland
06 February 2008
If you have a news item or details of an event you'd like to include in the PRII Digest, please e-mail your contribution to info@prii.ie. Visit http://www.prii.ie/ or call (01) 661 8004 for more information on training workshops, or to register.
*********************** In this issue ************************
Institute News
PRII Forum: Meet the producers
Workshop: Managing the press office
Workshop: Effective internal communication
Workshop: Advocacy techniques for the not-for-profit sector
Workshop: Writing a winning proposal
Breakfast Briefing: The PRII welcomes Sir Hugh Orde
Student corner: Moving into PR; Revision workshops
Industry/PRCA News
Key dates to note for the 2008 PR Awards for Excellence
Sarah Ryan promoted at Drury Communications
Is your organisation seeking to secure sponsorship?
Thinkhouse in the movies
Job Opportunities
Communications Assistant (3-4 month contract), Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland
Brand Communications Manager (permanent), Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland
Opportunities in communications, Health Information & Quality Authority
Career opportunities, Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
Senior Marketing & PR Executive, A|wear
Account Executive - Sports and Sponsorship, Pembroke Communications
UK & International News
What you can (and can't) learn from Obama
Institute News
PRII Forum: Meet the Producers
Wednesday 13 February 2008
Buswell's Hotel, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 *** Speaker update: Patricia Monahan, Assistant Station Editor at Newstalk 106 - 108fm, will replace Barbara Loftus of Today FM at this Forum due to circumstances beyond our control ***
Ever wondered what it takes to make the broadcast media news? Our first Forum of 2008 welcomes speakers from RTÉ and Newstalk 106 - 108fm to offer a behind the scenes insight into what's hot in the news and what's not on today's airwaves.
Representing RTÉ, Angela Daly will outline the production values of Prime Time and highlight the trends and issues currently at the forefront of current affairs programme-making for TV.
Meanwhile, Patricia Monahan, Assistant Station Editor at Newstalk 106 -108fm and former producer of both the lunchtime news and Life! With Orla Barry programmes, will summarise Newstalk's audience demographics and news agenda, and detail opportunities to contribute to and participate in the station's programmes.
Neil O'Gorman MPRII, PR Director at Bespoke Communications, will chair the Forum, which begins at 6.30pm. Admission is free to PRII members and costs €15 for non-members. Please e-mail info@prii.ie if you plan on attending.
*** Takes place next Thursday ***
Thursday 14 February
Managing the press office, presented by Declan Conroy
This workshop examines the specific role of the in-house press office. It draws on the range of press and communications activities used in-house to highlight how key relationships and is sues are handled internally and with wider external audiences. Issues ranging from corporate and political, and from service to industrial relations, will be studied and key principles for ensuring your organisation gains credibility with the media and other target groups detailed.
Full details available at http://www.prii.ie/. Course fees: PRII members €365, non-members €495.
*** Two places left ***
Thursday 21 February
Effective internal communication, presented by Dan Loughrey
The aim of this workshop is to provide a best practice framework for the implementation and management of an effective internal communication network. Topics addressed include: Key principles of good communication; the role of the manager in implementing an internal communication strategy; how to link internal communications to overall business strategy; the impact of modern technology; how to make new strategies work; and the role of internal communication in times of organisational change.
Full details available at http://www.prii.ie/. Course fees: PRII members €365, non-members €495.
*** New ***
Tuesday 26 February
Advocacy techniques for the not-for-profit sector
This workshop aims to address the growing importance of advocacy by putting it into context and by demonstrating advocacy practices and techniques at their best. Issues examined include: First steps in putting together an advocacy campaign; What your campaign should look and sound like, at a minimum; pre-budget submissions; do's and don'ts of advocacy; getting the budget right; and advocacy campaigns that missed the mark.
Full details available at http://www.prii.ie/. Course fees: PRII members €295, non-members €395.
*** New ***
Thursday 06 March
Writing a winning proposal, presented by Una Mc Sorley
This one day workshop will show you how to plan, structure and write proposals that get results. You will learn how to create the right document for the job and make your bid as persuasive as possible. By the end of the workshop, delegates will also understand fully the role of the pitch process and will know what actions to consider before, during and after a proposal takes place. Full details available at http://www.prii.ie/. Course fees: PRII members €365, non-members €495.
Breakfast Briefing: The PRII welcomes Sir Hugh Orde
Thursday 10 April - 7.45am-9.00am
The Davenport Hotel, Merrion Square, Dublin 2
Sir Hugh Orde was appointed to the post of Chief Constable of the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) in May 2002, following a distinguished career in London with the Metropolitan Police Service. Since then he has overseen what has been described by The Oversight Commissioner as ‘unparalleled' policing change and the PSNI is now deemed to be the most accountable police service in the world.
