Music Development Officer

Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB), as Lead Partner for Mayo Local Music Education Partnership, seeks to employ a Music Development Officer to implement its plans for the provision of performance music education for children and young people in Co. Mayo.

We are seeking a skilled professional with significant experience in music development and/or music education or a relevant artistic field, who has a combination of initiative, rigour, excellent interpersonal and leadership skills and a passion for music. This position requires a hard-working and efficient individual with a demonstrable track record of achievement and delivering results.

The ideal candidate will have a breadth of experience and understanding of performance music education across a range of ages, genres of music and contexts, and must have quantifiable and relevant management and financial experience in project planning/delivery and/or developmental initiatives. There is the potential, subject to qualifications and experience, and the needs of the role, for the Music Development Officer to be involved in the delivery of some programmes; however this is not mandatory.

The role of Music Development Officer offers a unique opportunity for someone dynamic to join MSLETB at a time of exciting change in the music education landscape in Ireland.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

To qualify for appointment candidates must have:

A professional qualification in music or music education and/or a relevant Level 7 qualification (e.g. music degree, arts management, business management, etc.) and/or a proven track record of at least three years’ experience in music development, music education management, or another relevant artistic field.

Experience of leading and developing musician/artistic and administrative teams.

Management experience in project planning and delivery and/or developmental initiatives.

Full current Driving Licence with access to own transport.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA

Candidates should have:

An excellent understanding of performance music education, music, arts and education policies and the local music/music education sector.

A track record of playing a key role in actively developing and sustaining strategic partnerships. An understanding of or experience in working in a large public sector organisation would be an advantage.

Management and administration experience, including strong financial and budget management.

Experience of preparing reports, statistical information, and meeting other reporting requirements.

Excellent communication skills, including written, verbal, and digital.

CORE COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

Leadership, Initiative and Managing Teams

• Possess excellent leadership capability with the capacity to champion, energise, motivate and manage teams, deliver successful results and make things happen.

• Have a track record in delivering successful results in an arts-related field.

• Understand that the delivery of high-quality performance music education is the core business of Music Generation Mayo and demonstrate the willingness and ability to lead and manage individuals and teams to achieve this.

Drive, Commitment and Delivery of Results

• Be a highly-motivated and diligent individual, with a passion for and commitment to music education.

• Demonstrate the ability to use, and to manage others in using, a range of resources, supports and processes to ensure the effective and efficient running of the Music Generation Mayo programme.

Leading Effective Partnerships and Networks

• Demonstrate the capacity to foster positive strategic relationships, communicate effectively and create synergies with a variety of stakeholders.

• Be a strategic thinker with a high level of proficiency in planning and organisation and a natural capacity to manage a busy and varied role.

Managing and Developing Initiatives and Programmes

• Demonstrate the skills to take on and respond to a broad and long-term view of the development needs of the Music Generation Mayo programme.

• Have an entrepreneurial mind-set, with strong financial experience and an aptitude for the challenges of achieving success.

• Have a knowledge of developing practice in music education nationally and internationally, and a breadth of experience and understanding of performance music education across a range of ages, genres of music and contexts.

Self-Awareness / Self-Management

• Have a high level of motivation and passion for this job, a strong understanding of the role, and a clear and convincing rationale for seeking the position.

• Be a reflective thinker, consistently review own performance and set self-challenging goals and targets.

JOB DESCRIPTION

About Music Generation Mayo Music Generation Mayo is a performance music education programme in Co. Mayo providing access to a range of vocal and instrumental music opportunities for children and young people in their local area. Initiated by Music Network, Music Generation is co-funded by U2, The Ireland Funds, the Department of Education and Youth and Local Music Education Partnerships (LMEPs). Locally, Music Generation Mayo is supported and funded by MSLETB and Mayo Co Council.

DUTIES

The Music Development Officer has overall responsibility for delivering the Music Generation Mayo programme. Duties shall include, but are not limited to:

Programme Development

• Drive the artistic and developmental vision of Music Generation Mayo and ensure that it is focused on delivering high-quality experiences and outcomes for children/young people.

• Generate participation among children/young people.

• Based on the Music Generation Mayo 5-year plan, devise and deliver annual plans for Music Generation Mayo.

Leading and Managing a team of Musician Educators

• Participate in the engagement and recruitment of the Music Generation Mayo team of musician educators.

• Lead, motivate and manage musician educators in the design, development and delivery of a range of performance music education programmes of high artistic and educational standards in response to local need and context.

• Plan and manage, on an ongoing basis, a range of professional development and training supports for these musician educators which supports and cultivates a community of learning.

Leading and Managing Administration Support

• Line manage the Music Generation Administrator role.

• Establish and oversee effective data management systems such as student records, musician educator records, attendance, purchasing and spending procedures, and timetables.

