Head of Communications

About Us: 
GOAL has responded to the world’s major humanitarian crises since its founding in 1977, working with vulnerable communities in 14 countries across the globe with a dedicated team of personnel. While GOAL continues to be an agile first-responder to humanitarian crises, it is also committed to working with vulnerable communities to help them survive crises and support them on the road to recovery.

About the Role
The Head of Communications will shape and deliver GOAL’s global communications strategy, the role is pivotal in enhancing GOAL’s visibility, strengthening stakeholder engagement, and is critical in supporting advocacy efforts aligned with GOAL’s Strategy. You will also be responsible for developing GOAL’s internal communications strategy and assisting the CEO’s Office with the delivery of same.

Reporting to the Director of Strategy and Special projects, you will lead a high-performing team delivering high-quality communications, focused on supporting the GOAL brand and ensuring GOAL is recognised as a leading Irish humanitarian agency delivering impactful and innovative programs around the world

We’re looking for a candidate with significant experience in media, communications, PR agency or similar related fields who understands and appreciates GOAL’ S mission and values. You’ll lead a highly committed team who are passionate about Global Humanitarian issues, so come join us and help spread the word!  

**Please note we operate a hybrid policy and ask employees to attend our HQ office in Dun Laoghaire, co Dublin a minimum of 2 days week**

Key responsibilities

Strategic Leadership (areas of strategic focus in 2026)

• Review and assess GOAL’s current communications strategy
• Work closely with the CEO’s Office and HR to develop an internal communications strategy.
• In partnership with Head of Fundraising, review all Fundraising related communications assessing effectiveness and impact.
• Strengthen GOAL’s sport positioning and deepening GOAL’s brand awareness with the sports world and the public.
• Assisting the Fundraising team with targeted communications to cultivate and expand corporate partnerships, aligning with their ESG strategies and sustainability goals.
• Review GOALs approach to digital communications and how this aligns with digital giving

Brand

• Act as custodian of the GOAL Brand, strong visual identity, via multiple and varied channels and platforms.
• Ensure all communications are aligned with the GOAL brand.
• Ensure correct brand positioning in all fundraising campaigns, events and communications. 

External Communications

• Oversee media relations, including crisis communications, press releases, and proactive media engagement.
• Build strategic relationships with media, influencers, donors, partners to amplify GOAL’s impact.
• Coordinate GOAL’s media coverage in collaboration with the Fundraising, Programmes and CEO’s offices.
• Strengthen relationships with GOAL’s current external service providers and utilise when necessary.

Internal Communications

• Strengthen internal communications to increase transparency and staff engagement across global teams.
• Support change management and organizational development initiatives through effective messaging.

Digital and Content Strategy

• Oversee digital communications, including website, social media, and multimedia storytelling.
• Ensure brand consistency and accessibility across all digital and print materials.

Advocacy and Campaigns

• Collaborate with the Programmes Advocacy Team to design and deliver campaigns that influence policy and public opinion.
• Translate complex humanitarian and development issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.

Leadership and Team Development

• Lead and mentor a high-performing communications team.
• Manage departmental budgets and resources effectively.
• Foster innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning within the team.

Skills and Experience:

• Significant and proven Communications experience communications, agency environment, media relations, or a related field (Exposure to the charity sector in Ireland considered an advantage)
• Demonstrated experience in a similar leadership role, with background in managing and motivating teams
• Excellent verbal and written communication abilities, storytelling and ability to engage diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success in media engagement, brand positioning, and strategic communications planning.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate complex international landscapes.
• A commitment to GOAL's mission and values, with a deep understanding of global humanitarian issues.

GOAL commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We foster an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued, we are particularly eager to receive applications from women (and other underrepresented groups). We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee or volunteer; or any applicant for employment or volunteering on the basis of age, gender identity, ancestry, political opinion, civil status, medical condition, ethnic background, disability, race, religion, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.

Accountability within GOAL
A commitment to GOAL values and GOAL’s integrity framework is critical to working with GOAL. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability: 1) Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols; 2) Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area; 3) Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

Safeguarding
Children and vulnerable adults who come into contact with GOAL as a result of our activities must be safeguarded to the maximum possible extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

General Terms and Conditions

This Job Description only serves as a guide for the position available. GOAL reserves the right to change this document.