Ciara Murphy Email & Phone Number

Dublin

I specialise in strategic communications and counsel, executive support, and helping organisations build capacity to deliver effective communications. In 2024, I worked with Parents Plus and ACESA (Association of Chief Executives of State Agencies).At ACESA, I provided executive support to the Outreach & Communications and Executive Leadership subgroups, coordinating meetings, preparing agendas and minutes, and managing follow-ups. Beyond secretariat duties, I led initiatives like redeveloping the ACESA website and exploring leadership programme options tailored for members.At Parents Plus, I created a communications handbook, developed brand kits, and streamlined messaging. I also mentored a new communications team, working closely with the CEO to establish processes that strengthened their communications function.

Dublin 4

As the longest-serving member of the team at Alice Public Relations, I played a pivotal role in the agency’s success over its first nine years. I contributed to the growth of our client base, development of our staff team, and enhancement of our operational systems.I directed communications campaigns encompassing strategy, public affairs, media relations, issues management, digital communications, events, and evaluation. Notably, I led the PRII 'Best Integrated Campaign' for the 2020 Springboard+ campaign and managed successful campaigns for charities and public sector organisations like the Neurological Alliance of Ireland and the Irish Research Council.As a member of the Senior Leadership Team and Board, I fostered a supportive, ambitious, and creative organisational culture. I managed HR functions, including recruitment, learning and development, the annual staff engagement survey, and payroll. I implemented streamlined processes using tools like Toggl, Dext, and Calamari to enhance operational efficiency.In business development, I played a key role in drafting proposals, coordinating public sector tenders, and contributing to pitches. I represented Alice Public Relations on the PRCA board in 2022 and guided the agency through the PRCA Consultancy Management Standard accreditation in 2019 and 2021.

Dublin 7

As the first Communications Manager at Parents Plus, a charity that develops evidence-based parenting and mental health programmes, I played a key role in establishing a consistent and professional approach to communications.I managed day-to-day communications, overseeing the marketing of the charity’s five programmes and implementing a comprehensive social media strategy. A major focus of my work was on rebranding the organisation, including redeveloping the website, collaborating with a graphic designer to redesign programme materials and parent manuals, and creating a new logo and tagline that aligned with the charity’s mission and values.I also managed the biannual Innovations in Working with Families Conference at Croke Park, attracting 400 professionals working with families. My responsibilities included marketing and promotion, team coordination, securing exhibitors, advising on programming, creating the branding, managing volunteers, and media relations.Additionally, I promoted and administered a scholarship initiative to celebrate the organisation's 15th anniversary. To support trained facilitators, I redeveloped the facilitators' area of the website, providing essential resources, best practice information, and an archive of newsletters to help them effectively promote their groups to parents.

Dublin 8

At DHR Communications, a full-service public relations agency focused on driving positive societal change, I developed and implemented public relations and public affairs campaigns for public sector and non-profit clients.My responsibilities included drafting comprehensive campaign plans, press materials, speeches, and social media content. I also planned and executed events such as conferences and media launches. As the primary point of contact for clients, I managed relationships, oversaw the account executive team, and wrote proposals for new business.Key achievements included managing the launch of the Samaritans Ireland Impact Report, which resulted in a successful media launch garnering coverage from RTÉ and national newspapers. I was also responsible for event management, branding, and media relations for events including Active Age with The Digital Hub, Africa Day 2013, and Alcohol Action Ireland Facing the Fear.At DHR, I coordinated The Mary Raftery Journalism Fund, handling responsibilities including website development, social media, implementing a communications plan, completing funding proposals, providing secretariat support to the Board, drafting quarterly reports for funders, coordinating the judging process, managing the budget, and supporting potential applicants.

Leinster House

As part of my MA Public Affairs and Political Communications, I did a nine-month internship in Seanad Éireann with Senator Mary-Ann O'Brien. During this time, I researched and drafted speeches, motions, and parliamentary questions, briefed Senator O'Brien on policy issues, organised meetings and events with stakeholders, and attended AV Room briefings. These interactions deepened my understanding of public affairs in policymaking, particularly in areas such as disability supports, Irish business, and charity regulation. I managed the development of her website, creating content, filming and editing videos, and overseeing social media management.

Dublin 1

At Business in the Community Ireland (BITCI), I served as Administrator for the Schools' Business Partnership, an education inclusion programme pairing DEIS schools with local businesses. I managed the programme’s administration, supported regional coordinators, maintained the database, created marketing materials, and handled programme evaluations.One of my initiatives was launching the quarterly "Links" magazine, a new approach to promoting the programme. I managed the entire process, from copywriting and design in Adobe InDesign to proofing and distribution via Issuu and MailChimp. "Links" became an essential marketing tool, showcasing our work in an engaging, professional way on digital platforms that were previously unused.I introduced SurveyMonkey for programme evaluations, compiling comprehensive reports for each of the four programmes. I redesigned the recruitment pack, turning evaluation findings into concise, one-page flyers. I coordinated the Mentoring Programme celebration with the Department of Education, producing a "Schools' Business Partnership By Numbers" video to highlight the programme's impact. I also delivered social media training to regional coordinators, focusing on capturing and editing video content to enhance their digital engagement.A highlight of my role was directly engaging with young people, providing valuable insight into the impact of our work.

Dublin 6

At AONTAS, the National Adult Learning Organisation, I served as the Resource and Communications Officer for four years. My role involved developing evidence-based policy papers and advocacy campaigns to address inequalities in adult learning, working as part of the AONTAS Policy and Promotion team. A major achievement during my time at AONTAS was implementing a proactive approach to Oireachtas and media monitoring, allowing AONTAS to respond quickly to policy developments and keeping members informed. I worked on successful policy campaigns like 'Many Happy Returns' and 'The Adult Education Clinic,' particularly focusing on lobbying for ringfenced funding. Another highlight was my involvement in five Adult Learners' Festivals, where I coordinated the Information Day to encourage participation by adult learning organisations, led the evaluation and reporting process, and developed the advertising strategy. I also managed the STAR Awards for Adult Learning projects, supporting the judging panel and coordinating the event. Additionally, I oversaw AONTAS publications, ensuring that information was presented clearly and aligned with our brand.

Certified Digital Marketing Professional, Digital Marketing

The Certified Digital Marketing Professional course helped me to develop the skills needed for planning and implementing digital marketing.

Master Of Arts - Ma, Public Affairs And Political Communication, 2.1 Hon

For my dissertation, I explored the practice of coalition building in the non-profit sector in Ireland and its effectiveness in achieving.

Bachelor Of Social Science - Bsocsc, Social Policy, Politics, And Sociology, 2.1 Hon

During my three-year honours degree, I advanced my knowledge about the key social issues of the 21st century, while developing critical.

Diploma, Public Relations, 2.1 Hon

The PRII Diploma in Public Relations is the foremost Public Relations qualification in Ireland, held by one in three senior communications.

Diploma, Event Management, 2.1 Hon

During this part-time diploma, I learned practical and theoretical skills in all aspects of event management. Subjects included concept.

Apm Project Fundamentals Qualification (Pfq), Project Management

The APM PFQ (Project Fundamentals Qualification) is an entry-level qualification from the Association for Project Management (APM).