Ryanair is searching for a new head of communications and says the successful candidate must think outside the box, have a sense of humour and a thick skin.
Current Head of Communications Alejandra Ruiz is stepping down after two and half years in the job with the carrier, which calls itself ‘Europe’s favourite airline’.
The job advert says: “Ryanair is looking for an ambitious, driven and hardworking PR professional to join Europe’s busiest communications team as Head of Media Communications.
“The successful candidate will lead all our press activities, from responding to press queries to drafting press releases and planning and hosting media events.”
Applicants must demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both written and verbal); have a sound knowledge of current affairs; have excellent organisational and time management skills; write concisely, accurately and quickly. A sense of humour, ability to think outside the box and a thick skin are essential.
The position has been referred to as the ‘worst job in PR’. When Ms Ruiz’s predecessor, Robin Kiely, left after seven years in the job, he said he wanted to take time off ‘to spend with my young family and very understanding wife’.
At the time, Mr Kiely told PR Week: “It was billed as the worst PR job, but I think anyone in the industry knows it’s the opposite and how challenging and rewarding it can be. PR still plays such a prominent role within the business, but the job itself has also changed a lot, as has the airline.”
See the job spec here.