Director Of Audience Development And Stakeholder Engagement

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Director of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Director of the Gallery, the Director of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement will oversee and develop the following functions: Marketing & Audience Analytics & Development, Communications, Commercial, Development & Friends, Publications & Images, Visitor Experience and will exercise leadership and managerial oversight over the division.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement will:

• Provide leadership across the teams and functions in the Audience, Development & Stakeholder Engagement Division, working closely with the Director, the other members of the Executive Leadership Team and key partners both inside and outside the organisation.
• Contribute to the strategic and operational leadership of the organisation as a member of the Executive Leadership Team.
• Work closely with the Director and ELT on the progression of the Master Development Plan, by aligning audience, fundraising and stakeholder strategies with the Gallery’s long‑term infrastructural ambitions.
• Responsibility for the delivery and implementation of two of the strategic priorities within the Gallery Strategic Plan 2024-2028:

A National Gallery for all

Fostering a culture of inclusivity, diversity and equality for all our audiences, stakeholders and people.

Strategic Partnerships

Leading development and growth of national and international partnerships across the public and private sectors.

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure visitors experience the National Gallery of Ireland’s collections at a world‑class standard across all platforms—onsite, offsite, online and through publications.
• Oversee the implementation and evaluation of the Gallery’s first Audience Strategy (2025–28).
• As part of Strategic Partnerships priority, oversee development of Annual Stakeholder Engagement Plans that communicate the Gallery’s impact, priorities and progress to key partners, funders and public bodies.
• Oversee the development and execution of a long‑term Revenue Growth Plan encompassing sustainable commercial and development practices.
• Oversee cultural and organisational change to embed audience‑centred thinking, philanthropy, and commercial awareness across the Gallery, supporting new processes, practices and mind sets required for sustainable income growth.
• Oversee the development and delivery of major philanthropic and capital fundraising initiatives required to support the Master Development Plan and other strategic priorities.
• Act as an agent for change, bringing commercial acumen and judgement to bear throughout policy making and programme development.
• Ensure the vision and values of the Gallery underpin all commercial negotiations.
• Represent the Gallery at a range of public events and meetings, establishing and maintaining excellent relationships internally and externally.
• Oversee the Visitor Experience function ensuring excellence in onsite visitor service, accessibility, and audience care.
• Oversee divisional budgets and all major income streams.
• Participate in Board committee meetings as required.
• Increase awareness of the Gallery, its collections and programmes via various activities—media relations, both traditional and digital, marketing and advertising—to reach national and international target audiences.
• Oversee the creation and implementation of a Gallery marketing strategy and an integrated and innovative marketing, media and engagement plan.
• Oversee a media relations and public advocacy programme and develop strategic marketing alliances.
• Drive strong brand recognition for the Gallery and engage new audiences.
• Seek out and develop opportunities that enhance the profile of the Gallery.
• Develop diverse approaches to engaging existing and new target audiences.
• Foster cross-departmental working and co-operation through close collaboration with the Collections & Research, and Corporate Services Divisions.
• Ensure that all activities are undertaken in accordance with relevant Gallery policies.
• Undertake other duties, as identified and required by the Director.

The successful candidate will demonstrate relevant experience and qualifications as outlined below:

• A third level qualification in Marketing and Communications, Business Studies, Gallery Management or a related discipline.
• 10 years of recent senior management experience and leadership roles in medium- to large-sized organisations.
• An ability to lead, mentor and motivate high-performing teams in similar organisations.
• Evidence of leading the implementation of high-profile organisational projects.
• An ability to engage and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of strategically analysing and reporting on organisational performance.
• An ability to be a spokesperson for the Gallery.
• Excellent commercial acumen, relationship management, problem solving, leadership and influencing skills, together with resilience, drive and integrity.
• Experience of working in or closely with the Public Sector.
• Experience of working with Boards and their Committees.
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing a cultural institution.
• A strong track record in the exercise of sound professional judgement.
• An ability to maintain composure while working under pressure whilst achieving tight deadlines with accuracy and attention to detail.
• A strong work ethic, flexibility and results focused.
• A positive, proactive, adaptable approach with an enthusiasm and interest in working in an internationally renowned cultural institution.
• A sound knowledge of current and emerging trends in audience, commercial and development initiatives in the cultural, heritage and arts sectors in Ireland and abroad.
• Proficiency in IT together with practical knowledge of social media and excellent presentation and written skills.
• A broad awareness and interest in the success and development of the Gallery commercial, development, marketing and audience development programmes.

