Director Of Corporate Services

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Director of Corporate Services on a permanent basis. Reporting to the Director of the Gallery, the Director of Corporate Services will ensure the effective operation of all functions that underpin and facilitate the strategic activities of the Gallery. Prerequisites of this role are a comprehensive working knowledge of Finance, Corporate Governance, Human Resources, Operations, EDI, IT, Procurement, Legal & Risk and general management.

Key Responsibilities

The Director of Corporate Services will:

• Drive the strategic capacity of the Gallery supporting the Director through leadership, decision-making and planning of the performance of the Corporate Services Division including Operations, Finance & Systems, Legal & Risk, EDI and HR.
• Ensure that the Gallery’s finances are managed within the overall budget in accordance with public financial accounting standards and public spending code.
• Ensure that the Gallery’s Corporate Governance procedures comply with accepted best practice and promote continual improvement in the internal control environment and in the management of risk.
• Oversee the Gallery’s security, operational and facilities management activities to ensure that the Gallery’s collection and infrastructure is secured and maintained.
• Oversee the rollout of the HR People Strategy in order to optimise the utilisation of the Gallery’s staff resources and promote and develop a modern, stable and inclusive work environment.
• As Climate & Sustainability Champion, with the Green Team, lead the Gallery in implementing and reporting on its responsibilities as the integrated driver of sustainability within the organisation.
• Provide strategic oversight and governance of the Gallery’s Equality, Diversity and inclusion commitments, ensure that EDI principles are embedded across organisational priorities, planning and decision making.
• Oversee the IT function to ensure that the Gallery infrastructure, systems and capabilities are best in class and develop strategies to maximise the benefits from technologies.
• Oversee the procurement processes so that the Gallery obtains maximum value for money in line with Government guidelines.
• Oversee the relationship with the Cultural Unit in the Department of Culture Communications and Sport, our primary funder.
• Input into the strategic development of Commercial activities to enable the Gallery to fund additional activities, not supported by central funding.
• Work closely with the Director and ELT on the progression of the Master Development Plan.
• Play a key role in leading the Gallery’s activities, as part of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT).

The successful candidate will demonstrate experience as outlined below:

• A qualified accountant (ACA, CIMA, ACCA) with membership of a prescribed accountancy body supervised by the Irish Auditing and Accounting Supervisory Authority (IAASA) or equivalent.
• 10 years recent senior management experience and leadership roles in medium to large sized organisations.
• Experience in capital projects (desirable).
• A working knowledge of Corporate Governance, HR, Industrial Relations, Operations, IT, Compliance, EDI and Procurement.
• 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 organisation.
• 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 public sector organisation.
• A high degree of analytical, conceptual and problem solving skills in financial and business management.
• 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, be flexible and results focused.
• A positive, proactive, adaptable approach to work together with an enthusiasm and interest for working in an internationally renowned cultural institution.

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.

Known Consignor Status

The individual in this role may be required to complete Air Cargo Security training. In accordance, a pre-employment check is carried out on prospective new staff covering the preceding 5 years. This pre-employment check involves examination of any unexplained gaps of more than 28 days. For all new staff, written confirmation shall be obtained from employers or other sources capable of verifying the information provided by the person for the purpose of the background check. No prospective employee who is required to undergo Air Cargo security training will be offered a position unless any gap of 28 days or more has been satisfactorily accounted for.

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 successful 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 February 2026 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€107,081, €111,625, €116,133, €120,676, €124,508, €128,483¹, €132,450², LSIs.

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €107,081 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 presentation at first 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: Sunday, 5 April 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