Over the past number of years, I have worked across consultancy, Government-supported programmes and elected leadership roles, building experience in stakeholder engagement, message development and reputational communications. I am now keen to apply that experience within a dynamic communications environment where pace, judgement and impact matter. In my current role within the Corporate Communications Unit at Pobal, I support communications across more than 40 Government and EU-funded programmes. Each operates within its own strategic and stakeholder context, requiring clear positioning, careful judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once. Earlier in my career at Instinctif Partners, I worked across regulated and technology accounts, supporting public affairs campaigns, stakeholder mapping and policy engagement at both Irish and EU level. That experience gave me exposure to the commercial discipline and responsiveness required within consultancy. Alongside my professional role, I serve as an elected Dublin City Councillor and Council Group Leader, where I shape communications positioning on policy matters, draft public statements and engage with media and institutional stakeholders. This has strengthened my ability to assess risk, identify nuance and adapt messaging for different audiences. I was recently elected as a Director and Council Member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII). This reflects peer recognition within the profession and allows me to engage with senior practitioners across agency, corporate and public sector communications. I am recognised for clear communication, sound judgement and a strong understanding of political and current affairs. I bring the ability to translate complex issues into structured, audience-appropriate messaging. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute this experience within your team.

Colm O’Rourke

Over the past number of years, I have worked across consultancy, Government-supported programmes and elected leadership roles, building experience in stakeholder engagement, message development and reputational communications. I am now keen to apply that experience within a dynamic communications environment where pace, judgement and impact matter. In my current role within the Corporate Communications Unit at Pobal, I support communications across more than 40 Government and EU-funded programmes. Each operates within its own strategic and stakeholder context, requiring clear positioning, careful judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once. Earlier in my career at Instinctif Partners, I worked across regulated and technology accounts, supporting public affairs campaigns, stakeholder mapping and policy engagement at both Irish and EU level. That experience gave me exposure to the commercial discipline and responsiveness required within consultancy. Alongside my professional role, I serve as an elected Dublin City Councillor and Council Group Leader, where I shape communications positioning on policy matters, draft public statements and engage with media and institutional stakeholders. This has strengthened my ability to assess risk, identify nuance and adapt messaging for different audiences. I was recently elected as a Director and Council Member of the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII). This reflects peer recognition within the profession and allows me to engage with senior practitioners across agency, corporate and public sector communications. I am recognised for clear communication, sound judgement and a strong understanding of political and current affairs. I bring the ability to translate complex issues into structured, audience-appropriate messaging. I would welcome the opportunity to contribute this experience within your team.

Available to hire

Over the past number of years, I have worked across consultancy, Government-supported
programmes and elected leadership roles, building experience in stakeholder engagement,
message development and reputational communications.

I am now keen to apply that
experience within a dynamic communications environment where pace, judgement and
impact matter.

In my current role within the Corporate Communications Unit at Pobal, I support
communications across more than 40 Government and EU-funded programmes. Each
operates within its own strategic and stakeholder context, requiring clear positioning, careful judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities at once.

Earlier in my career at Instinctif Partners, I worked across regulated and technology
accounts, supporting public affairs campaigns, stakeholder mapping and policy engagement
at both Irish and EU level. That experience gave me exposure to the commercial discipline
and responsiveness required within consultancy.

Alongside my professional role, I serve as an elected Dublin City Councillor and Council
Group Leader, where I shape communications positioning on policy matters, draft public
statements and engage with media and institutional stakeholders. This has strengthened my ability to assess risk, identify nuance and adapt messaging for different audiences.

I was recently elected as a Director and Council Member of the Public Relations Institute of
Ireland (PRII). This reflects peer recognition within the profession and allows me to engage
with senior practitioners across agency, corporate and public sector communications.

I am recognised for clear communication, sound judgement and a strong understanding of
political and current affairs. I bring the ability to translate complex issues into structured,
audience-appropriate messaging.

