The NCH wishes to recruit an experienced and skilled Development Manager by way of an open recruitment competition. This new role offers a candidate the opportunity to join a forward-looking organisation and ambitious Partnerships & Philanthropy Department at a very exciting time ahead of a significant redevelopment campaign and opening of the NCH Discover Centre. The NCH is in the midst of a once-in-a-generation transformation. Through major government investment under Project Ireland 2040, the historic Earlsfort Terrace campus is being reimagined as a world-class cultural and educational destination, with state-of-the-art facilities for performance, rehearsal, creation and participation. At the heart of this redevelopment sits a space unlike anything Ireland has seen before – the NCH Discover Centre. This new national hub for music education and participation will be located in the refurbished Pathology Block, a protected historic building once home to the UCD School of Medicine.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy the Development Manager will play an integral part in enabling NCH to set new standards in a leading cultural institution that occupies a unique space in Ireland’s public life. The successful candidate will be an experienced manager and dynamic fundraiser who will work across all areas of development. A key area of focus will be to drive philanthropic income, specifically transformational gifts (five/six figure donations). The postholder will manage a small team with the objective of initiating new relationships. This is a unique opportunity to take on a pivotal leadership role in an internationally recognised cultural institution, playing a leading role in its transformation, ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of operational functions of the NCH and contributing to the on-going strategic and operational development of the organisation.
The Role
Key responsibilities
The role of Development Manager, Partnerships & Philanthropy is a key Higher Executive Officer (HEO) position within the NCH and will be responsible for, but not limited to:
Fundraising:
- Manage the Partnerships & Philanthropy Department under the supervision of the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, drive income generation across the Department and diversify funding streams to support the growth of NCH and its programmes.
- Responsible for overseeing the development of NCH’s Philanthropic portfolio including the new NCH Discover Centre and National Symphony Orchestra Ireland.
- Contribute to the generation and timely submission of compelling funding proposals to foundations and other grant making bodies.
Responsible for achieving an agreed annual fundraising target generated through fundraising activities including corporate partnerships, philanthropy, major gifts, and grants. - Contribute to the cultivation and stewardship of NCH’s donor portfolio to foster mutually rewarding partnerships and put appropriate stewardship processes in place to manage this effectively.
- Lead the growth of the team’s pipeline, ensuring there is continuous research, identification, cultivation and solicitation of relevant prospects to achieve NCH’s development targets.
- Ensure accurate financial records are maintained, produce regular financial reports for the department and forecast against target. – Responsible for the day-to-day management of the department’s budget.
- Effectively manage the timely administrative functions associated with the role including detailed and on-time reporting, servicing of relationships, pitch documents, applications and event management.
- Analyse and report on cost/benefit of all development activities and work with the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy to define the Development team’s business plan.
- Work with the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy to prepare high level funding proposals and develop NCH’s major gift strategy.
- Support the Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy with the organisation of any international fundraising events and initiatives.
- Complete other fundraising duties as required.
Management:
- Responsible for overseeing the team’s delivery of its fundraising objectives and the implementation of the fundraising strategy.
- Support the professional development and growth of the team.
- Proactively identify areas for improvement and provide practical suggestions and support to implement improvements.
Representing NCH:
- Act as a brand ambassador for NCH with private patrons, corporate supporters, funders, and other stakeholders.
- Represent NCH and act as an advocate at all stakeholder/ development events as required.
- Represent NCH at CNCI Committee meetings and other development briefings, conferences and workshops as required.
Cross Functional:
- Liaise with colleagues across internal departments and external suppliers to support the delivery of NCH’s fundraising events and materials.
- Work closely with the marketing team to maximise the visibility of NCH’s giving programmes.
- Participate in cross functional working groups and taskforces as required.
The Person
The post holder will have a proven record of achievement within a fundraising role.
Essential Requirements
The successful candidate must demonstrate evidence of:
- Relevant 3rd level qualification and a minimum of 5 years of fundraising experience.
- A proven track record of growing fundraised income from multiple sources specifically transformational gifts. Record of securing six-figure commitments and experience with capital campaigns is desirable.
- Experience managing a small team and supporting staff development.
- Exceptional communication skills – written and verbal, with the ability to write compelling copy, articulate clearly and succinctly, and give confident and engaging presentations.
- Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and networking skills with the ability to build a rapport with a wide range of stakeholders. Bringing a strong network of contacts is desirable.
- Experience delivering fundraising events and realising creative partnership activations.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple projects at the same time and work to tight timelines.
- Creative thinker with the ability to develop practical solutions to overcome challenges.
- Results orientated with good financial acumen.
- Knowledge of the cultural environment in Ireland
- Excellent IT skills (Microsoft Office)
- Ability to communicate passionately about NCH’s programmes and the potential they hold for supporters.
- Commitment to public service values
- Candidates should demonstrate the ability to carry out successfully the duties of the role, as well as the behaviours, skills and knowledge required at Higher Executive Officer (HEO) grade. The capability framework for HEO grade is available on https://publicjobs.ie/en/information-hub/capability-framework
To apply for this role visit Careers | National Concert Hall
Applications should be submitted online and must include:
1. A cover letter (max. two A4 pages) outlining why you wish to be considered for the role and where you believe your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role.
2. A comprehensive CV clearly showing your relevant achievements and experience in your career to date.
Only applications fully submitted online will be accepted into the campaign.
Further details on the role and the application process may be viewed in the Candidate Information Booklet at the following link: https://issuu.com/nationalconcerthall/docs/candidate_booklet_development_manager_jan_2026_
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