A. Details Position: Head of Music & Opera Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)Whole time equivalent: Full-time (35 hours per week)Reports to: Performing Arts DirectorDuration: PermanentRole closing date: 12 noon, Monday 7th April, 2025.B. Department & Role OverviewThe Council's responsibility for Music & Opera extends to supporting a very broad range of styles, with a correspondingly wide audience appeal. Music clients include some of the largest funding relationships in the Council's portfolio – The Council is particularly mindful to balance the requirement to support established music makers with the need to foster and encourage new entrants whose artistic contribution, akin to the Research and Development function within other industries, is essential to ensure the continuous supply of high quality music and opera practice both for present and for the future. The Head of Music & Opera manages all elements of the Arts Council’s policy formulation, development initiatives, grant and relationship management in Music & Opera; manages and motivates the Music & Opera team; collaborates with the Arts Director, the departmental 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 a Manager: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 MGAW strategy - Making Great Art Work;Contribute to policy and strategy development across a range of areas.Strive to develop and implement ways of working effectively to meet objectives;Lead the team/project teams by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required;Be flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change;Take responsibility and be accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives;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.As Head of Music & OperaTo lead and manage all elements of the Arts Council’s policy formulation, development initiatives, grant and relationship management, in Music & Opera to deliver the Arts Council strategic objectives and corporate plan;To lead the arts team/designated arts staff;Act as lead line manager and lead, motivate and manage staff (and adviser/s if applicable) within your arts area;Establish, develop and manage key (funding) relationships in your area;Deliver funding rationale and recommendations;Manage the budget for your area;Establish current profile and emerging trends and opportunities in your arts area;Provide expertise and intelligence to lead on development of sound policy making and strategy in the area of Music & Opera;Design a budget strategy for your arts area;Develop and implement agreed initiatives/programmes that will support the development of the arts area.Note: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. D. Skills Knowledge and ExperiencesEssentialA minimum of five years’ relevant experience;A demonstrable commitment and interest in the development of Music & Opera;An understanding of the policy environment for arts development, in particular for Music & Opera 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 standards of written and oral communication;A commitment to high standards of public service;A proven ability and experience in management and administration. DesirableExperience working in an international environment, particularly in a Music & Opera context;A full driving license;The ability to converse in the Irish language, both verbally and in writing.E. QualificationsThe successful candidate will ideally be academically strong with at least a primary degree, and preferably a post-graduate or professional qualification in a relevant area.