The Harris PR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Bursary 2026-27, in partnership with PRII and Open Doors
BURSARY TO ENCOURAGE DIVERSITY & INCLUSION IN IRELAND’S PUBLIC RELATIONS INDUSTRY
Three like-minded organisations have come together to provide an opportunity to create a pathway for people from underrepresented backgrounds to train and start a career in public relations and communications. Devised to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive PR and communications sector, The Harris PR Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Bursary has been developed in partnership with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) under the expert guidance of the Open Doors Initiative (ODI).
The bursary includes:
- A nine-month paid internship with Harris PR, including training, support, equipment, mentorship, and professional development planning throughout.
- A fully-paid place on the part-time Public Relations Institute of Ireland’s (PRII) Diploma in Communications and Public Relations
ODI will assist with the recruitment of the successful candidate. More information about the diploma and the internship can be found on Annexes I and II.
Applicants are expected to fully engage with the scholarship, mentoring and internship during the course of the programme. The course will be delivered in a blended manner online. Participants can be expected to be available for meetings and events during the course of the internship.
Harris PR, an award-winning, innovative, Ireland-based PR agency, working with global and native brands to deliver successful, impactful and enduring campaigns, and they truly believe in the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. As DEI industry-drivers, this is the third year of their PR DEI Bursary and they are offering a paid internship for nine months to coincide with the duration of the part-time PRII Diploma course. During the paid internship the successful candidate will receive mentorship, training and support equipping them to take an active approach when it comes to working across Harris PR’s varied client campaigns and initiatives. See harrispr.ie for more information about the agency.
The PRII is dedicated to promoting the professional practice of public relations and communications in Ireland. The PRII represents the interests of 1,200 professionals working in public relations, public affairs, media relations and internal communications. PRII members work in consultancies/agencies and in-house in the civil service, local authorities, semi-state bodies, and across the private sector in manufacturing and service industries as well as the not-for-profit, culture, and charity sector. See www.prii.ie for further information.
For the third consecutive year, the PRII is partnering with Harris PR and the Open Doors Initiative to create a pathway for people from underrepresented backgrounds to train in public relations/communications. The PRII is offering a scholarship place on its Diploma in Communications and Public Relations course and student membership of the PRII.
How do I qualify for the PRII/Harris PR/Open Doors Scholarship?
You must be aged over 18, resident in Ireland and have passed a minimum of five subjects in the Leaving/Senior Certificate (or equivalent) or hold a qualification at Level 7 of the National Framework of Qualifications. These requirements can be waived if you have two years or more professional experience in a public relations or communications role.
Proficiency in English (written and verbal) is a requirement, and shortlisted applicants may be asked to undertake a writing task at interview.
No experience or qualifications in PR/Communications is required for this opportunity. We are looking for someone who is passionate and motivated to start a new career in this industry.
We encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, such as:
- Migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers, including those under Temporary Protection
- People with disabilities
- Travellers & Roma
- People from the LGBTQIA+ community
- Career returners
- People with a criminal conviction
- Individuals without a formal degree
How do I apply?
Interested applicants should provide the following, by email, to info@opendoorsinitiative.ie:
- Career resume/CV
- One-page letter focusing on your motivation for applying for this scholarship and internship.
- A one-minute video of your motivation for this scholarship and internship. Don’t worry about the video quality, we’re only interested in what you have to say!
Please send a link to your video via email using a file sharing website such as WeTransfer or SwissTransfer. Videos shared by Google Drive will not be accepted.
Your application will be assessed by Harris PR, the PRII and the Open Doors Initiative and, if shortlisted, an interview scheduled.
If you require any reasonable accommodations or have any questions about this process, please contact info@opendoorsinitiative.ie or 085 157 9603.
Closing date for applications is Tuesday, August 11th at 5pm
The PRII Diploma in Communications and Public Relations
The PRII Diploma in Communications and Public Relations is the most recognised public relations qualification in Ireland, held by one in three communications professionals in Ireland and providing a detailed understanding of the theory and practice of professional communications.
The Diploma students:
- develop in-depth knowledge of the role and practice of external and internal communication in an organisation.
- learn how to devise, develop and implement comprehensive public relations strategies.
- understand how the media works and how to develop effective relationships with journalists.
- see how business, politics and society interact and understand the role of public relations in that process.
- appreciate the ethical and legal issues around public relations.
- gain insight into the other professions central to the work of PR practitioners.
The PRII Diploma will be delivered part-time using a blended approach in 2026/27. This will incorporate a number of delivery methods: pre-recorded lectures; live online tutorials and self-directed learning. The live seminars will last two hours and be delivered online once a week (Monday evening 6:30pm – 8:30pm) to discuss and develop upon material covered in video lectures.
The course starts on Monday 21st September 2026 and runs until May 2027 and is assessed by way of examinations, projects and campaign assignment.
The PRII Diploma is delivered by industry experts, PR professionals and academics, and guest lecturers ensuring that course content is up to date and relevant to this dynamic and ever-changing profession. The value of the Diploma course fees alone is over €2,600.
What does the course cover?
