Assistant Director, Media Funding, Landscape, Principal

About This Role

Role Purpose

The role holder will lead and manage teams in the Media Development division of Coimisiún na Meán, with a particular emphasis on Media Funding schemes. Current projects in this division include the setting up and administration of a Community Media Fund and the administration of the Digital Transformation Funding Scheme, but other work may be carried out on other schemes when required. The role holder will ensure that funding schemes meet their objectives, timelines, and governance standards, while providing leadership to the wider team and collaborating with senior managers to develop strategy and support the development and sustainability of the broader media sector in Ireland.

About the Team

Media Development is one of five teams within Coimisiún na Meán’s Media Landscape Division. One of our key responsibilities is overseeing the funding of and supporting the development of the broader media sector in Ireland. We operate a number of funding schemes, established following recommendations from the Future of Media Commission. These include journalism schemes aimed at supplementing and enhancing coverage of local authorities and district and circuit court hearings and the Digital Transformation Scheme which will provide support to media organisations to enhance innovation and support transition to the digital information environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the establishment, implementation, and ongoing administration of the Community Media Scheme as announced in Budget 2026

• Oversee the administration and delivery of Round 2 of the Digital Transformation Scheme, ensuring compliance with agreed objectives, timelines, and governance requirements.

• Collaborate closely with senior managers across the Media Funding function to ensure alignment, consistency, and effective delivery of funding programmes.

• Manage and provide strategic direction to the funding team, currently comprising Higher Executive Officer (HEO) and Executive Officer (EO) grades

• Identify resourcing needs and lead additional recruitment processes where required to support programme delivery.

• Liaise with internal units including Legal, Communications, and Procurement to ensure robust governance, compliance, and effective programme operation.

• Engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including at Departmental and Commission level, to support scheme development and delivery.

• Oversee the establishment and operation of assessment panels, including the management of teams supporting panel processes

• Ensure fair, transparent, and timely assessment of applications in line with scheme criteria and public-sector best practice.

• Manage the contracting process for successful applicants, including oversight of teams responsible for contract negotiation, execution, and monitoring.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About You

Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience in the delivery and management of funding or grant programmes in the public sector or a comparable environment.

• Proven people-management experience, including leading and developing staff

• Strong experience of stakeholder engagement, including working with senior internal and external partners.

• Demonstrated ability to manage complex processes and deliver results within tight timelines.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and judgement skills, with a strong understanding of public-sector governance and accountability.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of media, digital, cultural, or communications-related funding schemes.

• Knowledge of public-sector grant management, contracting, or procurement processes.

• Experience supporting assessment or evaluation panels

• Understanding of public-sector financial and compliance requirements.

Key Information

Benefits, Package & Pay

• This position is offered on a Permanent basis.

• Full time, 35 hrs per week

• Annual Leave: 30 days per annum

• The role will be a hybrid role combining home and office working. Our current hybrid policy is 2 days in the office.

• Our office is located at One Shelbourne Buildings, Shelbourne Road, Dublin 4, D04 NP20.

• For a full list of benefits see our website here

• This position is graded at the Assistant Principal scale.

• Successful candidates will be appointed on the first point of the scale.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:

• A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position

• Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

• Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process

• Late applications or applications not received through the correct channel, as indicated above, will not be considered.

• For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact cnam@cpl.ie

ReasonableAccommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at amckiernan@cnam.ie

Coimisiún na Meán is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and are committed to championing an inclusive and diverse workforce which reflects modern Ireland. We work to create a culture where everyone has equal access to opportunity and feels comfortable to be their authentic selves at work.

Closing Date: 3pm Monday 26 January 2026