CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / DIRECTOR

Job Description

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CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER / DIRECTOR

The Arts Council is the national development agency for the arts in Ireland, supporting artists, arts organisations, and public engagement with the arts nationwide. Operating under the aegis of the Department of Culture, Communications & Sport, the organisation plays a central role in promoting artistic excellence, shaping cultural policy, and ensuring access to the arts across Ireland.

The Arts Council is entering an important period of strategic and organisational development and is seeking an exceptional leader to guide its future direction.

THE POSITION

The Chief Executive Officer/Director will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of the arts in Ireland. Reporting to the Chair and Board, the successful candidate will provide visionary leadership, drive strategic ambition, strengthen organisational performance, and enhance the organisation’s national and international profile.

Working closely with the Board, executive team, artists, stakeholders, and Government, they will champion artistic excellence, foster collaboration, and support the long-term sustainability and impact of the organisation.

REQUIREMENTS

Candidates will demonstrate significant senior executive leadership experience together with strong strategic, governance, stakeholder management, and communication capabilities. A deep appreciation for the arts, together with the credibility, integrity, and leadership presence required to lead a nationally significant public body, is essential.

Eligibility to work in Ireland is also required.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe that you meet the requirements necessary to take on this important role, please submit a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae via the available ‘Apply Option’ in strictest confidence, for the attention of Eilish Devine, Partner of our retained executive search partners, Principal Connections – executive search on or before 12 noon on Friday 19th June 2026.

The Arts Council is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. If you have a disability or your first language is not English and you have any difficulties with any aspect of our recruitment process, please contact Principal Connections executive search. All recruitment documentation can be provided in other formats.

For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this key appointment.

We are committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications under all nine grounds of the Employment Equality Act.

Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process.

Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and assessments considered appropriate to the process.

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Principal Connections is Ireland’s leading executive search and leadership consulting firm and is part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world’s top global executive search groups. xwzovoh (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants).