JOB DETAILS

The Head of External Affairs is responsible for shaping and leading Ibec’s external positioning and reputation nationally and internationally.

The role shapes Ibec’s public narrative and influence ensuring the organisation leads rather than reacts in national and international debate. Operating across the enterprise it ensures that Ibec’s priorities, policy positions and strategic initiatives are clearly articulated and effectively represented across membership, media, public discourse and the wider business and economic environment.

Working in close partnership with all divisions and particularly with the Policy, Lobbying and Global Affairs division, the Head of External Affairs brings deep understanding of the policy and government landscape, translating complex issues into compelling public framing that strengthens Ibec’s credibility, authority and influence. The role contributes to enterprise-level decision-making by advising on reputational and influence implications of strategic and policy choices.

Closing date for applications will be 13th March 2026.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Strategic Planning and Leadership 

Set the strategic direction and multi-year plan for External Affairs in alignment with Ibec’s enterprise strategy and agreed organisational priorities. 
Establish clear objectives, performance measures and priorities for the function. 
Contribute to enterprise planning processes, ensuring external positioning and influence considerations are integrated from inception. 
Lead and develop a high-performing External Affairs team building capability aligned to the division’s future-state ambition. 
Manage budgets and resources responsibly to deliver strategic impact.

Enterprise Positioning and Narrative Leadership 

Lead the development and stewardship of Ibec’s external positioning framework across all divisions and sector associations. 
Ensure external positioning informs and supports organisational strategy and major initiatives from inception. 
Proactively identify opportunities to shape national conversation on issues affecting business, the economy and employers. 
Ensure clarity, coherence and consistency in how Ibec represents its priorities, policy positions and member interests. 
Set standards and provide guidance for external engagement across the organisation to maintain alignment and protect reputation. 
Develop and coordinate thought leadership initiatives that reinforce Ibec’s authority and expertise.

 
Strategic Partnership Across the Organisation 

Partner closely with: 
- Policy, Lobbying and Global Affairs 
- Employer Relations 
- Members & Sectors 
- Business Services and Commercial divisions 
Advise and guide divisions and sector associations to ensure externally facing positioning aligns with enterprise strategy and agreed standards. 
Provide strategic guidance on reputational and influence implications of major initiatives, policy developments and commercial activities.

 
Media and Public Engagement 

Lead Ibec’s strategic engagement with national and international media and opinion-formers to advance agreed enterprise positioning. 
Position the CEO and senior leaders as authoritative voices on business, economic and employer issues. 
Lead senior non-government stakeholder engagement strategy to strengthen Ibec’s influence and standing across business, civic and societal audiences.

Strategic Campaigns and Public Impact 

Provide strategic leadership and oversight of public-facing campaigns across the organisation. 
Work collaboratively with Marketing to ensure campaign execution aligns with enterprise positioning and brand standards. 
Monitor and evaluate the impact of campaigns and external engagement to inform future strategy and strengthen influence.

 
Issues, Foresight and Crisis Leadership 

Monitor and interpret political, economic and societal developments to inform proactive positioning and risk mitigation. 
Identify emerging issues that may present reputational risk or strategic opportunity for Ibec. 
Lead crisis preparedness and coordinated response across divisions and sector associations. 
Provide calm, senior-level judgement and advice in high-profile or politically sensitive situations.

 
International Engagement and Reputation 

Support and coordinate Ibec’s international engagement and external reputation. 
Build relationships with international stakeholders and partners as appropriate. 
Support international advocacy positioning in partnership with Policy,Lobbying and Global Affairs. 
Ensure consistency between domestic and international positioning.

Leadership and Influence 

Act as a senior enterprise leader within the Corporate Affairs division. 
Provide strategic counsel at Executive level on external positioning, influence and reputational risk. 
Operate with authority and judgement in complex, politically and commercially sensitive environments. 
Lead with a collaborative mindset across a multi-stakeholder organisation.

NOTE: This list is not exhaustive but serves to reflect the nature of the duties included in the role. Given the nature of the organisation and the need to respond to members’ needs on an ongoing basis, the role is subject to change over time. Sector assignment may be subject to change.

Why us?

Ibec Core Competencies

Bias towards action

Collaborative – work together as ‘oneIbec’.
Dynamic – approach initiatives with careful planning, energy, drive, and resilience.
Decisive – make clear, well-informed decisions.

Member and Customer Focus

Agile and Adaptive – embrace change and be adaptive to members’ needs and in ambitious situations.
Creative and Innovative – not afraid of dynamic thinking in finding solutions.
Curious and Critical Thinking – open minded and proactive in gathering data in developing opinions.

Drive and Personal Leadership

Ambitious – driven and can take responsible risks.
Accountable – committed to highest standards and takes ownership of actions.
Continuous Improvement – proactive on personal and professional development

Ibec Leadership Competencies  

Navigate Ambiguity  
Strategic Growth Mindset  
Integrity and Trust  
Business Acumen

Ibec is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with a disability. Should you wish to request a reasonable accommodation please email dearbhla.rice@ibec.ie

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications

Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. public affairs, communications, politics, economics, business, law or related field). 
Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field desirable. 
Ongoing professional development in public policy, corporate affairs, leadership or strategic communications advantageous.

Knowledge

Deep understanding of the Irish political, economic and public policy environment. 
Strong understanding of the interplay between public policy, media, business interests and public perception. 
Knowledge of enterprise brand and reputation management principles. 
Understanding of governance and stakeholder dynamics within complex, multi-division organisations. 
Awareness of international political and economic trends relevant to business and employer representation.

Experience 

Significant senior experience in external affairs, corporate affairs, public affairs or reputation leadership within a complex organisation. 
Demonstrated experience shaping enterprise positioning and influencing external perception around complex economic and policy issues. 
Experience operating in politically and commercially sensitive environments with material reputational exposure. 
Proven experience advising senior executives in high-profile, externally visible roles. 
Experience leading media engagement and senior stakeholder relationships at national level; international exposure desirable. 
Experience leading and developing teams and managing budgets. 
Experience working across multiple business units or divisions in a federated or matrix structure. 
Experience contributing to strategic planning processes at senior level.

Competencies 
Strategic Thinking and Judgement 

Ability to operate at enterprise level, connecting external positioning to organisational strategy. 
Strong analytical capability with the ability to anticipate emerging risks and opportunities. 
Sound judgement in high-pressure and politically sensitive situations.

Influence and Executive Presence 

Credible and authoritative presence with the ability to influence at Executive and senior stakeholder level. 
Skilled in framing complex issues clearly and persuasively. 
Able to operate with confidence in national and international environments.

Stakeholder and Relationship Leadership 

Builds strong relationships across divisions, sector associations and external stakeholders. 
Balances competing interests while maintaining enterprise coherence. 
Demonstrates political awareness and contextual sensitivity.

Leadership and Capability Development 

Leads with clarity and direction. 
Builds high-performing teams aligned to strategic priorities. 
Sets and maintains professional standards across the function.

Collaboration and Organisational Alignment 

Operates effectively in a matrixed, multi-stakeholder environment. 
Promotes alignment across divisions without undermining accountability. 
Leads with a collaborative, solutions-focused approach.

Head of External Affairs

Job Description