Attention Heritage Language Teachers!

There is a new pilot scheme for heritage language summer camps. If you already run, or if you would like to run a heritage language summer camp in Ireland (Polish, Lithuanian, Latvian or Romanian), and you would like to apply for funding, please use the following link to submit an application: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HeritageLanguageSummerCamps Funding is provided from the Department of Education and Skills under the 10 year Languages Connect Strategy which was launched in December 2017 and the pilot scheme for summer camps will be managed by Post-Primary Languages Initiative.

Funding is available for two week activity based language learning summer camps for post-primary level students. The camps should run from Monday to Friday between 10am and 3pm. The deadline for applications is Friday 10th May 2019. Applicants will be informed whether or not they have been awarded funding by Friday 24th May. As this is a pilot scheme, only a limited number of camps will receive funding. If you are awarded funding, you must submit the number of students who will be doing the camp one week before the start of the camp. Please note that we will need photos from the camp organizer, taken during the camp, and permission to film for a short video clip.

The budget template is available to download at the bottom of this article. If you have any queries please contact Nellie Tattersall at nellie.tattersall@languagesinitiative.ie 

We look forward to receiving your applications!

The MFL Teacher Upskilling Scheme was developed under 'Languages Connect' strategy to draw out the existing, unused 'dormant' language capacity in our schools. The scheme was aimed at languages teachers qualified in a language they are not teaching or are not teaching to full capacity. The idea was that with upskilling these teachers could get equipped to teach a language again after a period of not teaching it, or that they would be able to expand their teaching of the new language, perhaps moving from junior cycle teaching to senior cycle teaching. With upskilling, schools are able to expand their capacity in languages provision or add new languages that are available on the curriculum. MFL teachers in French, German, Spanish, Italian and Russian languages are currently availing of the upskilling scheme.

The Post-Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI) works to implement the policy of the Department of Education and Skills in Ireland of diversifying, enhancing and expanding the teaching of foreign languages in post-primary schools and has a lead role in implementing Languages Connect - Ireland’s Strategy for Foreign Languages in Education 2017-2026 and Implementation Plan 2017-2022 (links to the strategy documents are available here) and to the web portal for the awareness raising campaign here. The PPLI wishes to appoint a Marketing Development and Implementation Manager to support the implementation of this strategy. Further details about the PPLI and its work is available at www.languagesinitiative.ie.

The post is a full time position on a one year fixed-term contract, with potential to extend.

Information booklet with full details can be downloaded here

Closing date for application is 29th March. Application via irishjobs.ie. Click here to apply.

Job Specification

This exciting opportunity is for a generalist marketer with strong project management and communication skills to support the Post Primary Languages Initiative (PPLI). The ideal candidate will be responsible for partnering with key stakeholders (both internally and externally) to execute PPLI’s marketing, brand and communication strategies at a national level. 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• digital strategy creation and execution (to include social media);
• project management;
• stakeholder engagement;
• development and execution of targeted marketing campaigns;
• vendor management;
• content creation;
• event management;
• market research; and
• the execution of marketing tactics.

The successful candidate will be responsible for identifying the marketing needs of PPLI, prioritising project timelines, effectively communicating internally during each phase, scheduling post project follow-ups, reviewing market data and analytics and delegating and co-ordinating activities to other team members and / or third-party vendors where appropriate.

This role is for a confident and experienced marketer who can bring a hands-on, results driven approach to the role. They should be a team player who can work independently when required and who will assist PPLI in carrying out its brief which is to diversify, enhance and expand the teaching and learning of foreign languages in the post primary curriculum.

 Expectations and Tasks:

• Work in tandem with PPLI’s Director to drive and execute the marketing and communications agenda in line with strategic business objectives
• Optimise the use of social media and other digital platforms to effectively communicate messages to target audiences
• Increase awareness across PPLI stakeholders of available resources
• Maintain a range of marketing collateral produced by the business
• Develop and implement measurable marketing campaigns aimed at changing the nation’s thinking in relation to the value of foreign languages learning and exchange programmes. This could include any of the following activities: external events, stakeholder co-marketing, advertising, promotional video, advertising, social media and content development.
• Develop messaging and creative content for presentations, newsletters, press releases, promotional materials and advertisements
• Collaborate with external vendors and track status of key projects (i.e. website development and updates, video creation, graphic design, printing, translations)
• Develop and maintain a robust social media content calendar that resonates with the target market and collaborate with the wider PPLI team to generate and update same
• Create and implement a stakeholder engagement plan that could include outreach to MFL teachers, school leaders, career guidance counsellors, 3rd level language professionals, and SME business leaders
• Ensure all working papers / reports created by PPLI are dissemination to the correct audiences maximising publicity where appropriate.
• Be a brand champion

 Skills and Competencies:

• Strategically focused marketing and communications specialist with a strong understanding of marketing disciplines
• Possess a proactive and flexible approach to managing multiple projects within relevant timeframes in a fast-paced environment
• Have a creative and innovative mind-set with strong communication skills (written and visual storytelling)
• Exhibit confident presentation skills, with an ability to coach, influence and gain commitment from stakeholders
• Possesses the ability to work as part of a team as well as to deliver projects independently
• Is enthused and self-motivated to provide strategic and tactical support to PPLI’s Director on many fronts

 Requirements

Applicants must have (on the latest date for receipt of completed applications):

• Marketing Degree or equivalent business experience - 8 plus years
• Experience in education and / or sector
• Proven project management skills
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Effective interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work within the internal team
• Ability to manage and brief third-party vendors
• Creative, innovative and dynamic
• Ability to manage multiple, complex priorities within demanding timeframes
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and act tactically
• Competence in a foreign language

 Minimum requirements:

The above listed expectations and tasks are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities or duties required.

We would like to survey parents/guardians and children/ students of home language speakers to find out what suggestions you have for your home language materials in public libraries.

To complete the survey, please click here.