- The Professional Environment & Strategic Value of Public Relations
- Communication Theory & Practice
- Media Theory & Practice
- Complementary Professions
- Law, Regulations, Ethics & Political Environment
- PR Campaigns & Presentation Skills
Find the full course details online
Internship with Harris PR
Duration: Nine months (September 2026 – May 2027)
Salary: Living wage (minimum – to be assessed based on candidate’s experience and role)
Type of work:
Harris Public Relations is an award-winning, culturally fluent, full-service PR agency based in Ireland. Founded in 2009 by Sonia Harris Pope, the agency was built on the beliefs that clients deserve creative PR expertise delivered with integrity, collaboration, transparency and a truly client-centric approach, and that the exceptionally talented team deserves to work in an environment that recognises their contribution, working together to create a better world through work we are proud of. Our foundations are rooted in the work we produce and the way we show up: strategic crafting of stories, creative ideation, and thoughtful partnership with clients and partner agencies. With extensive experience across food & beverage, retail, health & wellness, sustainability, festivals, hospitality & tourism, tech, motoring and not-for-profit sectors, we pride ourselves on nurturing long-standing client relationships and delivering measurable, meaningful impact.
Our heritage is in Consumer PR but creativity is in the DNA of the work we do, delivering full traditional and Digital PR services for world famous brands, local start-ups and not-for-profits.
Our culture is integral to our work. Our Harris PR DEI Bursary in partnership with the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) and Open Doors Initiative opens pathways to employment within the industry to those from under-represented backgrounds. We established this initiative to help safeguard the future of the PR industry in Ireland and to provide a legacy for the years ahead. Our industry thrives on diverse perspectives and experiences, and as Ireland continues to evolve into a more inclusive nation, so too must the PR industry. At Harris PR, we are committed to investing in the next generation of talent and have a strong track record of supporting those new to the profession and encouraging others to consider it. Early in 2026 we conducted Ireland’s inaugural research report benchmarking DEI in Public Relations agencies and internal communications teams. Working with the PRII, PRCA and ODI we created a Toolkit for Employers to support them in improving DEI practices in their hiring processes and workplace culture.
Our vision as an agency is to help brands communicate with honesty, creativity, and cultural relevance, by shaping conversations that influence audience behaviour, championing diverse perspectives, and future-proofing our clients reputations through strategic, insight-driven communication.
The heartbeat of Harris PR is our people. Our team culture manifests through how we support and recognise our team members, through our remote and flexible working policies and our commitment to ESG policies. We pride ourselves on being a highly experienced and innovative agency, a committed team of media fanatics with our finger on the cultural pulse. Our dedication shows in our outstanding client service and our many successes.
We’re a friendly, supportive, and fully remote team that offers the opportunity for our people to grow and develop their career with us. If you’re an ambitious, motivated individual who thrives on new challenges and wants to work in a dynamic, creative environment where no two days are the same, then this is the role for you!
You’ll have the opportunity to learn on the job with a diverse range of Irish and international brands in the consumer and lifestyle space, including Ford, Amazon.ie, Lidl, Fáilte Ireland’s Púca Festival, St. Patrick’s Festival, Dundrum Town Centre, Petmania, and Holland & Barrett.
Our commitment
We value and celebrate the diversity of our team and the importance of an inclusive work environment. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and abilities. Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodation for the recruitment process and we will do our utmost to accommodate you. You can email sonia@harrispr.ie or call 087 797 9703.
The Role
Responsibilities
- Attending and contributing to meetings and brainstorms
- Coverage tracking, social monitoring and preparing Post-Campaign Analysis reports
- Preparing client WIP (Work In Progress) reports, meeting notes, and campaign evaluations
- Collating gifting lists and assembling gift packs
- Maintaining up to date media and influencer lists
- Social media including content calendars, content creation, posting, community management, and reporting
- Drafting and issuing press releases and forming relationships with media
- Researching, booking, and briefing suppliers
- Assisting with the organisation of events and meetings • Administrative support
- Assisting senior colleagues with client and project management
Details
- All necessary equipment will be supplied for you to perform your duties.
- This is a remote working role, however on occasion there may be a requirement to attend face to face meetings and events. Harris PR will cover any domestic or international travel if required for meetings or events. Co-working / hot desk facilities can be arranged.
- Fixed term contract of nine months initially with possibility to extend.
- Core hours of work are 9.30am – 6.00pm Monday to Thursday, Flexi Friday, with earlier finish at 5pm, and Wellness Wednesday, including one extra hour of down time to relax, or exercise.
- Benefits include 20 days paid annual leave pro-rata, plus an additional five fully paid study leave days, additional gifted days around Christmas and flexibility around medical appointments, childcare and other family responsibilities.
The Candidate
Requirements
- An interest in news, media, culture, and consumer trends
- Understanding of various social media platforms
- Comfortable engaging with clients and suppliers, and contributing at meetings
- Great communication skills, both verbal and written
- Copywriting skills – writing draft articles etc.
- Ability to maintain budgets
- Willingness to attend client events outside of core hours (Harris PR has a policy to offer additional pay or time-in-lieu (TIL) for additional hours outside of core hours)
Personal attributes
- Positive demeanour and attitude.
- Demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and creativity
- Has an organised approach to work with the ability to juggle multiple priorities and adhere to deadlines.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- A team player.