Development Manager

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Development Manager on a permanent basis. The purpose of the role is to share responsibility for the delivery of ambitious fundraising targets as a key member of the Development Department. Reporting to the Head of Development, the Development Manager will have a particular focus on individual philanthropy.

Responsibilities:

• Achieve specified fundraising targets, ensuring all short- and long-term income targets are met
• Directly develop relationships with donors, increasing their financial contribution and loyalty through structured engagement
• Create guests lists and contribute significantly to a programme of cultivation and stewardship events
• Conduct ongoing prospect research and develop and maintain an active and viable pipeline of prospects
• Contribute to the development of the Patrons of Irish Art membership programme, using insights to increase loyalty and engage new prospects
• Support the Head of Development with the development of international giving and realising the potential of International Friends of NGI and American Friends of NGI
• Proactively prepare funding proposals to secure financial support for the Gallery’s activities across various departments
• Ensure high quality, timely and accurate completion of gift acknowledgements, invitations, and any other donor communications
• Draft donor agreements, where required, and other documentation for review by the Head of Development
• Prepare clear and concise reports to donors and work proactively to ensure reports are delivered in a timely manner
• Prepare briefing notes for the Head of Development and other senior colleagues in advance of meetings and events
• Report on income, analysing trends, providing business case justifications as necessary, and making sure opportunities for repeat funding are maximised
• Ensure all fundraising activity is conducted in line with the Gallery’s due diligence procedure and gift acceptance policy.
• Develop and maintain administrative procedures to contribute to the smooth running of the Development Department
• Maintain accurate records through files/database
• Complete other fundraising duties as required.
  

The successful candidate will have:

• A third-level qualification in a related discipline
• At least 3 years’ experience in philanthropy – ideally in the arts, heritage, or museum sector
• Demonstrable experience in growing a major gifts or similar strategy, with a track record of success in personally delivering five and/or six-figure philanthropic gifts
• Understanding and experience of cultivating major donors
• Exceptional communication skills – written and verbal, with the ability to write compelling copy, articulate clearly and succinctly, and give confident and engaging presentations
• Excellent planning and organisational skills with a proven ability to carry out different tasks simultaneously and prioritise time and resources accordingly
• Knowledge and understanding of Irish fundraising market in general and particularly arts sector fundraising
• Ability to work as a key member of a team, as well as working proactively alone
• Ability to develop knowledge of all departments in the National Gallery of Ireland
• A capability to promote an effective, positive and constructive team culture, where the work of others is valued and respected
• Enthusiasm for training, mentoring and support of emerging talent
• Experience with eTapestry or similar fundraising database
• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office packages
• Experience of managing budgets
  

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with NGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

3. A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

4. A non-EEA citizen who has a Stamp 4 permission or a Stamp 5 permission.

Please note: A 50 TEU permission, which serves as a replacement for Stamp 4EUFAM after Brexit, is considered equivalent to Stamp 4.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

Job Details and Application Information

Grade and Salary:

The salary for this position will be in accordance with the Higher Executive Officer (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 August 2025 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€58,847 €60,567 €62,285 €64,000 €65,723 €67,437 €69,157 €71,637¹ €74,112²

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €58,847 per annum, or on a higher point of the scale, as appropriate to the successful candidate, if appointed from an existing public sector role (in accordance with Circular 08/2019).

• Candidates should note the National Gallery of Ireland complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform regulations and guidelines on Public Service pay and conditions of employment.

Annual Leave:The successful candidate will be entitled to 29 days of annual leave pro rata

Superannuation:The successful candidate will be placed on the public sector pension scheme.

Benefits:The Gallery provides staff the opportunity to participate in the tax saver and cycle to work schemes.

Duration:Permanent

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate will be required to work occasional early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

How to apply: To apply for this position, please provide the following documents (in PDF Format):

• A CV, which should be no more than two pages

• A cover letter, which should be no more than two pages

Panel:

Candidates should note that at the end of the candidate assessment process a panel of successful candidates may be formed based on order of merit, from which future positions may be filled.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 31/10/2025

Interviews will be scheduled in November 2025.

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer