Role summaryThe Head of NCH Discover is a senior leadership role that will play a key role in the delivery of the National Concert Hall's remit as a National Cultural Institution, and as a centre of musical excellence in Ireland.Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and working as a member of the senior leadership team, the post-holder is responsible for the strategic leadership, development, and implementation of a comprehensive and nationally significant programme of learning and participation. The post holder is also responsible for the leadership and strategic development of the NCH Discover Centre, a major capital development providing state-of-the-art facilities for learning and participation in a dedicated new facility on the NCH site at Earlsfort Terrace.Key responsibilitiesThe role of Head of NCH Discover is a key position within the NCH and will be responsible for, but not limited to:Leadership - Provide strategic leadership for NCH Discover and contribute to the organisation as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.Lead the ongoing development and delivery of the NCH Discover strategy, ensuring alignment with the National Concert Hall's broader strategic framework, statutory obligations and long-term vision.Drive inspirational leadership of the NCH Discover team, fostering a collaborative, innovative and inclusive culture.Oversee and shape the design, implementation, evaluation and continuous development of a comprehensive programme of learning and participation activity, delivered both at the National Concert Hall and across Ireland.Contribute to the development of NCH's overall organisational strategy and policy, ensuring that NCH Discover is embedded across all areas of activity.Build and maintain excellent working relationships with all internal departments to support integrated planning and delivery.Foster the Organisational values of respect, integrity, collaboration and excellence and align these to the NCH Discover's operational and strategic activityStakeholder Engagement and Advocacy - Act as a key advocate for NCH Discover and build strategic relationships across sectors.Develop and manage strategic partnerships at local, national and international level with music and arts organisations, resident ensembles, National Cultural Institutions, educational establishments, communities, healthcare providers and government agencies, to extend the reach and impact of NCH Discover.Work closely with the Partnerships & Philanthropy team to secure funding and philanthropic support for NCH Discover, particularly as the programme expands into the new NCH Discover Centre.Act as an ambassador and advocate for NCH Discover, representing the organisation in sectoral networks and forums and contributing to thought leadership in music education and participatory practice.NCH Discover Centre - Lead the transition and growth of NCH Discover into a new purpose-built facility.Provide strategic leadership for the development and launch of the NCH Discover Centre, a state-of-the-art facility for music learning and participation.Lead and support the growth and development of the NCH Discover team and programme as activity scales up within the new centre, while continuing to grow external delivery on a national basis.Build and sustain productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders involved in the delivery and ongoing success of the NCH Discover Centre.Champion innovation and the creative use of digital tools and technologies to enhance learning and participation and broaden access.Evaluation and Impact - Embed evidence-based practice and continuous improvementLead the development and implementation of evaluation and impact measurement frameworks to demonstrate outcomes, inform strategic planning, support advocacy, and underpin funding bids.Use evidence and insight to shape programme design and organisational priorities, ensuring that activity is responsive to need and delivers meaningful impact.Operational and Financial Oversight - Ensure effective planning, governance and resource management.Lead on budget planning, management and reporting for NCH Discover, ensuring effective allocation of resources and compliance with public sector financial policies.Oversee financial planning and monitoring for the NCH Discover Centre and associated programmes.Contribute to organisational planning and governance as part of the Senior Leadership Team, striving for best practice in public sector leadership, policy and compliance.The PersonThe post holder will have a proven record of achievement at senior level, in a position with a similar range of responsibilities that demonstrates the necessary vision and leadership for this important role.Key experience and SkillsSignificant experience in strategic leadership and programme development, ideally within the arts, education or cultural sectors, with a proven ability to deliver impact at scale.Demonstrated success in conceiving, implementing and evaluating innovative learning and participation initiatives across diverse contexts.A track record of inspiring, leading and developing high-performing teams, and fostering a culture of collaboration, creativity and accountability.Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships to extend reach and deepen impact.Strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion to widen access to music and the arts for underrepresented groups.Experience of budgetary leadership, financial planning and resource management, including securing funding from public, philanthropic and other sources.Exceptional communication, advocacy and stakeholder engagement skills, with the capacity to influence decision-making at senior levels and represent the organisation nationally and internationally.Expertise in evaluation, evidence-based practice and impact measurement, using data and insight to inform strategic planning and continuous improvement.Ability to contribute to organisational strategy and policy development, aligning departmental priorities with the wider mission and long-term objectives of a major national cultural institution.Strong personal integrity and a commitment to collaborative leadership.Essential RequirementsThe successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of:A minimum of three years' experience in either a similar role or equivalent senior management and leadership roles in medium to large sized organisations, ideally in the music and/or cultural sector.Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills, with proven experience of engaging, influencing, building and sustaining relationships.Proven experience of building and developing high-performing teams and maintaining constructive working relationships at all levels.A strong commitment to the ethos, principles and values of the NCH.This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the light of new structures or the changing needs of the NCH.Capability FrameworkCandidates should demonstrate the ability to carry out successfully the duties of the role, as well as the behaviours, skills and knowledge required at Assistant Principal Officer grade.The capability framework for Assistant Principal Officer grade is set out below and further information is available on SalaryThe Assistant Principal Officer (PPC) salary scale applies (rates effective from 1st August 2025) as follows:€81,475, €84,475, €87,518, €90,569, €93,617, €95,375, €98,4491, €101,5352Subject to satisfactory performance, increments may be payable in line with current Government Policy.Entry will be at the minimum of the scale - €81,475 per annum, the first point on the Assistant Principal Officer PPC scale (as at 1st August The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy.How to ApplyThe National Concert Hall invites applications for the role of Head of NCH Discover from suitably qualified candidates both nationally and internationally and will be undertaking a comprehensive recruitment process as part of this recruitment campaign. All enquiries relating to the role should be directed to insert contact by email at To apply for this role visit Applications should be submitted online and must include:A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.Only applications fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign.The deadline for applications is 5pm on Thursday 4th December 2025Applications will not be accepted after the closing date/time.An acknowledgement email will be issued for all applications received.Further details on the role and the application process may be viewed in the Candidate Information Booklet at the following link At NCH we are proud to be an inclusive, equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of Gender, Civil Status, Family Status, Sexual Orientation, Religion, Age, Disability, Race, Membership of the Traveller Community or any other characteristic protected by the Equality Acts. We are committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, or have any questions regarding building access, please contact us on