Executive Director at Brigit's Garden
Brigit's Garden is a unique and special place. This is an exciting opportunity to lead an innovative environmental charity and social enterprise with strong values and priorities, a friendly staff team, a loyal customer base and a supportive Board of Trustees. We are looking for someone with the drive and commitment to lead the organisation.
The context
Brigit's Garden is based on a beautiful and biodiverse 13-acre site in Roscahill, Co. Galway, with a mission to connect people and nature. This means that we offer a wide range of services and events in environmental education, nature and sustainability, ecotourism and hospitality, Celtic heritage and seasonal celebrations. We currently welcome around 30,000 people of all ages annually.
Brigit's Garden has a strong ethos that is reflected in our mission statement and values, the loyalty of our members and supporters and the excellent feedback we receive from a wide range of visitors.
Brigit's Garden is run by a voluntary Board of Trustees in cooperation with the Executive Director. We opened to the public in 2004 and have grown and developed year on year.
Although Brigit's Garden is largely a place-based charity, we offer services and events both on and off-site:
* Innovative education programmes on the environment, biodiversity and sustainability for primary and secondary schools, community groups and the public.
* The Celtic Gardens, nature walks, interactive kids' trails, Visitor Centre, Café and Gift Shop are open 11 months of the year for families, individuals, community groups and tour groups from Ireland and overseas.
* Our site showcases best practice in nature conservation, support for biodiversity, sustainability and renewable energy.
* Our award-winning Café is recommended in the Georgina Campbell and Bridgestone guides and also caters for groups and functions.
* We are a recognised provider of QQI courses, offering the only Level 6 Certificate in Forest School Leadership in Ireland, run on-site and in other venues around the country. Other QQI-accredited courses are in development.
* We offer nature-based programmes for well-being and opportunities for reflection and meditation.
* We have a loyal team of volunteers and value community involvement.
* An annual calendar of family-friendly and seasonal special events, workshops and festivals.
* Room rentals for classes, events and corporate groups.
* Family celebrations and weddings.
* Building partnerships and networking with a variety of organisations in environment, education, tourism and community.
The role
The Executive Director will take over the leadership and management from the current Founder and Director, who is stepping down from her role. There will also be a strong developmental aspect to the job, with opportunities to extend and innovate in many areas of our work. The Executive Director will also have a significant input into strategic planning with the Board of Trustees.
The Executive Director will ensure that our services and events are delivered to a high standard and in alignment with our ethos, values and strategic plan, with the support of the team.
The person appointed will report to the Board of Trustees. Key aspects of the role include:
● Leading the staff team – creating a cooperative spirit, empowering the team and supporting staff development.The team includes full and part-time employees as well as Community Employment personnel.
● Working with the Board of Trustees on strategic development. Liaising with the Chair and acting as secretary to Board meetings.
● Coordinating and developing the quality and range of services, including all those listed above.
● Coordinating the care of Brigit's Garden. The gardens are at the heart of everything we do and need to be maintained to a high standard for visitors, while supporting biodiversity and reflecting the rich Celtic and Brigit themes.
● Overseeing financial systems and reporting, developing and achieving budgets to ensure long term financial sustainability. Working with the bookkeeper and accountant; reporting to the Board of Trustees.
● Coordinating and developing fund-raising through grant applications and from donors.
● Overseeing communications, marketing and sales: developing our on-line presence, including e-marketing, website and social media; business-to business sales and partnerships; PR and promotions.
● Representing Brigit's Garden locally and nationally; networking and building partnerships with a wide range of groups and organisations, as well as media.
What qualities and experience are required?
We are looking for someone who is excited by this opportunity with a strong desire to see Brigit's Garden grow and flourish while upholding our ethos and ensuring long-term viability.
The Executive Director will have a supportive and collaborative style of leadership and the ability to foster good relationships between the staff, trustees and a wide range of stakeholders.
The successful candidate will have a minimum of 5 years leadership and management experience in a relevant area, such as the not-for-profit sector, environment, education, tourism, heritage or hospitality.
The person appointed will have proven competencies in most of the following areas:
1. Leadership and Team Coordination
2. Collaborative leadership, ability to support and develop a team
3. Ability to delegate effectively
4. Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills
5. Encouragement and support for volunteer and community involvement
6. High level of energy, enthusiasm, flexibility and patience
7. Strategic Planning
· Ability to think strategically
· Expertise in drawing up strategic plans
1. Environmental Awareness and Education
2. A love of nature and appreciation for environmental education
3. A passion for meeting the challenges posed by current threats to biodiversity and the climate
4. Familiarity with Celtic and Brigit themes
5. Operational Management
6. Effective management skills for day-to-day operations in all sections
7. Growing and developing our range of services listed above, prioritising customer service
8. Organisation of education programmes and events
9. Developing community engagement and partnerships
10. Financial Management
11. Setting and managing budgets and targets
12. Familiarity with accounts and audit requirements
13. Technical and Professional Skills
14. Excellent IT skills
15. Marketing and communications
16. Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including writing reports and funding applications, making presentations and taking minutes
17. Understanding of the benefits and challenges of working in a charitable organisation, and statutory and charity compliance
Salary and conditions
The proposed salary is €60,000 - €65,000, with potential for growth. Full time hours are flexible; some working from home is possible and some weekend work is required. Five weeks annual leave and statutory sick pay apply.
Application and appointment procedure
Please download the the Application Form from and email it to the Chair of the Board of Trustees at. Applications must be received by Sunday 19th October 2025. Any requests for further information should be directed to Jenny Beale at Interviews are provisionally scheduled for the first week in November.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: €60,000.00-€65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Employee discount
* Flexitime
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person