Right to Read Coordinator (Grade 6)

About the role

This is a great opportunity to join the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) at a time of transformation and innovation both in the Agency, and across the wider local government sector.

The Right to Read Co-ordinator will work as part of Libraries Development. The role will involve the facilitation, implementation and promotion of the policies and objectives of the Libraries Development team and national library strategy. The Right to Read Coordinator will report to the Deputy Head of Libraries Development.

The Right to Read Programme is an initiative under the national Public Library Strategy The Library is the Place. It aims to deliver more systematic literacy and reading development support at local level, identifying a standard service offer and bringing together the knowledge and experience of skilled staff in local authority services and local agencies. The programme strengthens existing relationships and builds on the partnership approach in delivering literacy and reading development support. Right to Read complements and supports existing national strategies and initiatives, including the Department of Education and Youth and the Department of Children, Disability and Equality’s National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy and the First 5 whole government strategy.

The Right to Read Coordinator is a key role for the delivery of the Right to Read programme and support of the National Programmes Committee, Reading & Literacy Working Group and Culture Working Group. The coordinator will be a central resource for implementing and driving the national Right to Read programme across all library services, for supporting the strategic development of the programme and of other work areas of the National Programmes Committee.

The Right to Read Coordinator will support the local delivery of the Right to Read programme through collaboration and coordination with relevant and complementary programmes, initiatives and organisations and will lead the development and monitoring of the annual programme of work.

The Right to Read Coordinator will support the National Programmes Committee and the Chair of the Committee.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The role of the Right to Read Coordinator will include:

• Management of the implementation of the Right to Read programme

• Liaison with and support for the Reading & Literacy Working Group of the LGMA National Programmes Committee

• Development of strategies and plans to ensure the implementation and evaluation of the key elements of the role in conjunction with the Reading & Literacy Working Group

• Liaison with local authority partners, Right to Read Coordinators and relevant government departments and national agencies in relation to the implementation of the actions of the programme

• Development and management of an annual work plan in conjunction with the Right to Read Working Group of the National Programmes Committee

• Coordination of the Right to Read Coordinators Network, including oversight of the development of local annual action plans, planning and coordination of scheduled workshops, network communications, liaison and management of the annual evaluation review

• Working with the Right to Read National Steering Group, the Reading & Literacy Working Group and the Coordinators Network to develop the Right to Read Programme and introduce new services

• Management of the development and provision to the library services of annual national branding, promotional materials and merchandise for the programme

• Identification of opportunities and development of partnerships and collaboration with national agencies and organisations

• Facilitation of the development of local partnerships and collaboration with local Healthy City and County Coordinators, other Healthy Ireland coordinators, local agencies and organisations

• Ongoing monitoring and review of progress of the programme and preparation of annual reports of activity under the programme

• Preparation and oversight of delivery of communications and promotional activity for the programme

• Management of budgets, overall financial expenditure and programme reporting

• Co-ordination of the development and preparation of annual programmes of activity and programme guidelines

• Management of the Right to Read Coordinators network including communication, training and support, networking events and shared learning opportunities

• Support for the National Right to Read Steering Group

• Coordination of support for the LGMA National Programmes Committee and Committee Chair, working with the Deputy Head and other national programme coordinators

• Support for the Culture Working Group of the National Programmes Committee

• Undertake any other duties of a similar level and responsibilities as may be required

Essential Requirements

Character

Candidates shall be of good character.

Health

Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Education, training, experience, etc.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms, have:

(i) A degree (level 8 on the National Framework of Qualifications) in the area of Library and Information Studies

(ii) Satisfactory experience of library work

And

Demonstrate the competencies as set out in the LGMA Competency Framework (see Appendix 2 in Candidate Information Booklet)

Desirable Skills

• Strong leadership and project management skills

• Strong understanding and experience of programme planning and service delivery

• Excellent communication skills, including written communication and an aptitude for report writing and social media skills

• Ability to work simultaneously at both strategic and operational level

• Excellent collaborative, networking, representation and relationship-building skills

• Ability to negotiate and handle difficult situations

• Financial administration and budgeting skills

• Data management and IT skills

Principal Conditions of Service

General

The appointment is for a permanent Right to Read Coordinator (Grade 6) post in the Local Government Management Agency and is subject to general terms and conditions in operation relating to appointments in the Agency.

Remuneration

The salary scale applicable to this position as per circular EL 02-2026 1st February 2026 is as follows:

€57,895 - €70,730 per year

The holder of the office shall pay to the LGMA any fees or other monies (other than his/her inclusive salary) payable to or received by him/her by virtue of his/her office or in respect of services which he/she is required by or under any enactment to perform. Entry will be at the minimum of the scale, and the rate of remuneration will not be subject to negotiation and may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Different terms and conditions may apply if you are currently a serving civil or public servant.