The long-standing schools programme at the Gallery, caters for both teachers and pupils in primary, post-primary and special education schools, gaelscoileanna and alternative school settings. Across 2024-2026 the Gallery is delighted to partner with SMBC Aviation Capital on a major, nationwide schools programme designed to address barriers to accessing arts in education. This programme aims to make the arts more equitable and inclusive for diverse children and young people, promote creative careers and foreground the value of learning through and about art. To support the delivery of this ambitious programme, the Gallery now wishes to recruit a Schools Coordinator to join the dynamic Education Department, and work with the Gallery Schools Officer and SMBC Aviation Capital Schools Fellow on the SMBC Aviation Capital Schools Programme.
Reporting to the Education Manager: Special Projects or their nominated deputy, the Schools Coordinator will:
- Work with the Schools Officer on the administration, facilitation, delivery and evaluation of the SMBC Aviation Schools Programme.
- Be responsible specifically for the delivery, evaluation and development of Your Gallery at School (YGAS), the nationwide artist in schools programme for children in primary, post-primary and alternative education settings.
- Assess gaps in national programming for schools and address these through the YGAS initiative.
- Work directly with artists, teachers and support staff to ensure YGAS is tailored specifically to the needs of each school, class and community.
- Research developments in art education, primary and post-primary curriculum, arts in alternatives settings, and museum practice to inform and refine schools offerings.
- Ensure YGAS and the wider schools programme upholds Gallery commitment to EDI, the Public Sector Equality and Human Rights Duty, and the National Languages Act.
- Collaborate with the Schools Officer and Schools Fellow to provide key support on other schools offerings as required.
- Co-ordinate multiple free-lance facilitators, guides and specialists
- Programme according to Education Policy, Partnership agreements, Gallery procedures, strategic objectives, agreed budgets, best practice, funding stipulations, curriculum frameworks, GDPR and Child Protection.
- Maintain and cultivate sustainable and meaningful relationships and partnerships with schools, alternative education settings and other key stakeholders.
- Keep accurate, timely budgets, records and reports and contribute to project and programme analysis, evaluation and documentation.
- Facilitate lectures, tours, training, and workshops as required for the SMBC Aviation Capital Schools Programme.
- Participate in media opportunities as appropriate to publicise the SMBC Aviation Capital Schools Programme and provide content for website and social media.
- Process enquiries relating to the SMBC Aviation Capital Schools Programme.
- Complete other duties as and when required.
The successful candidate will have:
- Minimum undergraduate degree in Art, Education, or similar discipline pertinent to the role.
- Evident experience working with teachers and pupils in Primary and Post-Primary Sector, knowledge of national primary and post-primary curriculum and frameworks, curriculum developments, art education practices, teaching methodologies, and relevant policies and procedures.
- Demonstrably aware of the Gallery’s collections, exhibitions, strategic prioritisation of EDI, Education Programme and School’s initiatives.
- First-rate administrator with proven IT and project management skills, an ability to meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and managing budgets.
- Strong communicator capable of engaging diverse audiences across multiple channels, both practically and academically.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with ability to establish and maintain significant working relationships.
- Committed to, and capable of, inclusively and accessibly engaging schools with Arts, Culture and Heritage.
- Confident working both on own initiative and as part of an effective team.
- Dedicated to a positive, inclusive and respectful professional environment.
- Enjoy working in a dynamic, flexible and fast-paced department.
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:
1. A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
2. A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
3. A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
4. 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 Executive Officer (PPC) pay scale, as per the 1 August 2025 pay adjustments. The salary scale for this position is as follows:
€37,919 €39,860 €40,956 €43,094 €45,010 €46,864 €48,711 €50,519 €52,366 €54,207 €56,160 €57,469 €59,335¹ €61,216²
- The starting salary will be at the first point on the scale, €37,919 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 23 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.
Benefits of the Role:
- Shaping accessible, inclusive and innovative art education projects for children and young people across the country.
- First-hand experience delivering programmes onsite at the Gallery, offsite via outreach and online via digital initiatives.
- Working with a dynamic, experienced department with a proven track record for delivering projects of excellence in the field of cultural education, learning and engagement.
- Access to a world-class art collection, art library, archive and conservation studio.
- Continued Professional Development Opportunities and a supportive working environment
Duration: Fixed Term Contract of 18 Months
Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note that the candidates will be required to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis to support programming needs.
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 two 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: 17 August 2025, Sunday
Interviews will be scheduled in September.
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