Strategic Partnership Development

• Build and develop strategic partnerships and close working relationships with a network of stakeholder agencies, organisations, groups and individuals within the public, private, community and voluntary sectors.

Public Awareness

• Raise public awareness about Music Generation Mayo through a variety of channels and media.

Finance and Compliance

• Overall responsibility for budget management, including procurement.

• Identify and access additional sources of locally-generated matched funding.

• Financial and compliance reporting to MSLETB and the Music Generation National Development Office.

• Asset management.

• Ensure compliance with Child Protection regulations, including Garda Vetting.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Work closely with and report on a regular basis to Mayo Local Music Education Partnership and Working Group.

• Monitor and evaluate progress and development on a continuous basis and ensure standards as set by Mayo Local Music Education Partnership and the Music Generation National Development Office are being reached.

• Compile indicators and complete progress reports for Mayo Local Music Education Partnership.

• Responsible for reporting on all aspects of the Music Generation Mayo programme to the Music Generation National Development Office, including programme development and planning, strategic plan updates, budgeting and an annual workplan.

Participation in the National Programme of Music Generation

• Work with the Music Generation National Development Office in developing Music Generation Mayo.

• Actively participate in the Leadership Network (the professional learning network for Music Generation Development Officers nationally).

• Work with Music Generation National Development Office on public awareness and advocacy initiatives.

Other Duties

• Undertake other duties at the direction of MSLETB, as required, to ensure the success of Music Generation Mayo. Duties and responsibilities may evolve or change from time to time in accordance with the needs of the organisation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Garda Vetting Garda Vetting will be sought in accordance with the National Vetting Bureau Act, 2016 and there being no disclosure of convictions which MSLETB considers would render the candidate unsuitable to work with children/vulnerable adults. This process will commence prior to appointment.

Driving Licence Candidates must hold a full current driving licence with access to own transportation.

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Tenure 5 year Fixed Term whole-time contract.

Hours of Work Attendance will be 35 hours per week, required during normal ETB office hours and at such other times as are necessary for the delivery of the Music Generation Mayo.

Initial Location The role of Music Generation Mayo Development Officer will be primarily based in the Further Education and Training Centre, Lucan Street, Castlebar, Co Mayo. Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board reserves the right to assign you to any other location or base that is under the control of Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board, as the need arises. Any change in location or base by Mayo, Sligo and Leitrim Education and Training Board will not be deemed as redeployment as provided for under the Public Service Agreements.

Salary The current salary scale for the Music Development Officer post is – Rate from 01/02/2026: €57,896 €59,278 €60,960 €64,125 €66,016 €68,365* €70,731**

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: SALARY: As per DEY guidelines, new appointees who are entering this grade for the first time will start at the minimum point of the scale. Incremental credit may only apply, if, immediately prior to appointment, the appointee is already a serving Civil or Public Servant. Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting Salary is not subject to negotiation.

Recruitment Selection shall be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of MSLETB. Recruitment to posts within MSLETB is on the basis of merit as assessed at interview and supported by references. A shortlisting process may be undertaken to identify candidates who most closely meet the criteria for the post. Candidates invited for interview may be required to give a verbal presentation outlining their approach to the role of Music Development Officer and their ideas regarding further development of the Music Generation Mayo programme. The first interview may reduce the initial short list and remaining candidates may be invited for a subsequent interview.

Probation The successful candidate shall serve a probationary period in accordance with the terms set out in MSL ETB’s Probationary Policy.

Annual Leave The annual leave allowance for the position of Music Generation Development Officer is 27 days p.a. This allowance is subject to the usual conditions regarding the granting of annual leave in MSLETB, is based on a five-day week and is exclusive of the usual public holidays.

Sick Leave Pay during properly certified sick absence, provided there is no evidence of permanent disability for service, will apply on a pro-rata basis, in accordance with the provisions of the relevant legislation and Department of Education & Youth sick leave circulars.

Start Date MSLETB shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of not more than 6 weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such long period as the MSLETB in its absolute discretion may determine, MSLETB shall not appoint them.

Business Travel When absent from home and headquarters on duty appropriate travelling expenses and subsistence allowances will be paid subject to the normal Civil Service regulations.

Superannuation Contributions Persons who become pensionable officers of MSLETB who are liable to pay Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation, to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration. Persons who become pensionable officers of MSLETB, who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (I.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children). All person who become pensionable officers of MSLETB are required, in respect of Spouses and Children Contributory Pension Scheme 1986, to contribute to MSLETB at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration or net pensionable remuneration, whichever is relevant and in accordance with the terms of the Scheme. Person who become pensionable officers of MSLETB for the first time on or after 1st January 2013 are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution and are required in respect of superannuation to contribute at the rate of 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children) plus 3% of pensionable pay.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above represents the principal conditions of service and is not intended to be the comprehensive list of all terms and condition of employment which will be set out in the employment contract to be agreed with the successful candidate.