A Details Position: Head of Visual ArtsGrade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)Whole time equivalent: Full time – 5 days per weekReports to: Creative Arts DirectorDuration: PermanentRole close date:12 noon, Thursday 12th February, 2026.B Department & Role OverviewThe Arts Council is the Irish Government's agency for developing, supporting and promoting the arts in Ireland. We work in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life.The role of the Arts Council is pivotal in supporting the visual arts sector and ensuring the sustainability and vibrancy of the visual arts ecology. It does this by providing a broad range of funding and other supports. Visual Arts is one of the largest portfolios in the Arts Council.Working closely with the Creative Arts Director and visual arts team, the Head of Visual Arts will ensure that the Arts Council's commitment to Visual Arts is appropriately incorporated into strategic planning and decision-making. The Head of Visual Arts will lead on policy formulation, development initiatives, funding and relationship management to deliver on Arts Council strategic objectives.The Head of Visual Arts is also expected to effectively contribute to the delivery of the organisation's strategic goals.C Key ResponsibilitiesLead and manage all elements of the Arts Council's policy formulation, development initiatives, grant and relationship management, in Visual Arts to deliver the Arts Council strategic objectives and corporate plan;Provide expertise and intelligence to lead on development of sound policy making and strategy in visual arts;Lead the delivery of the annual work programme;Gather and maintain key intelligence on Visual Arts and maintain sensitive two-way communications with relevant key individuals and organisations;Advise the Arts Council on the best use of funds and the optimum deployment of resources for grant and non-grant supports;Manage the on-going development of relationships with specific funded organisations and the wider arts community;Act as lead line manager and lead, motivate and manage staff and advisers within visual arts;Manage, through the relevant Advisers and Support Staff, the achievement of specific objectives of the visual arts team;Ensure that policy and development issues fully inform relevant grant-making and other activities;Represent the organisation within the sector across the areas of Visual Arts;Develop and maintain effective relationships with key partners, including state agencies and cultural institutions;Draw on expertise and knowledge to support planning and decision-making for the organisation;Contribute to the management of the Human Resources, Professional Development and Performance Management, Health and Safety and Information and Records needs of the Arts team.General ManagementProvide on the job up-skilling and training opportunities as appropriate;Manage multiple work streams while delegating effectively;Foster strong working relationships across the organization;Drive the values, vision and mission of the Arts Council;Actively contribute to the delivery of the Arts Council's strategic goals and the ten- year strategy Making Great Art Work;Strive to develop and implement ways of working effectively to meet objectives;Be flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change;Take responsibility and be accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives;Lead project teams by example, coaching and supporting individuals as necessary;Identify and provide on the job up-skilling and training opportunities to team members as appropriate;Set clear and effective objectives for the team in line with the overall Arts Council goals and strategy;Successfully manage a range of different projects and work activities at the same time;Delegate work effectively, providing clear information and evidence as to what is necessary;Practice and promote a strong focus on delivering high performance and service delivery;Contribute to strategic decision-making where necessary;Create and maintain collaborative internal and external relationships;Make clear and timely decisions on important issues as necessary;Such other duties as may reasonably be assigned from time to time by the Head of the Section/Department.Note: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.D Skills Knowledge and ExperiencesExcellent administrative and organisational skills, with at least five years relevant experience in a public sector body;A proven track record in and demonstrable commitment to the development of Visual Arts;A keen understanding of the policy environment for arts development, in particular for Visual Arts and related areas;An ability to think analytically and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively;Good interpersonal skills, including an ability to listen and negotiate;A detailed knowledge and understanding of the key strategic issues relevant to arts development in the current environment;Excellent communication skills, both written and interpersonal, including the capacity to deal with situations requiring diplomacy and tact;Experience in event management and providing high standards of customer care;Excellent ICT skills including Word, Excel, Outlook and Board Management Software;Ability to work well in a team environment be self-motivated and able to manage own workload;A commitment to high standards of public service.Desirable:The ability to communicate through the Irish language, both verbal and written, is desirable but not essential.