Director - National Museum of Ireland

Established in 1877, the National Museum of Ireland is the country’s largest cultural institution, entrusted with preserving and presenting Ireland’s heritage. With nearly 4 million objects across four sites, the Museum welcomes over 1.3 million visitors annually, contributing significantly to education, research, and cultural life. Supported by a skilled workforce the organisation is entering a period of strategic transformation and capital development, strengthening its position as a world-class cultural institution.

THE POSITION

The Director will report to the Chair and Board and will lead the strategic direction, governance, and overall performance of the Museum. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a nationally significant institution, ensuring excellence across collections, exhibitions, public engagement, and organisational development.

The Director will build and strengthen strategic relationships across the cultural, governmental, and research sectors, while overseeing major capital programmes and advancing long-term sustainability and impact.

REQUIREMENTS

The successful candidate will bring a track record of executive leadership, with experience in strategy, transformation, and stakeholder engagement. They will operate effectively within a robust governance framework and engage effectively at Board and Government level.

They will bring excellent communication skills, with the credibility to represent the organisation nationally and internationally, underpinned by a strong commitment to public service values.

Eligibility to work in Ireland is also required.

HOW TO APPLY

The National Museum of Ireland has retained Principal Connections to assist with this important appointment. Candidates will be sourced through an advertised selection and executive search process. To apply, please submit a CV via email to Principal Connections at: apply@principalconnections.com for the attention of Eilish Devine, Partner. Only applications via this email address (or the available apply button where through an online advertisement) will be considered.

For a confidential discussion please contact Eilish Devine on +353 (0)1 703 88 09.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Principal Connections is acting as an employment agency and has been retained to manage this key appointment.

The National Museum of Ireland 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.

Candidates for this post will be sourced through both an advertised selection and executive search process. Eligibility to work in Ireland is required.

Please note that any offer of employment will be made subject to satisfactory reference checks as well as any other background checks and assessments considered appropriate to the process.

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ABOUT PRINCIPAL CONNECTIONS

Principal Connections is Ireland’s leading executive search and leadership consulting firm and is 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).