We're Hiring: Executive Director

The Role: Executive Director

Can you help us reach our vision of a future in which play, care and creativity are nurtured through circus education accessible to every child in Ireland?

After 15 excellent years in the role, Ulla Hokkanen will step down as Executive Creative Director of our organisation to move back to her home country of Finland. Galway Community Circus is seeking to appoint an Executive Director to lead our organisation in the next phase of our journey as we deliver inclusive and boundary-breaking circus arts participation and education following our 2023-2027 strategic plan ‘Creating Magic Together’.

The Board is welcoming applications from exceptional candidates with a proven track record, skills and experience to provide inspirational and effective leadership for Galway Community Circus. Reporting directly to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will initiate and deliver artistic, strategic and business objectives, provide clear direction, manage change, and support and engage staff, board and stakeholders.

We understand that sometimes the listed criteria can feel intimidating, but don't let that stop you from applying. Your drive and fresh perspective could be just what Galway Community Circus needs and this could be your chance to lead and make a difference in a thriving community.

Please see the Recruitment Pack with full role description below.

Terms of Appointment

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Salary: €55,000 Per Annum

Line Manager to: Head of Circus School, Head of Projects and Development, Head of Finance and Governance

Hours: Full-time role 40 hours (5 days) per week, including a daily paid 0.5-hour lunch break. Hours will vary during busy periods, with occasional weekend and evening work. Holidays: 4 weeks + public holidays + additional hours/days as per organisation’s TOIL Policy.

Location: Based at Galway Community Circus, Galway City, Ireland (wheelchair accessible) with some national and international travel. This position is open to hybrid working (pending agreement and team requirements) including flexible working hours, remote work options and access supports. A fully remote working option is not available for this post.

Contract: Three-year contract pending probation period of 6 months, with a 3-month review.

Application Details

Closing date for applications: 5pm, Monday 13th November 2023

Interviews held on: Weeks commencing 27th November and 4th December 2023

Please provide your CV and a letter of application detailing your suitability for the role to recruitment@galwaycircus.com with “Executive Director” in the subject line.

Please contact Dr Ian Walsh, Chairperson, at ian.walsh@universityofgalway.ie or Ulla Hokkanen, Executive Creative Director, at ulla@galwaycircus.com for any questions about the role.

Galway Community Circus is an equal opportunities employer, and it does not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion, civil or family status, age, disability or race.