▷ 15h Left Head of Irish Language

About This Role

Role Purpose

The Head of Irish Language role will be responsible for establishing and embedding a formal Irish language function within Coimisiún na Meán, ensuring that the language is central to the organisation’s mission and operation and that we promote and encourage its use and development across all media. The Head will be responsible for implementing Coimisiún na Meán’s Irish language duties under the Broadcasting Act 2009 and the Irish language Acts. This includes developing policies, procedures and action plans in relation to these duties and ensuring their effective implementation.

Key Responsibilities

- Establish the Irish language in Coimisiún na Meán and manage the recruitment of the new team members.

- Prepare and oversee the implementation of a bespoke organisation-wide policy for Irish.

- Develop a project plan to ensure the effective implementation of recommended actions for Coimisiún na Meán that may emanate from Comprehensive Review of the use of Irish in the Media.

- Act as the main point of contact with the media sector and other relevant stakeholders in relation to Coimisiún na Meán’s media-related Irish language activities.

- Lead Coimisiún na Meán’s Irish language research, events and initiatives.

- Oversee the implementation of Coimisiún na Meán’s statutory obligations in relation to the Irish language under the Official Language Acts, ensuring (1) the provision of high standard Irish language services to the public in translation, communication and recruitment; and (2) the development and implementation of processes, procedures and staff guidance to ensure compliance with all monitoring and reporting requirements.

- Engage with Departments and other public sector bodies on legislation, coordinated / partnership initiatives and related implementing measures by Coimisiún na Meán.

- Act as the single point of contact with external translators and establish a set of controlled guidelines for internal and external translators to ensure that all translations adhere to consistent, correct, and validated terminology and style.

- Work with the internal communications team and cross-functionally, to ensure consistency and accuracy in the choice of terminology used in both the English and Irish languages.

- Advise and assist the Commission in future decision making about how the Irish language needs of the organisation and services can be best delivered.

The above is intended as a guide to the general range of duties and is intended to be neither definitive nor restrictive and is subject to review.

About You - Experience, Skills, Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential Criteria

- Excellent fluency in the Irish language, with strong linguistic and textual competence, including ability to translate accurately between Irish and English.

- Relevant professional experience from either media or public sector.

- Proven ability to implement complex cross-cutting strategies across a diverse and wide-ranging sector.

- Proven line management experience, including leading and developing teams.

- Excellent planning and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise effectively and manage a significant and varied workload.

- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, and to demonstrate negotiation and influencing skills.

- Excellent written communication skills across a variety of formats, including presentations, policy documents, correspondence, and reports.

Desirable Criteria

- Experience in developing and implementing Irish language strategies or policies in an organisational or media context.

- Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards, and guidelines relating to the Irish language in the public sector (e.g., Official Languages Act).

- Proven translation skills and/or qualifications.

- Experience in stakeholder engagement with Irish language communities, advocacy groups, or cultural organisations.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying for this position, please submit:

- A CV (max 2 pages) and a Cover letter/personal statement (max 1 page) outlining why you believe your skills, experience and values meet the requirements of the position via HERE

- Appointment to this role is subject to the candidate's eligibility to work in Ireland. All positions require candidates to live in the Republic of Ireland or Northern Ireland.

- Candidates who engage in canvassing will be disqualified and excluded from the process

For queries related to the application or selection process related to this role, please contact [email protected]

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations will be provided, if required, during the recruitment process. To discuss and request reasonable accommodations in confidence please contact Angeline McKiernan at [email protected].

Closing Date: Thursday 30th October 2025 at 3pm