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. 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 has been retained as the exclusive executive search partner to manage this important appointment process and is acting as an employment agency on behalf of our client. Our client is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. Candidates for this appointment will be identified through a combination of advertised selection and targeted executive search activities. Only applications submitted via the designated online application channels (or, where applicable, through the email address provided within a print advertisement, briefing prospectus, job description etc.) will be considered as part of the formal selection process. Please note that any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory reference checks together with any additional background screening, verification procedures, or assessments considered appropriate to the appointment process. By applying for this vacancy through Principal Connections, you acknowledge and accept our Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Cookies Policy, all of which are available on our website. ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS Principal Connections is a leading executive search and leadership consulting firm serving organisations across Ireland, the United Kingdom and internationally. We are also part of Agilium Worldwide LLC (Est. 1984), independently ranked one of the world's top global executive search groups. (55+ offices, 30+ countries, 250+ consultants). Visit our other Live Assignments Skills: Leadership Senior Executive Chief Executive
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