Head Of Library, Archives And Research Services

The Gallery’s Library, Archives and Research Collections together form the largest and most significant body of research material in Ireland relating to art history and the visual arts. These collections include more than 110,000 volumes, rare books and special collections, extensive archival holdings, and significant digital resources documenting Irish and international visual culture.

The Gallery is now seeking to appoint a Head of Library, Archives and Research Services, a senior management role responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Gallery’s library, archives and digital research collections. Reporting to the Director of Collections & Research, the successful candidate will play a critical role in safeguarding and developing collections of national importance, advancing research and digital access, and strengthening the Gallery’s position as Ireland’s leading research centre for art.

The post holder will provide leadership across collection development, preservation, research services, digital initiatives, public engagement and institutional partnerships, ensuring the Library and Archives continue to support scholarship, exhibitions, learning and public access at the highest international standards.

The Head of Library, Archives and Research Services will:

• Lead the strategic direction, operational management, and future development of the Library, Archives and Research Services Department in alignment with the Gallery’s institutional priorities.
• Develop and implement policies and strategies for collection growth, preservation, access and digital development.
• Provide leadership, supervision, mentoring, performance management, and professional development opportunities for all staff in the Department.
• Oversee departmental planning, procurement, budgeting, resource allocation and project management.
• Produce detailed reports on the Department’s activities for the Director of Collections & Research, Director, Executive Leadership Team and Board.
• Advise and play a key role in the provision of new Library & Archive facilities, as outlined in the Gallery’s Master Development Plan (MDP).

Collections Development and Stewardship

• Oversee the acquisition, cataloguing, preservation, digitisation and care of library, archival and special collections.
• Lead the development of research and archival collections relating to Irish and Western art and visual culture, and the collections, history and activities of the Gallery.
• Ensure the long-term stewardship and accessibility of collections of national and international significance.
• Procure, manage, maintain, and continuously develop Library, Archive, and related information systems to support collection documentation, preservation, access and integration.
• Identify and develop creative approaches to record, document and preserve the voices and perspectives of artists and other significant cultural figures in Ireland and those pertinent to the Gallery’s collections.
• Maintain and develop standards for collection management, reader services and research access in line with international best practice.
• Oversee records management, including digital records, and ensure legal, ethical and regulatory compliance across all collection activities.
• Manage the development of the institutional archive and contribute to the effective preservation and handover of knowledge and institutional memory when key staff leave the Gallery or retire.
• Research, Access and Digital Services
• Develop and enhance research services that support scholars, students, artists, curators and the wider public.
• Lead the continued development of digital collections, online access and research infrastructure.
• Lead the development and enhancement of public facing collection platforms, ensuring intuitive, accessible, and engaging digital experiences that support collection access, discovery, interpretation and storytelling.
• Expand the visibility and accessibility of the Gallery’s collections nationally and internationally through digital initiatives, and identify innovative ways to raise the profile of the collections and activities of the Library, Archives and Research Services Department.
• Integrate research collections into exhibitions, publications and public engagement programmes.
• Engagement, Partnerships and Advocacy
• Represent the National Gallery of Ireland nationally, across the island and internationally in professional forums, partnerships, conferences and collaborative initiatives.
• Develop strategic partnerships with universities, cultural institutions, research institutes and other stakeholders.
• Identify and secure external funding, including grants, corporate sponsorship and philanthropic support, in support of Library & Archive programmes, and strengthen and grow effective relationships.
• Promote public engagement with the collections through exhibitions, collaborative projects, educational and other initiatives.
• Work collaboratively and collegially with the other Heads of Department in the Collections & Research Pillar, and with other teams across the Gallery.

Governance and Organisational Contribution

• Provide expert advice to the Director and Director of Collections & Research on matters relating to library, archive and research services.
• Ensure transparency, accountability and good governance across all areas of responsibility.
• Responsible for effective risk management and risk reporting in relation to the library & archive collections and all activities relevant to the department.
• Safeguard key aspects of Ireland’s artistic and cultural memory for future generations.

The successful candidate will have:

• A postgraduate qualification in library and information studies, archives and records management or other relevant discipline.
• Significant senior leadership experience managing extensive library and archive collections and research services in a cultural institution.
• Experience of strategic planning, budget management and project delivery.
• Significant experience leading, motivating, mentoring, and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Demonstrable experience developing departmental strategies, policies, operational procedures within a museum or gallery.

Specialist Knowledge and Expertise

• Expert knowledge of art and museum librarianship, archive management and digital collections.
• A strong understanding of collection care, preservation, cataloguing, digitisation and research access standards.
• Knowledge of the Irish arts and cultural heritage sector.
• Understanding of governance, legal and ethical issues relating to archives, records and cultural collections.
• Knowledge of digital scholarship, online access systems and research infrastructure development.
• In-depth knowledge of current developments, emerging technologies and international best practice in the area of library, archives and research services.

Financial Management, Research & Partnerships

• Proven experience of strategic financial management, including operational budgeting, financial reporting and securing external funding.
• Proven experience developing partnerships, stakeholder relationships and collaborative initiatives.
• Experience securing funding and developing and maintaining effective donor/sponsor relationships.
• Demonstrable success in establishing and maintaining national and international partnerships, collaborations, and research networks.

Communication, Organisation & Interpersonal Skills

• Strong organisational, project management, and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver medium- and long-term objectives.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, advocacy, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels internally and externally.
• Proven experience preparing reports, business cases, policy documents, funding applications, and public presentations.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• An open and collaborative approach.
• Ability to build productive relationships across academic and cultural sectors.
• A collaborative approach with the ability to foster teamwork across departments and external networks.
• A passion for the arts, research, collection care and public engagement.
• Experience of representing an organisation at national and international level.
• A commitment to professional development, diversity and inclusion, and a positive work 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. 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 NGI screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.

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 Keeper (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 June 2026 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€87,510 – €90,260 – €93,015 – €95,761 – €98,508 – €101,776 – €105,493 LSI1 – €109,216 LSI2

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €87,510 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 Gallery 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, Full-Time.

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 detailing your relevant achievements and experience to date.
• Cover letter 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. Canvassing will disqualify.

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: 5 July 2026

Interviews will be scheduled in July/August 2026.

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