THE IRISH HERITAGE TRUST WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO: Established in 2006, the Trust is now a leading national organisation with four landmark heritage properties currently in its care: 11 Parnell Square, Dublin, where the Trust is headquartered; Fota House, Arboretum & Gardens,Cork; Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens,Wexford;andStrokestown Park & The National Famine Museum, Roscommon.
In 2024, the Irish Heritage Trust commenced restoration works at the historic No.
11 Parnell Square to be completed in late 2025.
This €5.2 million conservation-led refurbishment is funded by philanthropic support and the Project Ireland 2040 Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Irish Heritage Trust, in partnership with ESB, also announced plans last year for development of a new museum on Lower Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin, for which planning permission has been received.
At Irish Heritage Trust, we are passionate about bringing benefit to local communities and businesses through tourism, employment and a growing volunteering programme.
As we continue to share these wonderful properties in meaningful ways, we believe that they will not only survive but thrive for future generations to enjoy.
The IHT is a registered charity and is governed by a board of voluntary directors, which oversees the implementation of the Trusts strategy and mission and is responsible for managing risk.
A number of board committees support the governance structure, providing expertise and guidance in particular aspects of the IHTs work to the executive team.
The Trust has developed a shared authority approach to the management and development of properties in its care and actively engages with strategic partners, both private and public bodies, in undertaking its work.We are focussed on implementing the Trusts 10 year strategic planIHT Strategic Report and to deliver on Our Purpose to conserve, manage, sustainably develop and interpret built and natural heritage in Ireland, and to allow people to participate and engage with these unique heritage places and collections.
We are a 110-strong team of skilled, enthusiastic people, supported by an incredible team of over 330 volunteers, with the ability to work independently where required, while also contributing to the success of wider projects and initiatives.
We have embarked on a number of very exciting conservation, refurbishment and development projects at our properties and are committed to delivering our sustainability strategy at all Trust properties.
Diversity is at the heart of our heritage and identity.
At Irish Heritage Trust, we are committed to creating an inclusive culture that respects and represents many different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints.
WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU: This is a key appointment within Irish Heritage Trust.
Our vision is to secure the future sustainability of Irelands built heritage, and by working in the public interest establish a strengthened understanding of the importance of our built and natural heritage, and through active participation create a lasting connection between people and these special heritage places and their collections.
We are seeking a passionate, dynamic, and experienced Programme Development and Outreach Manager to lead our efforts in engaging diverse community groups, educational institutions, local organisations, and the general public.
This role will focus on developing and managing learning programmes and outreach initiatives that promote understanding, appreciation, and preservation of our built, natural and cultural heritage while supporting IHTs Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategy.
You will work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to design and deliver impactful and immersive experiences that inspire lifelong learning and a deep sense of connection to our cultural history.
JOB SUMMARY Programme Development: Design, develop, and implement innovativelearningand public outreach programmes focused on built,natural and culturalheritage.
Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, relevant and engaging for a wide range of audiences, including educational institutions, domestic and international visitors, young adults, families, seniors, heritage enthusiasts, new citizens and underrepresented groups.
Create and oversee engaging in-personprogrammes and eventsthat encourage active participation, and cultivate learning in an exciting, fun environment.
Leverage digital learning tools and platforms to develop and enhance learning content and programme management.
Develop tailored learning resources, toolkits, and activities that support long-term engagement with IHTs properties, including outdoor experiences as well as online content for remote audiences.
Assess and evaluate the success and impact of all programmes, using feedback to refine and improve future offerings.
Community Outreach: Build and nurture relationships with local communities, educational institutions, cultural organisations, heritage groups, and government bodies to expand the reach of IHTs programmes.
Collaborate with a wide variety of partners to explore the potential for joint management of programmes.
Lead efforts to connect with underrepresented or marginalised groups, ensuring their inclusion in heritage education and preservation efforts.
Promote the organisations purpose, vision and ambition through outreach campaigns and public talks.
Lifelong Learning & Engagement: Ensure that all programmes foster opportunities for lifelong learning and engagement with built, natural and cultural heritage, encouraging participants of all ages to build lasting relationship, knowledge and appreciation of our cultural historyand IHT properties.
Bring rich and authentic elements to programming including the use of local skills such as craft and heritage skills.
Develop strategies to encourage ongoing involvement inIHTs activities, from participation in events to support for heritage conservation.
Curate and lead ongoing professional development and training for educators, community leaders, and volunteers to expand their knowledge of heritage and best practices in community outreach.
Management & Administration: Oversee the planning, budgeting, and scheduling of all community outreach, learning and programme initiatives, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to organisational goals.
Report regularly to seniormanagementon programme progress, community engagement metrics, and outcomes.
Contribute to planning for learning infrastructure required in relation to capital development projects.
Source and manage contracts as required for learning and outreach programmes.
Work closely with the Marketing, Communication and Digital Engagement Team and the Collections & Interpretation Manager to devise appropriate communication strategies for dissemination and sharing of programme information.
THE SKILLS/EXPERIENCE YOU WILL NEED: Proven experience in programme development, community engagement, and outreach within a heritage, museum, or educational setting.
Qualification in Education, Heritage Studies, History, Museum Studies, Social Sciences or a related field.
Strong understanding of built and natural heritage, conservation principles, and cultural history.
Demonstrated experience in fostering lifelong learning opportunities and community participation.
Experience with partnership-building, particularly with local government, schools, cultural institutions, and community groups.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
Deep experience of managing budgetsand resources for educational or outreach programmes.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to oversee multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Knowledge of best practices in community outreach, inclusivity, and accessible learning.
Be a creative, innovative thinker who can find unique ways to engage and inspire communities.
Collaborative team player with the ability to solve problems, constructively challenge, and raise issues as they arise.
DESIRABLE SKILLS: A belief in the value of cultural organisations to connect with audiences and contribute to transformative change in communities.
Familiarity with digital tools and platforms for learning and outreach programmes.
A passion for heritage conservation and public history.
Skills: Programme Development Community Outreach Education Heritage Benefits: Pension Plan Death in Service Employee Assistance Programme Staff Discount