Skills, Talent and Abilities:

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Leads the team, setting high standards and addressing performance issues.
• Facilitates open exchange of ideas and fosters a culture of open communication.
• Contributes to shaping Departmental and Government strategy and policy.
• Builds capability and capacity through effective delegation.
• Promotes a culture of learning and development, offering coaching and constructive feedback.
• Leads preparation for and implementation of significant change and reform.
• Anticipates and responds quickly to sectoral or broader environmental developments.
• Actively collaborates with other Departments, organisations and agencies.

Judgment & Decision Making

• Identifies and focuses on core issues in complex situations.
• Assembles facts, analyses information and thinks through issues logically.
• Understands relationships between issues and grasps high‑level and socio‑political implications.
• Identifies coherent solutions to complex problems.
• Takes timely action and makes decisions with confidence and courage.
• Makes sound, well‑informed decisions with awareness of impacts and implications.
• Balances sectoral issues, political considerations and citizen impact in decision‑making.

Management & Delivery of Results

• Takes personal responsibility for delivering results and services.
• Balances strategic and operational demands to meet business needs.
• Manages multiple agendas and reallocates resources as priorities shift.
• Optimises use of resources and implements performance measures to achieve objectives.
• Ensures effective use of ICT and new delivery models.
• Critically reviews projects and activities to ensure effectiveness and alignment with organisational needs.
• Promotes efficiencies, value for money and strong corporate governance.
• Ensures the team remains focused on business plan priorities, even under pressure.

Building Relationships & Communication

• Communicates clearly, articulately and with impact in both speech and writing.
• Actively listens and seeks to understand others’ perspectives.
• Manages and resolves conflict in a constructive and positive manner.
• Works effectively within the political process, recognising and managing stakeholder tensions.
• Persuades, builds consensus and gains cooperation to achieve goals.
• Proactively engages with colleagues across all levels and organisations, building strong networks.
• Voices opinions when appropriate and necessary.

Specialist Knowledge, Expertise & Self‑Development

• Develops and maintains expertise across relevant areas, recognised internally and externally.
• Keeps up to date with departmental, sectoral, national and international policies and trends.
• Maintains strong focus on self‑development, seeking feedback and growth opportunities.

Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

• Consistently strives for high performance.
• Demonstrates strong personal commitment, determination and persistence while maintaining balance and perspective.
• Contributes positively to the corporate agenda.
• Acts with honesty, trustworthiness and respect; delivers on commitments.
• Ensures citizens are at the centre of all services.
• Shows resilience and maintains composure in challenging situations.
• Promotes a culture of high ethical standards and integrity.

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.

Note: 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 probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Terms of Appointment

Grade and Salary: The salary for this position will be in accordance with the Principal (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 June 2026 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€108,152 €112,741 €117,294 €121,883 €125,753 €129,768 LSI 1 €133,775 LSI 2

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €108,152 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 30 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 may be required to work occasional 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 role, please submit your application online and upload the following documents in PDF format:

• CV (should be no more than three pages) detailing your relevant achievements and experience to date.
• Cover letter (should be no more than three pages) outlining why you wish to be considered and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.

Only fully completed applications submitted before the closing date will be accepted.

All enquiries relating to the role can be sent through the messaging function within the Rezoomo application system, or alternatively to the HR Team at hrhelpdesk@ngi.ie.

Selection Process

The selection process will include but is not limited to initial candidate screening, and two interview stages, including delivery of a presentation at interview stage.

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: 1 November 2026.

At the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we recognise the benefits they bring to our staff and visitors. We welcome applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences, and we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. If you require reasonable accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.

The National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer