Music Development Officer

MUSIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER - PERSON SPECIFICATION

Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim Education and Training Board (MSLETB) 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. Sligo.

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 Sligo 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 Sligo 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 Sligo 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 Sligo

Music Generation Sligo is a performance music education programme in Co. Sligo 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 Sligo is supported and funded by MSLETB and Sligo Co Council.

Duties

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

Programme Development

Drive the artistic and developmental vision of Music Generation Sligo 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 Sligo Strategic Plan 2025–2029, devise an annual workplan for Music Generation Sligo.

Leading and Managing a Team of Musician Educators

Participate in the engagement and recruitment of the Music Generation Sligo 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 Sligo 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.

Reporting

Be responsible for reporting on all aspects of the Music Generation Sligo 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 collaboratively with the Music Generation National Development Office in developing Music Generation Sligo.

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

Work with the 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 Sligo.

Duties and responsibilities may evolve or change from time to time in accordance with the needs of the organisation.

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

Fixed Term contract until 15/06/2026 commencing from date of appointment.

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 Music Generation Sligo.

Initial Location

The role of Music Development Officer will be primarily based in the MSLETB Offices, Quay Street, Sligo. 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 MSLETB, as the need arises. Any change in location or base 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 01/08/2025:

€57,323 €58,691 €60,356 €63,490 €65,362 €67,688* €70,031**

IMPORTANT NOTICE RE: SALARY:

As per DE 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 Sligo programme.

The first interview may reduce the initial shortlist 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 MSLETB’s Probationary Policy.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance for the position of Music 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. If they fail to take up the appointment within such period, or such longer 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.