Equality Diversity & Inclusion Manager

A. Details

Position: Equality Diversity & Inclusion Manager

Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Whole time equivalent: Full-time (35 Hours per week)

Reports to: Strategic Development Director

Duration: Permanent

Role Closing Date: 12 noon, Monday 26th October, 2026.

B. Department & Role Overview

The Strategic Development Department in the Arts Council leads the organisation in the development, implementation and evaluation of our corporate strategy. and the Department is responsible for change and programme management within the organisation through the project management office (PMO).

The Arts Council, in everything it does, strives to respect, support and ensure the inclusion and participation of all voices and cultures that make up Ireland today, from all sections of society, from existing and new communities, and from all social backgrounds, ethnicities and traditions. The Arts Council believes that everyone in Ireland has an equal right to engage with and participate in the arts, regardless of age, civil or family status, disability, gender, membership of the Traveller community, race, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status.

The Arts Council Equality, Human Rights and Diversity policy was published in 2019. Policy is delivered through the Arts Council EDI implementation plan. The 2023–2028 Implementation Plan outlines key actions and a way of working that embeds EDI principles and objectives across the Arts Council and arts sector.

The EDI Manager will lead out on the delivery of the Arts Council EDI implementation plan and provide proactive leadership, expertise and direction for EDI activity to transform the arts sector.

C. Key Responsibilities

As EDI Manager:

- Lead implementation delivery and further development of the Arts Council EDI Policy across the organization and all government national initiatives such as the National Human Rights Strategy for Disabled People 2025-2030 and the National Traveller and Roma Inclusion Strategy II 2024-2028 (NTRIS II);
- Work in consultation with the EDI Governance structure, which includes senior management, the Arts Council Director and staff, in planning, prioritising, delivering and reporting on the corporate work programme for EDI;
- Ensure that the EDI Implementation plan is effectively integrated within the Arts Council’s systems, policies and procedures;
- Commission research to support the goals of the EDI policy and equality data reporting;
- Liaise externally and consult widely with a range of groups and bodies to ensure a continued dialogue between the Arts Council and its relevant stakeholders in bringing EDI policy implementation to fruition;
- Develop robust partnerships to create meaningful work opportunities in the arts for people from diverse backgrounds, specifically pertaining to the following characteristics – disability, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic background;
- Work with the arts sector to proactively promote EDI values and principles in all aspects of their work;
- Embed evidence based policy-making and data-driven decision-making practices into all aspects of the policy delivery;
- Represent the Arts Council and the Government of Ireland at various national and international forums which platform best practice in EDI;
- Communicate and disseminate the policy objectives and outcomes widely and transparently;
- Monitor, review and report on the policy effectiveness at different intervals and make recommendations on any modifications that may be required.

As a Manager:

- Drive the values, vision and mission of the Arts Council;
- Actively contribute to the delivery of the Arts Council’s strategic goals;
- Strive to develop and implement ways of working effectively to meet objectives;
- Be flexible and willing to adapt, positively contributing to the implementation of change;
- Take responsibility and be accountable for the delivery of agreed objectives;
- Lead project teams by example, coaching and supporting individuals as required;
- 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.

Note: Arts Council roles and responsibilities are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade that may be assigned from time to time.

D. Skills Knowledge and Experiences

Essential requirements are as follows:

- Detailed knowledge and significant experience of working with equality, human rights and diversity issues;
- Comprehensive understanding of the Irish arts sector and the wider public policy environment;
- Cohesive leadership style with a strong bias for action and successful outcome delivery;
- Practical knowledge and experience of project/programme management planning and management techniques;
- Experience of developing policy and implementing organisation-wide change projects supported by evidence and data;
- Ability to analyse and synthesise information from multiple sources and apply this in an institutional context;
- Excellent spoken and written communication skills and the ability to present complex concepts and policy in a clear, user-friendly and accessible style and format;
- Excellent interpersonal skills with high levels of collaboration and the ability to work in partnership with other areas and stakeholders;
- Ability to apply sound judgement to problems, including those where precedent may not apply;
- An inclusive, responsive and innovative approach to work, and the capacity to undertake challenging projects;
- An ability to work under pressure and the determination to drive tasks through to practical completion.