Programme Manager Education & Public Engagement

Programme Manager Education & Public Engagement Permanent Research and Public Engagement 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.
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 an Education & Public Engagement Programme Manager to join 'Research for Society' on a permanent basis.
This represents an exciting career opportunity for a suitably qualified individual to manage ambitious, innovative, and impactful research, education, and public engagement programmes – supporting dialogue between researchers and the public about all aspects of science and research.
As an Education & Public Engagement Programme Manager, you will play a critical role in the delivery of Research Ireland's mission.
About the Role Research Ireland is dedicated to fostering an engaged, research-informed public in Ireland.
Our Education and Public Engagement (EPE) team champions initiatives that ignite curiosity, promote science/research literacy, and empower researchers to connect with diverse audiences.
The EPE portfolio supports a wide range of activities that support public engagement with research and researchers' engagement with wider society, including the Discover programme, the Curious Minds schools programme, and Science Week.
The team also manages the Irish European Space Education Resource Office programme, co-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Research Ireland, and the 'Science in Ireland Barometer'.
Research for Society leads on the delivery of a broad portfolio of Research, Education, and Public Engagement initiatives and funding calls, including flagship activities such as Science Week and Discover.
It also leads on the development and delivery of a suite of challenge-based funding initiatives, including the 'National Challenge Fund', and the Public Service Fellowship, forging researcher-policymaker collaboration.
Key accountabilities: Management and mentorship of a small, but dedicated team.Designing, developing, and delivering new initiatives aligned with Research Ireland Strategy to enhance Education and Public Engagement, in support of the Director and Head of Division.Manage the development, delivery, and evaluation of funded initiatives and public engagement programmes in line with organisational priorities.Support the development and implementation of the Education and Public Engagement strategy, ensuring high-quality outcomes across all activities.Collaborate with researchers, educators, community organisations, and other partners to enhance the visibility and impact of initiatives.Work collaboratively within the EPE team, and across the organisation, contributing to a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and continuous improvement.Stay informed about cutting-edge global trends and best practices in Education and Public Engagement and incorporate these into the team's work.Develop and manage processes to measure the outcomes and impact of engagement initiatives, providing insights for reporting and improvement.Identify, develop, and support engagement knowledge and capacity building throughout the Research Ireland research community.Oversee specific funding calls and grant schemes, from design through to application assessment, award administration, and post-award reporting.Collaborate with Research Ireland's Corporate Communications team to support the creation of communications materials to promote engagement initiatives and share success stories.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, or equivalent.At least 5 – 7 years of relevant experience, ideally in public engagement, science/research communication, engaged research, education, or a relevant related area.Demonstrate knowledge, expertise, and passion for Education and Public Engagement, with a commitment to staying at the forefront of developments in the field.Demonstrate excellent planning and programme delivery skills, including proven project management and budget management experience, with an ability to work at a strategic level, yet also drive daily execution, with strong attention to detail.Possess strong team management and mentoring skills within a multidisciplinary environment.Be experienced and effective in liaising with a broad range of stakeholders to meet project deliverables effectively.Have proven analytical, problem-solving, and interpretive skills with an ability to use sound judgement on complex issues.Demonstrate an ability to design, refine, and develop initiatives to meet strategic goals.Possess ability to present information in a confident, logical, and convincing manner, verbally and in writing.Demonstrate initiative, persistence, flexibility, and a high level of motivation and enthusiasm.Have a professional and positive attitude, aligned to delivering the objectives and goals of Research Ireland.Desirable criteria: Knowledge of the Irish research and education systems.Experienced in the utilisation of digital platforms to engage the public.Experience with event planning and delivery, including relevant Health and Safety.Knowledge and experience of public procurement procedures.Key Competencies: Excellent project management skills, with an ability to manage competing priorities.Management & Delivery of Results.Analysis & Decision Making.Stakeholder Engagement/Management.Specialist Knowledge, Expertise, and Self-Development.Interpersonal & Communication Skills.Application Process: To apply for this post, applicants must submit a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the requirements for this role (maximum of two pages) along 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 16th 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.
Please note, interviews may take place over videoconference or other remote technology where appropriate.
Salary The salary scale for the position will be Level E. Minimum of €79,086 to €97,130 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.

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