Overview
The Hearings and Communications Manager reports to the Head of Operations and plays a key strategic role in supporting the Inquiry’s legal team and communications team to deliver the Inquiry’s hearings programme. The role involves leading the planning, management and delivery of all hearing activities, while also handling the Investigation’s press office, digital communications and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
* Hearings: Lead the entire hearing programme – develop timetables, manage witness correspondence (written, oral and travel arrangements), coordinate supplier and venue logistics, and produce staff rotas and information packs.
* Communications: Manage the Inquiry’s press office – draft and release press statements, respond to media queries, coordinate journalist attendance at hearings, and oversee online content (website, social media channels).
* Track media coverage, compile reporting and support the drafting of broader communication strategies.
* Organise public engagement events such as information days and coordination of stakeholder activities.
* Provide operational support to workstreams run by Business Support Officers (Finance, Governance and Estates).
Qualifications & Experience
* Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with a proven ability to deliver under tight deadlines.
* Excellent written and verbal communication, with an eye for detail in media and stakeholder correspondence.
* Experience of working with diverse stakeholders, including managing public or media requests.
* Demonstrated ability to use structured approaches (e.g., STAR, WHO) to explain past achievements.
* Prior experience with independent inquiries or similar work is desirable.
* Experience working in a press office or communication team is desirable.
* Current or a higher CTC clearance is desirable.
* Good IT skills – familiarity with content management systems, social media platforms and media monitoring tools.
Location & Working Conditions
The role can be based in either Belfast or London, but requires regular travel to Belfast to support hearings. Out‑of‑hours work during hearing periods is expected. The role operates within a hybrid working framework with a minimum of 60 % office presence, subject to local estate capacity.
Other Requirements
Applicants must demonstrate the core Civil Service behaviours – Communicating and Influencing (lead), Delivering at Pace, Working Together and Managing a Quality Service – as part of the interview process. A successful applicant will also be required to provide examples of relevant experience using the STAR or WHO models.
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