Head of Communications

The Gallery wishes to recruit a Head of Communications to join the Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement Division on a permanent basis. The successful candidate will lead the Communications Department of the Gallery, ensuring that our institutional and programmatic communications objectives are consistently achieved. They will develop and oversee the implementation of cohesive communications plans that align with our strategic plan. They will also strategically develop the visibility and awareness of the National Gallery of Ireland nationally and internationally, including engagement with our many exhibitions, programmes and platforms.

Reporting to the Head of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement, the successful candidate will:

• Support the Director of the Gallery, Head of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement and other members of the Executive Leadership Team (ELT) on a range of strategic priorities.
• Lead and manage the Communications Department of the Gallery
• Develop and implement progressive and inclusive three-year Communications Plans (supported by detailed annual action plans) which align with the Gallery's Strategic Plan.
• Actively develop and manage the Gallery's brand by raising awareness of the National Gallery of Ireland as the leading cultural institution and visitor attraction on the island of Ireland, and by growing its international profile
• Oversee the implementation of the Gallery's Audience Strategy with the relevant Working Group.
• Implement evidence-based and innovative communications campaigns that align with the Gallery's mission, purpose and values.
• Develop and optimise the use of the Gallery's digital communications channels in support of key Gallery exhibitions and programmes.
• Plan and oversee press and media campaigns, which raise the Gallery's institutional profile and reach our target visitor, participation and ticket sales levels.
• Research and direct advertising campaigns for relevant exhibitions and programmes.
• Oversee the production of institutional publications and other printed materials, which maintain brand consistency, messaging and impact.
• Ensure the Gallery's compliance with relevant legislation and standards including the Official Languages Act, EU Web Accessibility Directive and the Media Regulation Bill.
• Develop and implement internal communications campaigns, which enhance the distribution of information to employees and employee engagement.
• Maintain communications with key stakeholders (e.g. funders, donors and sponsors) ensuring clear, consistent, and effective messaging.
• Manage the Communications Department budget, ensuring compliance with financial and procurement procedures.
• Keep up-to-date with market activity and trends, sharing relevant insights and opportunities with other Heads of Department and ELT.
• Work with other public sector bodies, other external organisations (nationally and internationally), and communications specialists to share new and promising practices.
• Oversee communications-related systems, software, supplier relationships, procurement and policy development.
• Perform other duties as determined by the Director and Head of Audience Development & Stakeholder Engagement
  
  

The successful candidate will have:

• A third-level qualification in Arts, Business, Communications, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• A minimum of five years' senior-level experience in Communications in the arts and cultural sector.
• A proven track record of developing and delivering innovative institutional and programmatic communications campaigns, which align with organisational strategy.
• In-depth knowledge of best-practice and emerging trends in arts and culture communications.
• Experience managing and developing communications teams and external communications consultants.
• Demonstrated success in growing and diversifying audiences.
• Experience managing multiple concurrent communications projects or work streams ensuring timely and effective delivery.
  
  

Skills, Talent and Abilities:

• Excellent relationship management, leadership and influencing skills together with resilience, drive and integrity.
• A solution orientated approach to dealing with issues as they arise.
• Extensive people management experience and a proven record of developing and motivating teams.
• Budget management and forecasting skills.
• Proven organisational and project management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (both oral and written).
• An enthusiasm and interest for working in a cultural institution and a willingness to contribute to a positive working environment.
• Ability to effectively structure workload for a team, ensuring delivery of agreed objectives in an efficient and sustainable manner.
• A proven ability to effectively influence internal and external stakeholders and drive inter-departmental collaboration.
• An analytical approach with the ability to combine data, knowledge & experience when making decisions.
  
  

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:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• 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 Assistant Principal (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 August 2025 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:

€81,475 €84,475 €87,518 €90,569 €93,617 €95,375 €98,449¹ €101,535²

• The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €€81,475 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 National Gallery of Ireland 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

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 three 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: 21 September 2025

Interviews will be scheduled in October 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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