In his quest to deliver a safer Northern Ireland, Sir Hugh has piloted a communications strategy centred on the principles of openness, transparency, engagement and conversation - a strategy that in early 2007 resulted in all the major political parties declaring their support for the North's policing and criminal justice system for the first time.
It is therefore the Institute's honour to welcome Sir Hugh to Dublin where he will present, on Thursday 10 April, an overview of this strategy, focusing in particular on the work carried out by the PSNI at local community level. In addition, he will outline how the organisation has earned the trust of policy makers and built a healthy and respected relationship with the Police Ombudsman.
Inevitably the PSNI remains a subject for debate but this event will demonstrate how its contribution to the changing landscape of Northern Ireland is beyond doubt.
To register for this breakfast briefing, which takes place at the Davenport Hotel in Dublin, e-mail info@prii.ie. The cost of attending is €40 for PRII members and €55 for non-members. Payment must be made in advance, preferably by credit or laser card.
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Student corner
Moving into PR
Details of the PRII's Careers Day, which takes place on Saturday 23 February at the National Concert Hall, have now been e-mailed to all students. This event takes place between 1pm and 4pm and attendance is free. However, advance registration is obligatory and we would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible if you plan on joining us. E-mail info@prii.ie with your name, college and contact telephone number to be added to the list.
Diary date: Revision workshops
Please note that the Institute will hold revision workshops for all six examinable modules on Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 April. These workshops will take place at the Royal College of Surgeons and full details will be issued in early March.
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Industry/PRCA News
Key dates to note for the 2008 PR Awards for Excellence
Final preparations for the 2008 PR Awards for Excellence are now in place and the call for entries will be issued to all PRII and PRCA members by the end of February. For those of you planning ahead, the deadline for receipt of entries is Tuesday 01 April, while this year's Awards ceremony takes place at the Mansion House on Thursday 26 June. Sarah Ryan promoted at Drury Communications
Drury Communications has announced the promotion of Sarah Ryan to Client Director in its corporate team, where she works with a range of clients in the professional and financial services sector and on financial public relations with a number of market leading plc clients. Sarah joined Drury Communications as a client manager in July 2005. Prior to that she worked with Sport and Recreation New Zealand and with the New Zealand Building Industry Authority. In Ireland, Sarah has also worked with public relations company Dillon Consultants, and educational body the Fullbright Commission. Sarah has an honours MA in Anglo-Irish Literature from UCD and also holds a Diploma in Marketing, Advertising and PR.
Is your organisation seeking to secure sponsorship?
MRPA KINMAN Communications, one of Ireland's leading public relations consultancies, is updating its database on national and local sponsorship opportunities. To assist us in this regard, we would welcome expressions of interest in sponsorship arrangements from companies, organisations or representative bodies in the sports, cultural, community or charitable spheres throughout the country. Our aim is to foster mutually beneficial, long lasting relationships that will build the business, reputation and profile of our clients.
Anybody who wishes to register an interest in securing potential sponsorship should send details by email to research@mrpakinman.ie.
Key information submitted should include the name of the organisation seeking support, key contact personnel within that organisation, the sector they are involved in, product placement and branding opportunities and overall funding sought. All information supplied will be treated as confidential.
Thinkhouse in the movies
Thinkhouse, the Dublin based P R agency that specialises in youth communications, has added Paramount Home Entertainment to its brand portfolio. A Viacom company, Paramount Home Entertainment has commissioned Thinkhouse to promote its home entertainment offering, including new release, catalogue, family and kids DVDs.
Paramount Home Entertainment joins Thinkhouse's client base that also includes: 3; Ben & Jerry's; Brinkman Beverages; Wrangler; Coca-Cola Bottler's; Swatch and more.
Job Opportunities
Communications Assistant (3-4 month contract), Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland Location: Tramore Road, Cork
Travel: Occasional
Reporting to: Communications Manager & Executive
We are now inviting applications to a 3-4 month contract vacancy working as Communications Assistant. Reporting to the Communications Manager and Executive, you will be responsible for assisting in the implementation of the Corporate and Brand Public Relations strategy, objectives and plans, managing the public relations budget and dealing when required with management, media, PR agency and retailer queries.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Ensuring all media queries are channeled to the appropriate personnel and dealt with efficiently to meet deadlines
- Retailer and regional manager queries
- Trade press queries
- Ensuring all PR activity is communicated to trade press
- Maintaining up to date photography and DVD files
- Regional press release distribution
- Gathering company information for corporate material production
- Assisting with event management as required
- Invoices: Maintain invoices on file and on a computer spread sheet. Deal with queries on accounts from third party suppliers
- Assist communications manager and executive in daily running of the department
- Booking of meeting rooms, conference rooms and flights when necessary
- The performance of additional duties and projects as requested by public relations personnel.
