Head of Public Engagement with Research Permanent Research for Society About Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland Taighde Eireann - Research Ireland is the national research and innovation funding agency which was established on 1 August 2024; it amalgamates the activities of the Irish Research Council and Science Foundation Ireland.
Research Ireland will drive world class research and innovation in Ireland, funding research and innovation excellence in all disciplines across the spectrum of Arts, Engineering, Humanities, Mathematics, Science, Social Sciences, Technology and others.
We believe in the power of research to create a better future for society, economy and the environment in Ireland, and that research can be truly impactful when it is shaped and informed by the society it serves.
We are now recruiting for Head of Public Engagement with Research to join our team on a permanent basis.
The Head of Public Engagement with Research will oversee the development and delivery of activities that support high-quality engaged research initiatives and public engagement and involvement with research falling across several categories of work: Challenge-based funding, public engagement activities, education support initiatives, and funding to support engaged research and public engagement. This represents an exciting leadership opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to lead and shape a dynamic, ambitious programme of activities that ignite curiosity, promote science/research literacy, and empower researchers to deliver impactful research results by connecting with diverse audiences.
As the Head of Public Engagement with Research, you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission.
About the Role The Head of Public Engagement with Research is a strategic leadership role responsible for shaping and driving the organisation's vision for challenge research, public engagement with research, and researchers' engagement with wider society.
This position plays a key part in influencing organisational strategy, ensuring the delivery of impactful initiatives that align with the organisation's overarching mission and forging cross-functional collaborations.
As a newly established organisation, Research Ireland is in the process of developing its first strategy - the Head of Public Engagement with Research will have a key opportunity to shape and evolve these areas within the context of Research Ireland's expanded remit during this dynamic period of establishment.
The Head of Public Engagement with Research will lead a number of initiatives that are linked by a strong mission to build meaningful links between researchers and wider society.
These include: Challenge Research Research Ireland is dedicated to supporting researchers to develop solutions to complex societal challenges. In recent years, we have developed novel approaches to do this through challenge-based or mission-oriented initiatives. These funding programmes support ambitious, highly motivated innovators to address society's most significant challenges, delivering tangible benefits over well-defined timeframes.
Challenge-based funding programmes enable research teams to contribute to solving challenges of strategic national importance, thereby sustaining and growing Ireland's competitiveness, but also providing our community with support to mobilise action on global issues.
Challenge funding represents an approach to engaged research, which recognises that to address complex societal challenges, stakeholders, beneficiaries and end-users should be involved in the cocreation of research activities and should inform the expected outputs and outcomes to ensure that they are meaningful and relevant. Public Engagement Research Ireland is dedicated to fostering an engaged, research-informed public in Ireland.
Initiatives supported include the Discover programme (a competitive call to support others to deliver education and public engagement), the Curious Minds schools programme and Science Week.
We also manage the Irish European Space Education Resource Office programme, co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Research Ireland. Public Service Fellowship The team is also responsible for the design and delivery of initiatives to promote greater engagement between researchers and policy makers, including the Public Service Fellowship programme in collaboration with multiple Government departments and bodies. Engaged Research The Public Engagement with Research also works closely with other programme teams within Research Ireland to support and grow public engagement across our funded portfolio.
Research Ireland supports a deep and established programme of education and public engagement embedded within its large-scale awards, most notably within its network of Research Centres. Key responsibilities: Inspire, manage, motivate and mentor a dedicated team of professionals to achieve excellence in creating and implementing impactful programmes, instilling a culture of delivery, creativity and innovation.
Provide leadership across a range of distributed activities, ensuring coordination and organisational strategic alignment, whilst fostering collaboration, integration and complementarity.
Champion the development and evolution of Research Ireland's challenge/engaged research and public engagement strategies, internally and externally.
Lead the teams in the design and delivery of a suite of programmes and activities which connect researchers to wider society and support the development of a research-informed, scientifically literate public - a public which values knowledge.
Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of funding schemes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals, and value for money.
Stay at the cutting edge of global best practices in challenge research and public engagement and integrate emerging trends and technologies into Research Ireland initiatives.
Oversee the development of robust metrics to assess the effectiveness of initiatives and implement plans for continuous improvement.
Build strong relationships with researchers, educators, community organisations, and policymakers to enhance the reach and impact of Research Ireland initiatives.
Manage complex budgets for programmes and initiatives, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with strategic priorities.
Act as spokesperson and representative for Research Ireland in national and international fora, as required.
Essential criteria: Hold a third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in research funding, challenge research, public engagement, science/research communication, or a relevant related area .
A track record of thought leadership in any of the above areas of expertise.
Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team, fostering a culture of innovation, inclusion, and performance.
Demonstrated ability to operate as a strategic leader, contributing to organisational goals beyond their immediate area of responsibility.
Possess in-depth knowledge of, or demonstrate the ability to quickly acquire expertise in, the key areas relevant to the role.
Have proven analytical, problem-solving and interpretive skills with an ability to think strategically and use sound judgement on complex issues.
Proven experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including researchers, policy-makers, educators, and community groups.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to manage media, and advocate for and represent the organisation at national and international levels.
Experience in managing budgets, securing resources, and ensuring the sustainability of programmes and initiatives.
Strong ability to measure impact, evaluate programmes, and provide insights to inform strategic decision-making.
Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.
Desirable criteria: A postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
Familiarity with the Irish research funding landscape.
Experience contributing to or influencing policy related to research, education and/or public engagement.
Familiarity with media and digital tools for public communication and outreach.
Key Competencies: Leadership in a dynamic environment, managing competing priorities and ambiguity Adaptability - with an ability to quickly upskill with critical knowledge Delivery of results Team management and stewardship Self-starter who can shape and lead on new initiatives Strategy development and planning Initiative and Creativity Analysis and Decision Making Advanced Interpersonal & Communication Skills, ability to influence Application Process: To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the requirement for this role (maximum of two pages) as set out in the job specification together with an up-to-date CV in one document .
Please note that the cover letter is essential.
Applications must be submitted as one document online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 16 th January 2025.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend for an interview, which may include a competency-based interview, a presentation on a topic of relevance to the role and/ or other such assessment methods as deemed appropriate.
Research Ireland reserves the right to invite candidates to a second-round interview and to undergo further assessment, including the use of psychometric assessment if so required. Salary The salary scale for the position will be Level F. Minimum of €102,913 to €119,661 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension. Please note that Government policy continues to be that starting pay on recruitment from open competition for all posts within the public service should be at the minimum of the relevant salary scale and are not subject to negotiation.
Please note that new entrants to the public sector will be appointed at the minimum point of the salary scale.
Remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government policy.
Benefits 30 days annual leave per annum, (+ 1 Organisation holiday day + 10 additional public holidays = 41 days). Defined Benefit Pension Scheme (Single Public Service Scheme) Favourable Hybrid / Blended working policy for employees. Subsidised canteen.
Long term illness income protection.
Additional information The role will be based in the Research Ireland office located in Three Park Place, Hatch Street Upper, Dublin 2, Ireland, D02 FX65.
Research Ireland currently operates a hybrid/flexible working model. Research Ireland is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace which values and benefits from the diversity of our workforce.
We encourage you to reach out to us directly at ****** should you require assistance or reasonable accommodation during the recruitment process with Research Ireland.