Head of Public Engagement with Research
Permanent
Research for Society
About Taighde Éireann – Research Ireland
Taighde Éireann – 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. 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.
This represents an exciting leadership opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to lead and shape a dynamic programme of activities that ignite curiosity, promote science/research literacy, and empower researchers to deliver impactful research results by connecting with diverse audiences.
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.
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.
Key responsibilities:
1. Inspire, manage, motivate and mentor a dedicated team of professionals to achieve excellence in creating and implementing impactful programmes.
2. Provide leadership across a range of distributed activities, ensuring coordination and organisational strategic alignment.
3. Champion the development and evolution of Research Ireland’s challenge/engaged research and public engagement strategies.
4. Lead the teams in the design and delivery of programmes and activities which connect researchers to wider society.
5. Oversee the design, execution, and evaluation of funding schemes, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
6. Stay at the cutting edge of global best practices in challenge research and public engagement.
7. Oversee the development of robust metrics to assess the effectiveness of initiatives.
8. Build strong relationships with researchers, educators, community organisations, and policymakers.
9. Manage complex budgets for programmes and initiatives.
10. Act as spokesperson and representative for Research Ireland in national and international fora.
Essential criteria:
1. Hold a third-level qualification in a relevant discipline.
2. At least 10 years of relevant experience, ideally in research funding, challenge research, public engagement, or a relevant related area.
3. A track record of thought leadership in any of the above areas of expertise.
4. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a multidisciplinary team.
5. Proven analytical, problem-solving and interpretive skills.
6. Proven experience in building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
7. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
8. Experience in managing budgets and ensuring the sustainability of programmes.
9. Strong ability to measure impact and evaluate programmes.
10. Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.
Desirable criteria:
1. A postgraduate degree in a relevant field.
2. Familiarity with the Irish research funding landscape.
3. Experience contributing to or influencing policy related to research, education and/or public engagement.
Application Process:
To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the requirement for this role along with an up-to-date CV. Please note that the cover letter is essential.
Applications must be submitted online through the online applicant management system Occupop on or before 12 noon Irish Local Time on 16th January 2025.
Salary
The salary scale for the position will be Level F. Minimum of €102,913 to €119,661 per annum plus contributory superannuation pension.
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 Dublin. 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.
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