Education and experience:
- A relevant third level and/or public relations Diploma
- Previous work in a PR dept/agency required
- Competency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, etc), telephone techniques, accounting packages
- An understanding of how the media works
- Excellent communication, time management and interpersonal skills
- Good influencer and ability to get things done through others
- Imagination and creativity
- Good organisational skills and writing skills.
Interested candidates should apply via the careers section on http://www.musgrave.ie/ by close of business on Tuesday 19 February 2008.
http://www.musgrave.ie/
Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
Brand Communications Manager (permanent), Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland
Location: Tramore Road, Cork
Travel: Yes (full driving license is essential)
Reporting to: Marketing Director
Due to the relocation of our PR department to Tramore Road and a re-structuring of the team we are now inviting applications for the position of brand communications manager.
Reporting directly to the marketing director, the purpose of this role is to enhance the customer and consumer perception and reputation of the SuperValu and Centra brands by developing and implementing appropriate external communication and public relations programmes in support of the brands' vision, values and goals.
This role will involve close liaison with the market ing, sales and trading departments to oversee and coordinate all brand communications in relation to SuperValu and Centra brands. This also includes working closely with PR and brand agencies.
Main duties and responsibilities:
- Working closely with other departments, in particular Trading and Sales, to devise and communicate activities that support "Real Rood, Real People" and "Bright ideas for everyday living"
- Develop annual Brand PR plans with the relevant marketing managers that are in line with the brands' strategic objectives
- Drafting appropriate annual brand communications budgets
- Identify appropriate sponsorship opportunities aligned with the brands' positioning and values
- Manage the communications around Centra and SuperValu retailer conferences; trade shows; owners conferences; retailer trips; quality awards and other brand related events
- Supporting the marketing and trading teams by advising, guiding and managing all communications around national promotions in relation to each brand
- Providing advice and guidance to the Centra and SuperValu and local marketing managers on all communications, advertising and PR activities
- Liaising with regional managers on a monthly basis in support of local marketing and communication plans
- Conducting media tracking analysis and reporting advertising and promotion activity effectiveness to the marketing director.
The successful candidate will possess the following:
- 3 years experience in a PR /media/communications role
- Strong brand communications experience
- 3 years experience of managing and staging large communication and/or conference events
- Third level qualification in PR, marketing or media studies
- Ability to assess and identify communications requirements and to design and deliver pragmatic solutions to meet those needs
- Creative with an ability to think innovatively about communication solutions and options.
This position calls for a team player with a high degree of energy and flexibility, the ability to achieve results and to meet deadlines in a fast paced environment.
Interested candidates should apply via the careers section on http://www.musgrave.ie/ by close of business on Tuesday 19 February 2008.
http://www.musgrave.ie/
Musgrave Retail Partners Ireland is an equal opportunities employer
Opportunities in communications, Health Information & Quality Authority
Location: Dublin
The Health Information and Quality Authority is the new independent Authority which has been established to drive continuous improvement in Ireland's health and social care services. This is your opportunity to be part of the team that is working for the public to ensure high quality and safe standards of care.
The Authority is expanding its communications department in Dublin and is seeking to recruit highly motivated individuals for two positions:
Personal Assistant and Receptionist
The successful candidates will provide comprehensive secretarial and administrative support to the head of communications, senior executives and their teams. They will be excellent communicators and take a flexible approach to their work. This is a superb opportunity for those who want to embark on a career in the communications area.
Salary scale is €23,221 - €37,652 per annum for persons making personal pension contributions.
Further information, detailed job descriptions and application forms are available from www.hiqa.ie/careers.asp or from the Human Resources Dept. Ph: 021 4250639. Candidates may also e-mail mailto:careers@hiqa.ie for a copy of the application form. CVs will not be accepted.
Interested candidates should submit a completed application form no later than Friday 15 February 2008 at 5.00pm to the Health Information and Quality Authority, Human Resources Dept, Webworks, Eglinton Street, Cork, or e-mail careers@hiqa.ie.
The Health Information and Quality Authority is committed to a policy of equal opportunity. Canvassing will disqualify.
Career opportunities, Irish Council for Civil Liberties (ICCL)
Location: Dublin 7
The ICCL is the leading independent non-governmental organisation working to defend and promote human rights in Ireland. We wish to recruit three new staff members to join our growing team.
