A vacancy has arisen for a Community Engagement Senior Manager to lead strategic planning in this important function and to drive the development of community relations, as part of the wider Group Sustainability Team. The successful candidate will report to the Director of Sustainability and will work with various Departments within Dublin Airport and across daa Group in the delivery of key community related initiatives and projects and to ensure the dissemination of information to the community surrounding Dublin Airport and other relevant public and community groups, in addition to key political and regulatory stakeholders. The role requires astute management of stakeholder relations and public engagements.
The successful candidate will also be charged with the development of relationships with key members of the community, to seek input and to field concerns from neighbours, and support actions relating to the sustainable development of Dublin Airport. The area of Sustainability and Community is a dynamic, fast-paced, and challenging department within daa, providing an opportunity for the right candidate to work in an area that has a real impact.
- Deliver on the strategic plan for Community Engagement at daa Group, taking account of our commitments in our ESG strategy, upcoming ESG reporting requirements, the future vision for the Dublin Airport and our other Group Functions.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the complexities of the planning environment and the associated challenges for engagement, in addition to the changing dynamics of stakeholder and community engagement, ensuring that the practice is scalable and replicable.
- Identify new opportunities for improvement and effective delivery to ensure the company is delivering a world class community engagement and benefit programme with real social value.
- Manage and protect daa's reputation with the community by communicating effectively, distilling complex technical information and disseminating this information in a professional, understandable format for the public.
- Demonstrate competency and technical proficiency in various areas of relevance to the specific requirements of our communities and operations (including flight operations, best practice in airport noise management, environmental issues and relevant regulatory and policy development), in addition to a commitment to continual improvement and learning.
- Lead a cohesive, innovative, and agile team that can support the requirements and demands of the operations across our group functions, and that is knowledgeable of the aspects of our operations that can impact on local communities.
- Build trust by developing and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships with key individuals, groups and organisations within the local community in the vicinity of Dublin Airport and manage specific engagement forums with the locals, the public, elected representatives and other key stakeholders.
- Represent daa on established community forums including St. Margaret’s Community Liaison Group and the Dublin Airport Environmental Working Group, ensuring productive engagement, strong stewardship and timely follow-up on actions and requests.
- Represent daa in political discussions on community related issues at both a national and local level as required.
- Represent daa on other relevant stakeholder and regulatory forums as appropriate or requested by Manager.
- Deliver community engagement programmes in association with the business (e.g., Community Fund, Elevate ’25, airport tours and other bespoke initiatives) that improve the quality of community life and promote the company’s long-term business strategies and goals.
- Deliver on our current community related objectives based on data analysis and benchmarking best practice with other infrastructure delivery organisations, in Ireland and globally, and demonstrate continual improvement through efficiency and regular objectives reviews
- Respond promptly to queries via all channels including email, phone and letter and ensure consistency of communications and messages, demonstrating sensitivity to community concerns and issues.
- Identify and deliver new, innovative community-based initiatives that support the organisations community related commitments and that demonstrate innovation and best practice.
Collaborate closely with other members of Group Sustainability and other relevant departments (including SRC, Communications, Infrastructure and Operations) to identify and deliver on synergies, efficiencies and innovations and to remain up to date on emerging issues of relevance and share knowledge.
Experience
Skills
- At least five years’ management experience within an operating environment, with proven project, process and people management ability dealing with Senior Leaders in external stakeholder organisations, Senior Executive Management and Teams, as well as local and national Elected Representatives.
- Ability to work in a challenging external environment with appropriate empathy and assertiveness
- Ability to manage direct reports and shared resources to deliver against strategic priorities
Evidence of a good understanding of current community stakeholder landscape for daa, and the company’s legislative and regulatory obligations.
Experience of engaging with external groups in support of company objectives/agenda.
Advanced written/verbal communications skills and creativity is essential.
Strong relationship management skills with good emotional intelligence and a demonstrated ability to deliver in a collaborative and cross functional environment.
Strong research and analytical skills – ability to source relevant material and to understand, synthesise and use complex information.
Ability to work under pressure and to effectively balance/prioritise multiple competing demands.
Strong leadership and influencing skills also key.
Personal and professional integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.
Have a flexible approach to working hours as some evening and weekend work will be required.
A full driving licence and access to a car, as this position requires regular local travel.
Committed to daa values.
Education & Qualifications
- Third level or professional qualification (diploma or degree) in relevant or applicable discipline desirable (e.g. Science, Engineering or Communications).
