The postholder will lead and influence how the HSE Health Region communicates, engages and operates, with responsibility for operational excellence and delivery across the region’s communications and public affairs teams.

This is an executive management position and an important advisor to the REO and Regional EMT, supporting our vision of enabling excellence in health service communications and earning and retaining the trust and confidence of the public, staff and our stakeholders. It is a pivotal role in enhancing and strengthening communications and engagement as a key component of successful change and service improvement at Health Region level.

The HSE has created six new health regions. Each region is responsible for providing both hospital and community care for the people in that area. Bringing community health services and hospitals together means we can take a more patient-centred approach to healthcare.

HSE Dublin North East provides health and social care to North Dublin, Louth, Meath, Monaghan and most areas of Cavan.

Community Healthcare Services are delivered through the HSE and its funded agencies to people in local communities, as close as possible to people’s homes. Community Healthcare Services focus on keeping you well so that you can continue to live at home or close to home through our health promotion, disease screening, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation programs. You can refer yourself to most Community Healthcare Services or through your GP, public health nurse, community mental health team, etc. Services include - Primary Care, Social Care - Older Persons, Social Care – Disabilities, Mental Health, Health and Wellbeing, Quality, Safety and Service Improvement.

HSE Dublin North East Region includes the following hospitals;
• Beaumont Hospital
• Cavan General Hospital
• Connolly Hospital
• Louth County Hospital
• National Orthopaedic Hospital Cappagh
• Monaghan General Hospital
• Mater Misericordiae University Hospital
• Our Ladys Hospital Navan
• Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital
• Rotunda Hospital

Candidates must have at the latest date of application:
• Extensive experience in a senior communications and public affairs leadership role in health or social care delivery or other comparable and relevant business environment of equivalent complexity with multiple competing demands.
• A significant track record in devising and leading communications and public affairs approaches to sensitive and complex issues of public interest
• Proven experience in developing systems and processes that support effective planning and prioritisation to support the effective delivery of projects within a complex environment.
• Significant experience in working collaboratively with stakeholders and partners to ensure objectives are met, along with knowledge of public sector, inter-sectoral or government relations working environments.
• Experience in building and providing leadership and management support to high performing teams.

Health
A candidate for and any person holding the office must be fully competent and capable of undertaking the duties attached to the office and be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Character
Each candidate for and any person holding the office must be of good character.

Job Specification: DNE26205 Regional Director of Communications and Public Affairs