I would welcome the opportunity to contribute this experience within your team.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Communications Support Officer - Corporate Communications Unit at Pobal
January 1, 2018 - Present
Provide communications support across a portfolio of 40+ Government and EU-funded programmes; act as central communications partner to programme leads; advise on messaging, positioning and stakeholder engagement; coordinate outputs involving senior leadership, Government departments and delivery partners; operate in high-accountability environments with rapid response capability.
Council Group Leader at Dublin City Council
May 1, 2025 - Present
Lead and coordinate an eleven-member council group within a statutory governance structure; set communications positioning on formal motions and public statements; draft and issue press releases; manage engagement across national and local media; coordinate stakeholder engagement during high-visibility matters.
Elected Dublin City Councillor at Dublin City Council
May 1, 2019 - Present
Operate within statutory decision-making frameworks engaging Government departments and senior officials; advise on housing, regulatory and economic policy matters; build coalitions across community, institutional and Government stakeholders.
Communications Officer (Temporary) at RCSI - Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland
September 1, 2017 - January 1, 2018
Secured national media coverage for launch of €80M medical education facility; coordinated institutional, political and media stakeholders; developed communications materials within a healthcare and academic environment.
Adviser - Ireland’s Delegation to the United Nations at Department of Foreign Affairs / Irish Aid
July 1, 2016 - July 1, 2017
Drafted speeches and briefing materials for international policy forums; supported stakeholder engagement within multilateral diplomatic settings; contributed to communications within EU and UN policy environments.
Account Executive - Public Affairs & Strategic Communications at Instinctif Partners
August 1, 2016 - February 1, 2017
Managed day-to-day delivery across multiple client accounts within regulated and technology sectors; developed policy briefings, stakeholder mapping and strategic communications plans under tight timelines; supported senior consultants in client advisory, issue positioning and reputational risk management; contributed to new business development and represented the agency at policy forums.
Public Relations and Events Intern at DHR Communications
June 1, 2016 - August 1, 2016
Drafted press releases, media materials and client communications outputs; supported campaign coordination and industry events; monitored national media coverage and identified proactive engagement opportunities.
Director and Council Member at Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII)
February 1, 2026 - Present
Elected to National Council; contributing to governance, professional standards and strategic direction; engaging with senior leaders across agency, corporate and public sector communications.
Board Member at City of Dublin Education and Training Board (ETB)
June 1, 2024 - Present
Contribute to governance and oversight within a statutory education framework.
Peace Commissioner at Department of Justice
June 1, 2019 - Present
Appointed statutory civic role supporting legal and community processes.
Member, Governing Authority at Maynooth University
September 1, 2013 - September 1, 2014
Participate in statutory oversight of institutional governance, finance and strategic direction.
Communications Support Officer at Pobal
January 1, 2018 - Present
Provide communications support across a portfolio of up to 40+ Government and EU-funded programmes operating under distinct strategic and regulatory frameworks. Act as central communications partner to programme leads, effectively managing multiple internal stakeholders with competing priorities and deadlines. Advise on messaging, positioning and stakeholder engagement across nationally significant funding initiatives. Coordinate communications outputs involving senior leadership, Government departments and delivery partners. Operate within high-accountability environments requiring disciplined approvals, reputational sensitivity and rapid response capability.

Education

Bachelor’s in Theology and Arts (BATh) - Double Honours in Theology and History at Maynooth University and St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013
Bachelor’s in Theology and Arts (BATh) - Double Honours in Theology and History at Maynooth University and St Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth
January 1, 2009 - January 1, 2013

Qualifications

Professional Diploma in Digital Media Design
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Media Relations for the Press Officer
January 1, 2022 - January 1, 2022
Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021
Professional Diploma in Digital Media Design
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Postgraduate Diploma in Media Relations for the Press Officer
January 1, 2022 - March 5, 2026
Professional Diploma in Digital Marketing
January 1, 2020 - January 1, 2021

Industry Experience

Government, Education, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Other