Head of traditional arts Closing date for applications: 15 June 2007 Context The Arts Council is currently undertaking a major re-organisation in an effort to better equip itself for delivery of its strategy for the period 2006 – 2010, Partnership for the Arts. This re-organisation aims to achieve more effective and efficient business processes in order to provide excellent customer service to the public, the arts community and other key stakeholders within the public and voluntary sector. Role This role offers an exciting opportunity to establish a new team which will lead on delivering the Arts Council’s strategic objectives for Traditional Arts. The team forms part of the new re-organised structure at the Arts Council and the post-holder will have the opportunity to develop and shape the work of this team from the outset. Overview Manage all elements of the Arts Council’s policy formulation, development initiatives, grant and relationship management in the area of Traditional Arts; manage and motivate the Traditional Arts team; collaborate with the Arts Director, the departmental management team and other staff in the implementation of specific cross-organisational projects to deliver the objectives of Partnership for the Arts. Principal Responsibilities POLICY - Develop relevant policy and appropriate strategies for the development Traditional Arts in line with Partnership for the Arts and the Council’s published Traditional Arts Policy (see website) - Customise the Arts Council’s support programmes to meet the development needs of Traditional Arts IMPLEMENTATION - Design and develop a work programme which implements the Arts Council’s overall strategic goals for Traditional Arts - Gather and maintain key intelligence on Traditional Arts and maintain sensitive two-way communications with relevant key individuals and organisations - Advise the Arts Council on the best use of funds and the optimum deployment of resources for grant and non-grant supports - Lead and manage the on-going development of relationships with relevant funded organisations and the wider arts community - Develop in collaboration with Arts Director an annual budget and manage performance against this budget with assistance from Finance as required - Collaborate with other managers for the effective utilisation of all resources so that peaks and troughs are managed as effectively as possible - Collaborate with the Information and Research manager to ensure that all relevant research projects are well designed and brought to fruition to the required quality - Manage, through the relevant Advisers and Support Staff, the achievement of all of the objectives of the team, as set out in the Team Responsibilities Document attached -Ensure that policy and development issues fully inform the grant-making and other activities GENERAL MANAGEMENT - Lead, motivate and manage a team of Advisers and Support Staff to the delivery of excellent customer service and the delivery of Partnership for the Arts within a focused team environment - Agree with all advisers and support staff key work priorities on an annual (and on-going) basis - Manage the team’s input into the various decision making processes (SMT, Committees, Panels, Council) in liaison with the Operations Team - Manage the records and information needs of the team - Manage the inputting of Arts Council grant decisions onto the MIS system - Manage one’s own Health and Safety at work and ensure that one does not personally put at risk the Health and Safety of others - Provide, as directed from time to time, appropriate assistance to other Sections/Departments where urgent and important work peaks occur - Undertake other responsibilities and duties as may be agreed from time to time with management Specification The post holder will have a third level qualification (or equivalent); a minimum of five years relevant experience, and: - a proven track record in and demonstrable commitment to the development of Traditional Arts - a keen understanding of the policy environment for arts development, in particular for Traditional Arts and their related areas - an ability to think analytically and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively - good interpersonal skills, including an ability to listen and negotiate - evidence of experience in strategy development and implementation - an detailed knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues relevant to arts development in the current environment - excellent standards of written and oral communication - a commitment to high standards of public service - experience in management and administration Basis of employment This appointment will be made at the equivalent of the Civil Service Higher Executive Officer Grade. Point 1: €43,445 (excluding pension) – LSI 2: €58,049 (including pension)

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