Executive Director

Location: Dublin, flexible hybrid with at least one day per week in office at Temple Bar, designated desk in the heart of Dublin Hours: Part time, three days per week, with potential to negotiate for the right candidate Contract: Three year fixed term, renewable Salary: 65,000 euro per annum pro rata, approximately 39,000 euro for three days per week, negotiable, with pension provisions About SDGI The Screen Directors Guild of Ireland is the representative body for directors working in film and TV in Ireland. We are a dynamic and agile organisation, respected across the industry for leadership in bettering directors rights. SDGI has achieved major wins for its members and the landscape continues to evolve. The work ahead includes collective bargaining with producers, reaching agreements with global streamers, and responding to emerging issues such as artificial intelligence and new technologies. This role offers an outstanding opportunity to secure real gains for a community of talented directors who deserve strong and visible representation. SDGI is collaborative, creative, and forward-looking, and it is an incredibly rewarding role for the right candidate. Purpose of the Role The Executive Director provides strategic leadership and serves as chief negotiator for SDGI, representing the interests of Irelands film and TV directors at the highest levels of government, industry, and culture. The role requires political and legal expertise, strategic vision, and a track record of delivering meaningful outcomes for members. Working in close partnership with the Chair and Board, the Executive Director will lobby for policy and legislative change, negotiate contracts and agreements that secure better pay and working conditions, and strengthen the rights and creative freedoms of directors. This is a chance to work with some of Irelands most creative minds and to make a significant impact on the cultural sector. It is a rewarding career with purpose. Key Responsibilities Leadership and Strategy Set and deliver SDGI strategy in partnership with the Chair and Board Lead advocacy and negotiations on behalf of directors in Ireland and internationally Inspire confidence among members, partners, and policymakers Contract Negotiation and Collective Bargaining Serve as chief negotiator in agreements with broadcasters, funders, producers, and streamers Secure gains in pay, working conditions, copyright, diversity and equality, safety, and creative protections Build and guide negotiating committees and prepare members for collective bargaining processes Advocacy and Political Lobbying Represent SDGI at the highest levels of government and policy making Influence legislation, regulation, and funding structures that affect directors Draft submissions, policy briefs, and public positions Legal and Policy Oversight Provide legal and policy leadership on contracts, copyright, and rights protections Interpret and advise on legislation and regulatory frameworks Support members with guidance on rights, contracts, and professional protections Stakeholder and Industry Relations Build alliances with Screen Ireland, broadcasters, cultural institutions, and international guilds and unions Represent SDGI at festivals, forums, and industry debates Act as spokesperson in media and public forums Organisational Management Lead staff and manage day to day operations of the Guild Ensure strong governance and compliance with the Chair and Board Oversee budgets, funding applications, sponsorships, and fundraising Oversee major events including the SDGI Awards and monthly events Required Skills and Qualifications At least five to seven years of senior leadership experience in government affairs, law, labour relations, or cultural policy Demonstrated success in collective bargaining, political lobbying, or legal negotiations Bachelors degree required, masters degree or legal qualification preferred Proven track record of building alliances with policymakers, industry leaders, and others Excellent communication, public speaking, and negotiation skills Ability to navigate both sector-wide trends and detailed contract language What We Offer A leadership role with purpose at the centre of Irelands film and TV community The chance to work with extraordinary creative minds and make a direct impact on their professional lives Flexible hybrid working with a office in heart of Dublin one day per week Competitive salary at 65,000 euro pro rata, negotiable, with pension provisions A three year fixed term contract, renewable by agreement with the Board International reach and influence representing Irelands directors abroad Additional Information Equal Opportunities: SDGI is an equal opportunities employer. We strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply International Applicants: We welcome international candidates and may provide visa sponsorship where legally permissible Timeline: Applications close on Friday, 28 November 2025 at 5pm. First interviews will be held in December 2025, with an ideal start date in January 2026, flexible for the right candidate How to Apply: Please send your CV and cover letter to