Media Relations Manager in Belfast

At AIB, our values guide how we work and how we support each other. We're looking for someone who puts Customer First, takes initiative and Owns the Outcome, and is always looking for ways to Eliminate Complexity. You'll treat colleagues and customers with fairness and Show Respect, and you'll thrive in a culture built on collaboration where we Be One Team to deliver meaningful impact.

Responsibilities:

• Lead proactive media relations activity that supports AIB's strategy and strengthens its reputation.
• Act as a trusted adviser on media and reputational matters, including complex or sensitive issues.
• Manage and respond to media enquiries at pace, delivering clear, accurate and approved responses.
• Develop high-quality communications materials, including press releases, statements, Q&As, briefings and social content.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists and media across national, regional and digital channels.
• Identify and deliver positive storytelling opportunities aligned to AIB's impact across customers, communities and the wider economy.
• Support senior leaders and spokespeople with media engagements, including preparation, briefing and follow-up.
• Contribute to crisis communications planning and execution.
• Monitor media and stakeholder sentiment to identify emerging risks and opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders to ensure consistent, clear and aligned messaging.
• Manage relationships with PR agencies across Dublin, Belfast and London.
• Contribute to the development of AIB's communications strategy and the ongoing evolution of the Media Relations function.

Please note: occasional out-of-hours work and travel may be required.

What you will bring:

• Minimum five years' experience in communications — ideally a combination of experience in media relations, corporate communications, public relations and/or journalism, in a busy in-house, agency or newsroom environment.
• Strong understanding of the Irish media landscape across print, broadcast, digital and social channels.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex information.
• Proven experience handling media queries and providing clear, confident advice under pressure.
• Experience supporting senior stakeholders, including executive and C-suite level.
• Sound judgement with a strong focus on reputation and risk management.
• A proactive, collaborative approach with the ability to influence across a large, regulated organisation.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver to tight deadlines.
• An interest in banking and the role AIB plays in the economy.

Desirable:

• Relevant degree or professional qualification.
• Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. NUJ, PRII, Institute of Banking).
• Experience using digital, data or AI-enabled tools to enhance communications.

Why work for AIB:

We are committed to offering our colleagues choice and flexibility in how we work and live and our hybrid working model enables our people to balance their time between working from home and their designated office, subject to their role, the needs of our customers and business requirements. Some of our benefits include: Market leading Pension Scheme, Healthcare Scheme, Variable Pay, Employee Assistance Programme, Family leave options, Two volunteer days per year.

Key Capabilities: Customer First; Instils Trust; Collaborates; Eliminates Complexity; Reputation Management; Communication.

AIB is an equal opportunities employer.