Open Competition: Chief Operating Officer (Assistant Principal Higher Grade) – Permanent Full Time Contract of Employment
About IMMA
The Irish Museum of Modern Art, based in what was the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, an extraordinary 17th‑century building, sits on a hilltop of 48 acres overlooking the River Liffey. It is a witness to at least a millennium of change and feeds into our contemporary thinking and commitment to celebrate this remarkable site. At IMMA we have created a space where local and global cultures connect; contemporary art and contemporary life meet, challenge and inspire one another.
Role Overview
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic leadership role responsible for the effective and integrated management of IMMA’s core operational and corporate services, including Finance, Governance, IT, Visitor Experience & Security, Business Activities and Strategic HR. The COO ensures that these functions work cohesively to support IMMA’s mission, values and long‑term goals.
Aligned with IMMA’s Strategic Plan 2024–2028, the COO will play a key role in supporting the museum as:
A Catalyst for Change – managing the Strategy Action Plan to advance sustainability, inclusion and social progress through operational leadership.
A Radically Public Space – developing IMMA’s visitor facilities and partnerships to ensure the museum is welcoming, accessible and responsive to diverse communities.
A Centre for Research and Innovation – establishing the digital infrastructure for IMMA’s Global Learning and Research Centre to enable digital transformation and cutting‑edge research.
A Global Connector – strengthening IMMA’s international partnerships, visibility and public profile.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Change Management:
Lead and implement organisational change aligned with IMMA’s strategic priorities.
Work with the Head of Operations and Senior Commercial Events Manager to define IMMA’s commercial strategy for Events, Concerts, Café and Carpark, and identify opportunities for income growth, innovation and sustainability.
Embed IMMA’s brand values – Collaboration, Bold Thinking, Creative, Ethical – into commercial decision‑making.
Lead the Strategy Action Plan in collaboration with the Director and SMT to deliver strategic and institutional goals.
Develop external partner engagement strategies in partnership with the Head of Audiences and Development, communicating IMMA’s priorities to funders, policymakers and the public.
Collaborate with the Director to increase IMMA’s public profile through strategic communication and political advocacy.
Operational Oversight:
Oversee strategic management and development of Finance, Governance, IT, HR, Business Operations, Visitor Experience and Security.
Develop strategies with Senior Managers to enhance internal collaboration and external partnerships, positioning IMMA as a Centre for Cultural Innovation.
Maintain strong relationships with IMMA’s parent Department and other government agencies to align operational delivery with national priorities.
Support the Head of Visitor Experience and Security in developing visitor experience, fire safety and security across campus and off‑site facilities.
Advance IMMA’s strategy to be a radically public, purpose‑driven institution in collaboration with SMT members.
Support the development of a new Global Learning and Research Centre and optimise infrastructure in line with strategic goals.
Liaise with the Parent Department to secure funding for capital projects and ensure timely delivery.
Act as Chief Risk Officer, leading risk management, procurement and resource planning.
Act as Head of Governance, Data Protection and Procurement to ensure compliance with relevant Government codes and circulars.
Represent IMMA in sectoral networks, public service forums and media engagements as a key spokesperson on business and strategic matters.
Deputise for the Director in meetings with the OPW as required.
People & Culture:
Work closely with the Director and HR Managers to plan the strategic development of the organisation.
Support workforce development, wellbeing and performance in partnership with HR.
Promote a culture of inclusion, transparency and accountability.
Respect and uphold the HR Manager’s functional independence in grievance procedures and sensitive HR matters.
Support IMMA’s commitment to diversity, equity and access.
Collaborate with the Director and Head of Audience & Development on external strategic relationships such as governance and university partnerships.
Digital Transformation & Systems:
Oversee IT strategy and infrastructure development to progress IMMA’s research facilities.
Champion digital innovation, ensuring systems are secure, scalable and responsive to organisational needs.
Work with the Head of Research & Learning and Head of Collections to advance IMMA’s ambition to be a Centre for Research and Innovation through digital transformation, including investment in digital archives and online learning platforms.
IMMA Board:
May be appointed as Secretary to the IMMA Board, reporting to the Chair on governance matters and assisting in information provision to the Board and its committees.
Act as the champion of strategy delivery, liaising between the Board and Executive on priorities and updates.
What We Are Looking For
Extensive senior leadership experience in operational or corporate services, ideally with experience of the public, cultural or non‑profit sector.
Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects across diverse functions.
Strong strategic planning and change management skills, with a track record of delivering organisational improvements and innovation.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in public representation, media engagement and stakeholder advocacy.
Excellent stakeholder engagement capabilities, building and maintaining relationships across departments and with external partners.
Deep understanding of governance, compliance and public sector accountability, including financial and regulatory standards.
Experience overseeing capital projects and working with government departments, particularly in relation to funding and strategic alignment.
Commitment to IMMA’s values of inclusion, sustainability and public engagement, and its brand values: Collaborative, Bold Thinking, Creative and Ethical.
High level of integrity, discretion and accountability in leadership and decision‑making.
A third‑level qualification in a relevant discipline such as public administration, business, finance, HR or cultural management.
Why Work with IMMA
Opportunity to contribute to IMMA’s 2024‑2028 Strategy and shape programming over the next five years.
Blending Working Policy.
Work in a beautiful, historic 17th‑century building surrounded by 48 acres of gardens – an oasis in Dublin City.
Free parking / secure bike sheds.
Career development opportunities through mentoring, coaching and training.
Adult Education Erasmus+ funding by the European Union.
Government pension scheme.
Employee wellbeing committee.
Employee assistance programme.
Generous public‑sector leave benefits.
Strong values‑based and inclusive culture.
Strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
Great team environment working to our core tenets: Contemporary, Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration and Globally Connected.
Valuable experience at a leading cultural institution.
Opportunities to attend special museum events and exhibitions.
Networking opportunities with professionals in the museum and cultural sectors.
Salary
The salary for this role is in line with public sector pay scales, starting at €90,326 – Point 1 of the Grade Assistant Principal Higher (PPC) scale, as of 1 February 2026. Candidates should note that the Irish Museum of Modern Art complies with Department of Public Expenditure and Reform and guidelines on public sector pay and conditions of employment and pension provisions. Entry level will be at Point 1 of the Grade.
Contract Details
Contract type: Permanent, full‑time
Hours: Monday to Friday, 41 hours per week (inclusive of breaks)
Location: IMMA, Military Road, Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Kilmainham, Dublin 8
How To Apply
Submit a tailored cover letter explaining your suitability for the role.
Submit a current curriculum vitae.
Applications should be submitted via BambooHR at https://imma.bamboohr.com/careers/71.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 30.04.2026.
For further assistance or reasonable accommodations during the application process, please email tetiana.shchukina@imma.ie.
Join Our Team
IMMA is an equal‑opportunity employer, deeply committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We value the richness that a diverse team brings to our work, enhancing both staff and visitor experiences.
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