Education Officer: Children & Young People

The Education Department research, design and deliver a highly ambitious, year-round public programme, onsite, offsite and online, to ensure the Gallery celebrates the transformative power of art, and the role museums play in artistic, social and civic life. The Education Team embrace a holistic approach to learning, creating accessible, inclusive and equitable opportunities for diverse audiences to engage with collections and exhibitions, and learn not only about, but through art. The Education Programme is broadly split into two distinct, yet interconnected areas of responsibility: Core Programming, providing extensive, regular and flexible learning opportunities, and Special Projects; focused learning programmes and responsive research initiatives for specific audiences and communities.

The Education Department has provided opportunities for children and families for over 50 years, leading the way for Cultural Institutions in Ireland and evolving in response to developments in the field of child psychology and early years art education. In 2018 the Gallery formalised a Youth Programme for 18–25-year-olds, and in 2022 established our first Youth Panel, prioritising youth voice and the practice of coproduction.

To advance our work in this critically important field, the Gallery now wishes to recruit an Education Officer: Children & Young People. This is a new role and presents an exciting opportunity to join the dynamic Education Team, build on existing initiatives and develop a cohesive Gallery programme for Children & Young People outside of formal education.

Reporting to the Education Manager: Core Programme, or their nominated deputy, the Education Officer: Children & Young People will:

• Establish a balanced, responsive, inclusive and sustainable programme for Children & Young People (CYP), comprising regular, flexible activities and new innovative opportunities for babies, early years, children, families and young people (16-25) to engage with the Gallery, its collections and exhibitions, onsite, offsite and online.
• Deliver current CYP programmes, projects and initiatives, coordinating facilitators, practitioners, organisations, contractors, groups and guides.
• Review and assess existing CYP projects to establish gaps and identify opportunities.
• Research and develop new initiatives, responding to the demonstrable needs of children and young people in Ireland today, barriers to accessing the arts, and relevant research and practice in art and museum education.
• Supported by the Education Manager: Core Programme, produce a CYP strategy underpinned by EDI, adhering to the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, framed by research, and centring the voices of children and young people.
• Manage the Gallery Youth Panel and all associated requirements.
• Enhance programming for early-years and children outside of formal education.
• Work in close partnership with the Education Team and collaborate fully with wider Gallery Departments.
• Maintain and build positive and successful, strategic partnerships with key CYP organisations, Networks, Partners and Stakeholders.
• Uphold Education commitment to the Official Languages Act and Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty.
• Advance strategic objectives, prioritise quality practice, and comply with agreed budgets, funding stipulations, and all policies and procedures relevant to the role.
• Participate in relevant training and continued professional development opportunities.
• Keep accurate, timely budgets, and effectively plan, record, document, evaluate and report.
• Facilitate lectures, tours, training, and workshops as necessary.
• Participate in media opportunities as appropriate to publicise the CYP Programme.
• Complete other duties as and when required.

The successful candidate will have:

• A third level qualification in Art Education, Youth Work, Early Years Education or a similar discipline, OR demonstrable experience pertinent to the role.
• Demonstrably committed to inclusively engaging children and young people with Arts, Heritage and Museums, with a strong commitment, to and awareness of, EDI.
• Strong communicator capable of engaging diverse audiences across multiple channels, practically, academically and in arts and community settings.
• Adept administrator with strong project management skills, and an ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain significant working relationships.
• IT proficient and competent in digital platforms.
• Confident working both on own initiative and as part of an effective team.
• Dedicated to a positive, inclusive and respectful professional environment.
• Enjoy working in a dynamic, flexible and fast-paced department.
• Open to continued professional development opportunities.

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with Gallery screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.

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

€37,919 €39,860 €40,956 €43,094 €45,010 €46,864 €48,711 €50,519 €52,366 €54,207 €56,160 €57,469 €59,335¹ €61,216²

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €37,544.00 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 23 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.

Benefits of the Role

• Ongoing support in the field of art and museum education.
• Regular opportunities for upskilling and professional career development.
• Shaping the landscape for Children & Young People in art and museum education.
• Working with a dynamic, experienced department with a proven track record for delivering projects of excellence in the field of cultural education, learning and engagement.
• Access to a world class art collection, art library, archive and conservation studio.

Duration: Permanent

Working hours: Full time, 5 days over 7 days per week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Flexible working hours are required, following a five-over-seven days rota, with regular weekend work.

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 cover letter, which should be no more than two pages
• A CV, 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: 22 September 2025.

Interviews will be scheduled in October 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