Arts Development Officer

Job Description

 Galway City Council have in place a new City Arts Strategy, New Directions Strategic Plan for the Arts 2021-2026. In order to progress the implementation of the Strategy, the Council is seeking to recruit an Arts Development Officer. This will ensure that the Council has in place a suitably qualified staff member who will progress the strategy, monitor the implementation and build relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Arts Development Officer will report to the Arts Officer of Galway City Council.

Duties and Responsibilities

The key duties and responsibilities of the post of the Arts Development Officer will include (but are not limited to) progressing key actions within Galway City Councils Arts Strategy:

• Develop new audiences for Arts activities to increase participation of citizens of Galway in arts activities;
• Continue delivery of Professional Development Programmes to emerging arts groups and individuals in the City;
• Develop and monitor programme of community based arts activity in Galway City neighbourhoods;
• Progress the development of the Creative Hub for Children and Youth (shared);
• Create Area Based Opportunities for Creative Expression and Arts Experiences;
• Implement programmes aimed at Capacity Building of Arts organisations;
• Support increased Networking amongst arts groups in the City with a particular focus on Youth Arts Networking;
• Manage an Irish Language Youth Content Creation Fund;
• Continue working across departments and with external stakeholders on collaborative Programmes;
• Support implementation of Arts Communication Infrastructure;
• Provide an information and advice service to artists and the community in general on issues relating to the arts;
• Work to build on the legacy from the designation of Galway as European Capital of Culture;
• Develop partnerships and working relationships with others in the public and private sector including those in third level institutions/local government/other partners consistent with overall strategy for the Arts in Galway City, so as to position the arts and the interests of the Arts in Galway City on the working agenda of such partners;
• Support alignment of policy and strategy development and its implementation across the organisation;
• Work in an inclusive and participatory approach to experiencing the arts;
• The holder of the post may be required to work outside of normal office hours, i.e., at evenings and/or weekends, as required;
• Any other duties which may arise in the provision of arts services and are assigned by the Director of Service or their appointed nominee, from time to time.

Essential Qualifications for the post

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service. 

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms: 

(a) Hold a degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in an Arts or Cultural discipline. 

(b) have at least three years satisfactory relevant arts development and administration  experience including experience in the area of programme development and budget management. 

(c) have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation.

** Candidate’s must hold a full unendorsed Category B Driving Licence.

*Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Desirable:

It is desirable that candidates should have the following:

• Experience and understanding of strategy development, implementation evaluation, monitoring and marketing of Arts Programmes;
• A sound understanding of the Arts and the local and national infrastructure that influence the arts and broader cultural sector; 
• A strong back-ground in building and developing partnerships and alliances with a range of stakeholders;
• Be self-motivated with a record of demonstrating initiative in a workplace environment;
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills;
• Experience of budget preparation and management; 
• Knowledge and understanding of the structure and functions of local government and satisfactory knowledge of the range of public and private supports, available for local Arts development;
• Knowledge of current local government issues; 
• Understanding of the role of an Arts Development Officer;
• Have good judgement and problem solving skills;
• Relevant administrative experience; 
• Experience of supervising staff;
• Experience of working as part of a team; 
• Experience of preparing reports and correspondence; 
• Strong resource management skills;
• Comprehensive knowledge and experience of operating ICT systems with excellent e-literacy skills including management of in-house databases, application of developments in website and social media initiatives.

Each candidate must include on the application form details of all qualifications obtained by them. The invitation to attend for Interview is not to be regarded as an admission that you possess the prescribed qualifications and/or requirements for this post or are you qualified by law to hold the post. Documentary proof will be required before appointment where you claim credit for particular qualification, experience, etc.

Competencies For The Post

Key Competencies for the post are given in the table below. Candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form and at interview of competence under each of these headings. 

Management & Change

• Understand the need for change and get this across persuasively to others.
• Make a positive case for change and elicit commitment from others.
• Implement change in an orderly and determined manner

Delivering Results

• Translate the business/team plan objectives into clear priorities and actions for their area of operation.

• Help establish high quality service and customer care standards.

• Convert operational objectives into specific work plans, programme activities and schedules, taking into account the broader operation plan when setting priorities.

• Allocate resources (staff and equipment) across jobs to ensure that priorities are met and that work is executed in the most efficient manner possible to deliver quality work and services.

Performance Through People

• Lead the team/service area in a manner that provides clarity of purpose and a focus on delivery.

• Show visible commitment to the purpose, mission and vision of the organisation.

• Provide a positive sense of purpose for the team in terms of its contribution to the organisation’s objectives.

• Develop the team and its members to achieve corporate objectives through the effective management of performance.

• Have effective written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.

Candidates will also be assessed at interview on the basis of how they demonstrate their Local Government Knowledge and understanding.

Local Government Knowledge & Understanding

• Knowledge of the structure and functions of local government.

Principal Conditions Of Service

Type of Post 

Future relevant permanent and temporary posts will be filled from the panel(s) formed. The post(s) will be whole-time, permanent/temporary and pensionable.

Remuneration 

The annual salary (Circular Letter EL 03/2025) is as follows:

€51,210 - €61,252 per year.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Candidates should note that the starting salary is not subject to negotiation. Entry into the pay scale above the minimum point will only apply to existing public servants in the context of the relevant Government Pay Circulars. Candidates who are not covered by such Circulars will enter the pay scale at the minimum point i.e. €51,210 gross per annum.

The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. 

The holder of the office shall pay to the local authority any fees or other monies (other than their inclusive salary) payable to and received by them by virtue of their office or in respect of services which they are required by or under any enactment to perform.

Probation:

Hours of Duty 

The person appointed will be required to work a 35-hour week. Due to the nature of the role, the holder may be expected to be flexible about evening and weekend work for which overtime will not be paid but time-off-in-lieu will be available. 

The successful candidate will be required to log their hours of work in accordance with the requirements of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1997 and will be required to co-operate with the use of technologies to record such hours.

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