This is a new full-time position created to address the needs of the company as it expands its reach nationally and internationally.
Irish National Opera is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to join the growing team of one of Ireland’s largest arts organisations. The “Head of Partnerships and Engagement” is a new full-time position created to address the needs of the company as it expands its reach nationally and internationally. This is a fantastic opportunity for an individual who wishes to contribute to the development of opera in Ireland and pursue a high-level career in the opera industry.
Reporting to the Artistic Director and to the Executive Director, the Head of Partnerships and Engagement manages and cultivates the relationships with partner organisations, co-producers, presenters, educational and cultural institutions and other key stakeholders. They will be focused on extending the company’s reach and visibility nationally, through initiatives and projects that complement the company’s productions and tours. Working closely with the Artistic Director and the Executive Director, they will maximise INO’s international work and commercial income through development and implementation of co-productions, international tours, productions rentals and sales as well as other collaborations. They will be line manager for the Digital Producer and the Education and Outreach Manager and will ensure their work is optimised and integrated into INO’s full range of activities.
Key Responsibilities
Public Engagement
Through its productions and tours Irish National Opera already has an enviable reach throughout Ireland. Since its foundation in 2018 the company has given full opera performances in 30 venues throughout the country. Yet there are geographic areas of the country that are not served, and there are many sectors of the population that do not currently engage with opera for reasons of geographic disconnection, lack of connection to opera, or social exclusion. INO is committed to reaching new audiences in new ways and in new areas. Achieving a broader INO reach will be achieved by working with a range of partners, venues, festivals, cultural and educational institutions, local authorities, state agencies and others in the voluntary and community sector. The Head of Partnerships and Engagement will:
· Devise events and nurture partnerships that increase the company’s profile including in areas and with communities not currently engaged with INO.
· Plan and implement a programme of work designed to extend the company’s reach in Ireland.
· Manage concerts and projects that complement the company’s productions and tours.
· Develop and steward relationships with existing cultural partners.
· Identify new partners and opportunities.
· In collaboration with the Education and Outreach Manager, devise a plan for engaging schools and other community groups.
· In collaboration with the Digital Producer, devise strategies to maximise the company’s reach through digital projects, online channels and radio/TV broadcasts both nationally and internationally.
International Relations
Over recent years, INO has expanded its network of international partners. This includes co-producers for opera productions as well as programmers, festivals and venues that present INO’s work on international stages. INO has also begun to rent and/or sell its own productions. The company needs to take an increasingly strategic approach to this area to maximise opportunities and commercial income, as well as to increase INO’s growing international reputation. The Head of Partnerships and Engagement will:
· Develop and maintain a network of international contacts in the opera and related industries.
· Contribute to the process of negotiating terms and conditions of co-productions and other collaborations.
· Generate and manage contracts for co-productions, rentals, international tours and other collaborations.
· Collate and distribute artistic, promotional and technical materials and information necessary for the promotion of collaborations.
· Manage the internal process and communication flow of co-productions and other collaborations.
· Ensure co-productions and other collaborations are credited correctly in the company’s communications.
· Identify and secure new international partners and opportunities.
· Identify and secure funding for international collaborations and tours.
General
· Support the company’s broader fundraising and branding efforts as appropriate.
· Contribute analysis and ideas for the development of the company.
· Support the work of colleagues as appropriate.
Person Specifications
The ideal candidate will be passionate about opera and have a working knowledge of the opera canon and industry (or the willingness and proven ability to learn about it). They will be a skilled and effective communicator with the ability to interact with people in a variety of contexts.
Skills and Experience
· Minimum 5 years’ experience working in the opera, classical music or related sector
· Excellent organisational skills
· Attention to detail
· Strong interpersonal and diplomatic skills
· Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
· Creative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit
· Personal accountability, high level of integrity, ability to work under pressure
· Focused self-starter with ability to work collaboratively with teams
· Strategic mindset
Key Information
Irish National Opera is an equal opportunity employer and encourages and welcomes
applications from candidates of all backgrounds. Prospective employees must have legal permission to reside and work in the Republic of Ireland.
This role will require some evening and weekend work, as well as some travel in Ireland and abroad. The company offers time in lieu for any overtime worked.
The principal place of work is the company’s office at 69 Dame Street, Dublin 2. Remote
working arrangements are possible where practicable. Employees who have been granted remote working arrangements are required to work a minimum of two days per week from the office.
The company will offer a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus up to 5%
pension contribution upon completion of probation. The company conducts annual
performance and salary reviews.
The role is offered as a three-year, full-time contract, subject to successful completion of 6 month probationary period.
The annual leave entitlement is 20 days in addition to all statutory bank holidays.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please email a cover letter and your CV to Diego Fasciati, Executive Director atdiego@irishnationalopera.ie. If you would like a confidential discussion about this role, please email Diego Fasciati.
All applications will be treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Closing Date: Thursday 7 August 2025 6:00pm
Interviews: 12 or 13 August 2025
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