Position: Communications Officer

Pay Rate: £22.65 per Hour

Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week

Hours of Work: Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm (

Start Date: ASAP

Location: Bangor (Facilitates Hybrid Working)

Duration of Contract: Up to 25/01/2026

Overview of Role:

This is a dynamic and exciting opportunity for a highly skilled, motivated and committed individual to lead on communications and engagement on the delivery of the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Reform Agenda & Delivery Plan announced by the Education Minister on 4 February 2025.

The SEN Reform Agenda and associated five-year Delivery Plan sets out a range of actions proposed to transform the educational experience of children with SEN, contributing to better outcomes and support under four objectives of the right support, from the right people, at the right time and in the right place.

The post holder will be the Communications Officer and will liaise closely with relevant staff and engage with a wide range of stakeholders ensuring effective design, development and delivery of all communications activity around SEN reform and transformation.

The main responsibilities of the Communications Officer will be:

• Lead on the development and delivery of a Reform /Transformation Communications Strategy, Plan and Evaluation.
• Ensure all communication activity is aligned to the objectives set out in the SEN Reform Agenda & Delivery Plan and is closely linked with key delivery partner messaging.
• Liaise with DE press office to ensure alignment with wider education messaging and communications
• Engage with a wide range of stakeholders and delivery partners to ensure transparency around delivery, support for the agenda and ensuring a positive ethos to transformation.
• Deliver targeted, effective communication channels, including the set up and management of a coherent online presence including a ‘Big Conversation’ Platform working in close collaboration with the wider directorate.
• Build and maintain successful networks across the education system, actively establishing and developing links.
• Prepare regular communication briefs which tailor to a wide audience.
• Escalate risks and issues to the Director and relevant governance structures as necessary.
• Undertake additional duties requested by the Director to support SEN Reform.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• A track record (minimum of 2 years gained in the last 5 years) of working in communications: developing and leading on a Strategic Communications Plan.
• Strong experience in designing, managing and using a range of communications channels to inform and engage.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Strong people, reputational and communication risk management skills.
• Demonstrable experience of directing communication, engagement activities both internally within an organisation and with multiple stakeholders.
• Experience of writing reports and the sourcing, analysis and presentation of data and management information.
• Contribute to successful team working.
• Careful planning and successful communication project management including budgeting and reporting.
• Proficiency in MS Office 365 suite / social media and content management.
Access to transport is essential. This post will involve regular travel within Northern Ireland / Republic of Ireland and potentially beyond.

*The successful applicant will be required to complete an Access NI during registration*

If interested, please send across your CV to tomas.maguire@therecruitmentco.uk