Communications and Campaigns Lead

Applications are now invited for the post of Communications and Campaigns Lead with the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT). This is a key function within the IPRT team, working to ensure that our comprehensive body of evidence-led research and policy reaches key audiences and influences public and political debate. It is an opportunity to work in a small impactful organisation, driven by a shared passion for social justice, equality and human rights.

About IPRT

The Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) is Ireland’s leading non-governmental organisation campaigning for human rights and best practice in the penal system, and for progressive penal policy in which prison is a sanction of last resort. We have a track record of achieving big impact for a small organisation. We do this through a combination of research, advocacy, engagement, public affairs, events and working in alliance with others.

Our work is evidence-based, informed by over 30 years of experience, extensive research and proactive engagement with people affected by the penal system. Our aim is to shift the focus of our penal system away from its current emphasis on punishment towards approaches based on prevention, diversion, rehabilitation, and the integration of criminal justice policy with wider social policy. A more effective and humane penal system, which combats social injustice and has safer communities at its heart, also benefits communities and wider society through its emphasis on crime prevention, rehabilitation, and a reduction in reoffending.

Our model of change is that effecting reforms at the highest level will have the greatest impact for the largest number of people. To this end, we focus our efforts on generating evidence-informed policy research and recommendations, underpinned by human rights, while also working constructively with decision-makers to deliver effective penal policy in Ireland and changing attitudes around the criminal justice system.

About the Role

This is a high-paced proactive and reactive role, where every day will bring a new opportunity to influence penal reform. There is great scope for a dynamic person with a passion for communication and social justice advocacy to bring their creativity and ideas to the role. The post offers an excellent opportunity for an ambitious candidate to work in a high-profile, dynamic and effective non-governmental organisation.

We are an established voice in public debate on penal reform, and we enjoy strong attendance at our public events. We have developed a comprehensive research and evidence base, which we are ready to bring to the next level. We are now seeking the right person to develop and implement strategies that maximise our existing tools and research to increase our reach and engagement across all of our target audiences.

We would like to hear from people who have relevant communications skills and experience and who are looking to apply these skills to a social justice setting. Our core criteria are excellence in writing, editing and proofing along with flair and confidence in using IT and digital media – a short written exercise will form part of the recruitment process. Enjoying the challenge of managing multiple projects, timelines and deadlines, while remaining flexible and responsive to opportunities that arise, is essential.

IPRT is an equal opportunities employer, and we welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds as well as from people with criminal records. We don’t ask for information about convictions during the recruitment process.

This position is full-time for a fixed-term contract of two years, with a view to extension subject to funding.

IPRT is committed to supporting staff to identify and undertake training and development opportunities relevant to the role.

Please see Job Description & Person Specification attached below

To Apply

Please upload your curriculum vitae plus a statement as to how you meet the Person Specification by 5pm on Monday 16 June 2025 on our jobs portal here.

The Person Specification should cover each of the bullet points outlined and should be approximately two typed A4 pages in length. Any queries about the role should be directed to director@iprt.ie

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interview shortly after the closing date with interviews to take place online as soon as possible thereafter.