H W Wilson Foundation Fellowship

National Gallery of IrelandDublinFull-timeTemporary

H.W. Wilson Foundation Fellowship

The National Gallery of Ireland (‘the Gallery’) is Ireland’s major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising more than 18,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution's extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. The Gallery is also home to Ireland’s national art research collections held in the institution’s extensive library and archives. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 180 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2024, the Gallery received numerous awards and accreditations. These included the Triple Lock Standard, which recognises Irish charities that have achieved excellence in governance, financial reporting, transparency and ethical fundraising, and the RIAI’s Silver Medal for Conservation and Restoration.

The Gallery’s Fellowship Programme provides opportunities in various areas of its work such as: art history, librarianship, archive and information management, curatorship, conservation, education and research. The H.W. Wilson Foundation has generously provided support for a Library & Archives Fellowship since 2016. It provides an opportunity for new and recent graduates to receive training and guidance in the unique setting of the National Gallery. Working as part of the Library & Archives team, the H.W. Wilson fellow will work with collections ranging from rare volumes to digital and online resources. They will learn about the latest technologies and thinking on managing heritage and special collections and receive an overview of the roles of staff working in museum

libraries and archives. The fellow will support research services, outreach activities and the development of digital and online resources.

The Gallery wishes to recruit an individual interested in pursuing a career working with museum library and archive collections for the H.W. Wilson Foundation Fellowship.

Reporting to the Head of Library & Archives (or nominated deputy), the successful candidate will:

  • Support the daily operations of the Library & Archives Department, including reading room supervision, dealing with enquiries and providing assistance to researchers
  • Co-ordinate and develop engagement and learning activities in collaboration with members of the Library & Archives team
  • Contribute to the cataloguing and processing of collections
  • Contribute to digitisation programmes and support development of online resources
  • Collaborate with the Library & Archives team on matters relating to collection care, development, and access
  • Support both existing partnerships and opportunities to build collaborations with scholarly, cultural and heritage organisations
  • Report writing and other duties as required

The successful candidate will have:

  • A third level qualification in History, Art History, Fine Art, Library and Information Management, Archives, Museum studies or relevant related discipline
  • A demonstrated interest in art, libraries, archives and special collections
  • Excellent initiative, effective team working skills and an ability to work independently when required
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written)
  • Good organisational skills and attention to detail
  • An awareness of current trends and developments in libraries, archives, galleries and museums
  • Excellent IT, Digital and Web skills
  • An enthusiasm and interest for working in a cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment

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

Salary: Salary is fixed at €32,000 gross per annum for the duration of the contract.

Annual Leave:The successful candidate will be entitled to 22 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: Two-year fixed-term contract.

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 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: 17 August 2025, Sunday

Interviews will be scheduled in September 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

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