Communications and Campaigns Officer (full time)
You will be a skilled communications professional with campaigning experience, who will relish the challenge of implementing a pro-active communications strategy. You will have at least three years directly-relevant experience of dealing with the print and audiovisual media, the capacity to supervise the work of a part-time information officer, and the ability to work effectively in a small dynamic team.
Salary scale from €45,136 plus benefits. It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the starting point on this scale.
Information Officer - New Technologies (part time)
Working under the supervision of the communications and campaigns officer, you will help to implement an information strategy - with a specific focus on the use of new technologies - designed to complement the ICCL's campaigning, education and fundraising activities.
Salary scale from €33,990 plus benefits, pro rata for an 18-hour week. It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the starting point on this scale.
Office Manager (part time)
You will be an experienced office manager with a good working knowledge of company law, regulations and best practice. Highly-organised, and with a proven ability to prioritise, you will have a firm grasp of financial management and human resources policies.
Salary scale from €50,373 plus benefits, pro rata for an 18-hour week. It is anticipated that the appointment will be made at the starting point on this scale.
Closing date for applications is 5pm on Friday, 15 February 2007. Late applications will not be considered and candidates are advised that interviews will take place shortly after the closing date with a view to early appointment.
For application forms (CVs will not be accepted - please clearly specify the post for which you are applying), job descriptions and further details please contact: Joanne Garvey, ICCL, 9-13 Blackhall Place, Dublin 7. T: +353-1-799 4504 • E: info@iccl.ie • W: http://www.iccl.ie/
The ICCL is an equal opportunities employer.
Senior Marketing & PR Executive, A|wear
Location: Dublin city centre
A|wear is one of Ireland's leading and growing fashion retailers. The company has a significant store portfolio in Ireland and is about to launch into the UK. They are now recruiting for a senior marketing and PR executive to join their award winning marketing and PR team.
Standard requirements:
- 3+ years in marketing or PR
- FMCG/consumer, fashion or retail industry experience preferred
- A good understanding of how retailers operate will fast track your application
- Strong communication ability (both written and verbal)
- Results orientated and have the track record to prove it. We will want to hear about your successes!
The role:
- Identify new opportunities and develop the brand's strategy to inc rease awareness, foot flow, market share and sales across Ireland
- Event management experience is key. You will be responsible for coordinating all elements of an event to include theme generation, drafting of all communications documents for the event, critical paths, store communication and POS, and internal communication documents
- Ability to produce costing analysis, event justification and post event analysis documents for each event or activity in the brand's activity calendar
- You will be responsible for the brand's Irish store base. A key focus will be the development of plans to ensure each store has a share of voice in the overall brand strategy
- Good understanding of category management, promotions, data base management and CRM activity
- Highly organised, able to meet deadlines and take on the challenge of this exciting role and make it your own.
The person:
- Proactive, driven and self-motivated ... retail fashion is fast paced!
- Being a team player is a given.
Salary: Competitive
The closing date for this application is Monday 11 February. To apply, contact Donna Nolan, Head of Human Resources, A|wear, by e-mail to dnolan@a-wear.ie.
Account Executive - Sports and Sponsorship, Pembroke Communications
Location: Dublin 2
An exciting opportunity is now available in Pembroke Communications in the growing Sports and Sponsorship Division.
Pembroke Communications has an outstanding reputation in sports PR and sponsorship and counts a leading Irish bookmaker, several major sports associations, a sports clothing manufacturer, high profile corporate sponsorship accounts and leading sports retailers as clients.
This is a great opportunity for a graduate with a minimum of six months experience to work with an energetic and creative team on major accounts.
Excellent writing, interpersonal and organisational skills are essential. The successful candidate should also have a recognised communications, PR or related qualification.
A deep interest in sport and a basic understanding of the workings of the sports media and sponsorship would be beneficial.
Pembroke is a member of Ireland's leading marketing communications group, Publicis QMP. We are also an affiliate member of one of the world's largest PR agencies, Manning, Salvage and Lee (MS&L). Please see http://www.pembrokecomms.ie/ for more background information.
Please send CVs in confidence to: Michael.okeeffe@pembrokecomms.ie.
The closing date is Friday 08 February.
UK & International News
These articles require free registration to view them What you can (and can't) learn from Obama
The race for the Democratic presidential nomination once again demonstrates the power of one of the most fundamental concepts in marketing: owning a word in the mind.
http://adage.com/columns/article?article_id=124813
Best regards,
Cyrilla Costello
Marketing Manager
Public Relations Institute of Ireland. 78 Merrion Square, Dublin 2. Tel: (01) 661 8004. Fax: (01) 676 4562. Registered number: 104919.
