A. DetailsPosition:Head of Circus, Street Performance and SpectacleGrade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)Whole time equivalent: Full time (35 hours per week)Reports to: Director of Performing ArtsDuration: PermanentRole closing date:12 noon, Thursday 12th February, 2026.B. Department & Role OverviewThe Arts Council /An Chomhairle Ealaíon is the Irish government agency for developing the arts. 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 Arts Council is guided by its Strategy"Making Great Art Work".We set policy to ensurethat all of our funding is spent strategically, that all of our actions reflect the long-term interests of the public and that all of our decisions are transparent and fair. We aim to have policies which are current and relevant and which reflect our role as an expert agency in the arts. Further information on the Arts Council is available at.Reporting to the Director of Performing Arts, the Head of Circus Street Performance and Spectacle leads all elements of the Arts Council's policy delivery, development and research initiatives, grant and relationship management in this artform area; manages and motivates the team; manages contracts and related procurement processes, collaborates with the Director of Performing Arts, the senior management team and other staff in the implementation of specific cross-organisational projects to deliver the objectives of Making Great Art Work.C. Key ResponsibilitiesAs Head of CircusStreet Performance and Spectacle Arts will:Lead and manage all elements of the Arts Council's policy delivery, development and research initiatives, grant and relationship management, in Circus Street Performance and Spectacle to deliver the Arts Council strategic objectives and corporate plan;Provide expertise and intelligence to lead on development and delivery of policy and strategy in Circus Street Performance and Spectacle, drawing on practices nationally and internationally;Have a knowledge of policy and programming approaches and developments in Circus Street Performance and Spectacle;Establish, develop and manage key (funding) relationships in the areas of Traditional Circus, Contemporary Circus, Youth and Social Circus, and Street Performance and Spectacle;Deliver funding rationale and recommendations;Manage the budget for your area;Design a budget strategy for your arts area;Develop and implement agreed initiatives/programmes that will support the development of the arts area.As a ManagerProvide on the job up-skilling and training opportunities as appropriate;Manage multiple work streams while delegating effectively;Foster strong working relationships across the organisation;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 required;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 required;Practice and promote a strong focus on delivering high performance and service delivery;Contribute to strategic decision-making where required;Create and maintain collaborative internal and external relationships;Make clear and timely decisions on important issues as required;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 that may be assigned from time to time.D. Skills Knowledge and ExperiencesA minimum of five years relevant experience working in Circus Street Performance and Spectacle and/or across a range of art form/practice areas over that period;A demonstrable commitment and interest in the development of Circus Street Performance and Spectacle;Demonstrable knowledge of the broad context of Circus, Street Performance and Spectacle practice in Ireland, including Traditional, Contemporary, Youth and Social Circus.An understanding of the policy environment for arts development, in particular for Circus Street Performance and Spectacle and its related areas;An understanding of the key strategic issues relevant to arts development in the current environment;An ability to think analytically and communicate complex ideas clearly and effectively;Good interpersonal skills, including an ability to listen and negotiate;Evidence of experience/ability in strategy development and implementation;Evidence of experience/ability in managing funding and other client relationships;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 essentialExperience working in an international environment, particularly in a theatre context;A full driving license.How to apply:The closing date for receipt of applications is 12 noon, Thursday 12th February, 2026.For further information including the application process please go to: Working With Us - The Arts Council / An Chomhairle EalaíonThe Arts Council is committed to a policy of equal opportunity and encourage applications from all sections of the community under all ten grounds as set out in our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy. For more information, visit:Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | The Arts Council | An Chomhairle Ealaíon