Artist & Programme Manager

Children's Books Ireland; Dublin; Hybrid; EUR 40,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days annual leave

Employer pension contribution

Phone allowance

Remote-working allowance

Travel expenses

Job summary

Children’s Books Ireland is seeking an experienced Artist & Programme Manager to lead strategic initiatives and to support authors and illustrators creating work for young readers. The role focuses on nurturing artists, connecting them with audiences, and delivering flagship programmes such as the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards and the International Conference.

The successful candidate will work across cross‑team projects, manage the Artist & Programme Officer, ensure strong governance,

Qualifications

• Proven ability to manage multiple projects and timelines.
• Experience supporting artists through development and contracts.
• Strong written and verbal communication for marketing and reports.
• Budget oversight and governance familiarity across complex programmes.
• Ability to lead events and conferences with diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated capability to secure sponsorship and manage partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and curate major programmes including awards and conferences.
• Oversee budgets, fundraising, reporting and governance compliance.
• Line-manage the Artist & Programme Officer and collaborate organisation-wide.
• Coordinate with Communications, PR and research teams for programme delivery.
• Develop and deliver artist-focused professional development initiatives.
• Write copy for websites, programmes and marketing materials.

Skills

Project management

Artist relationships

Budget management

Event management

Copywriting

Public speaking

Stakeholder management

Tools

Microsoft Office

Online collaboration tools

Job description

Previously known as Programme & Events Manager, this management-level role has been expanded from part-time to full-time to reflect its breadth of responsibilities and Children’s Books Ireland’s strategic ambitions. The Artist & Programme Manager plays a central role in delivering our strategic aim of supporting authors and illustrators creating work for young readers.

The successful candidate will nurture and support artists throughout their careers, connect them with audiences, and lead key programmes including the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference, and a range of professional development initiatives. They will support implementation of Children’s Books Ireland’s Artistic, Child Protection, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies through their work with artists.

Core Responsibilities

About the Role

Previously known as Programme & Events Manager, this management-level role has been expanded from part-time to full-time to reflect its breadth of responsibilities and Children’s Books Ireland’s strategic ambitions. The Artist & Programme Manager plays a central role in delivering our strategic aim of supporting authors and illustrators creating work for young readers.

The successful candidate will nurture and support artists throughout their careers, connect them with audiences, and lead key programmes including the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Awards, the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference, and a range of professional development initiatives. They will support implementation of Children’s Books Ireland’s Artistic, Child Protection, and Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policies through their work with artists.

The role connects the organisation with audiences, partners, funders, sponsors, artists and supporters, while delivering arts experiences for children and families alongside professional development and networking opportunities for artists and sector colleagues.

Core Responsibilities

This role involves significant cross-team collaboration, line-managing the Artist & Programme Officer and working closely with colleagues across the organisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Managing the Artist & Programme Officer in line with Children’s Books Ireland’s Management Charter.
• Managing budgets with strong financial oversight, ensuring value for money, compliance with governance requirements and timely funder reporting.
• Working with Communications and external PR agencies to promote programmes and events.
• Working with the Research & Evaluation Officer to gather feedback and implement learnings.
• Working with the Deputy CEO on print and design elements across projects.
• Collaborating with the Senior Leadership Team to ensure activities align with organisational strategy.

Programme-Specific Responsibilities

Children’s Books Ireland International Conference

• Lead and curate a diverse two-day programme of authors, illustrators and industry speakers.
• Secure sponsorship and support financial sustainability.
• Manage speaker logistics, fees, accommodation and travel.
• Liaise on programme content and technical requirements.
• Oversee technical and venue production.
• Write website, Eventbrite and programme copy.
• Oversee Awards presentation logistics.
• Co-present the conference with the CEO.
• Work with colleagues on promotion, ticket sales, hospitality, and print/design materials.

Children’s Books Ireland Awards

• Lead delivery of all awards activity following completion of judging.
• Manage production of longlist, shortlist and winners’ events.
• Oversee the Junior Juries programme, Volunteer Day and artist engagement activities through management of the Artist & Programme Officer.
• Manage the Reading Hero Award process.
• Produce funder reports.
• Work with the CEO to maintain sponsor relationships and provide regular updates.
• Collaborate with the Deputy CEO on print and design materials.

Professional Development

• Consult regularly with artists about professional development needs.
• Develop and deliver ProperBook events with partners and co-founder Sarah Webb.
• Write marketing copy and chair or present events.
• Deliver online Artists’ Coffee Mornings throughout the year.
• Manage Tyrone Guthrie Centre bursaries and partnerships.
• Maintain the Artists Database.
• Manage Raising Voices, funding permitting.
• Develop an artists’ handbook in 2027.
• Facilitate further development opportunities and regional networking events.
• Oversee the monthly artists’ newsletter.

Book Clinics

• Develop and maintain Book Clinics nationwide.
• Manage the external Book Clinic team, contracts, staffing and logistics.
• Recruit and support new Book Doctors and administrators, including building Irish-language capacity.
• Arrange inclusion training for the team.
• Maintain marketing materials and promotional content.
• Apply for funding opportunities.
• Work with the Development Team to expand partnerships and programme delivery.

Requirements

• Ability to deliver the duties outlined above to a high standard, both independently and as part of a small, creative team.
• Strong project management skills, including managing multiple projects, deadlines and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting artists, including relationship management, professional development and contracting.
• Experience planning, delivering and evaluating arts or cultural programmes.
• Proven experience leading medium- to large-scale events such as conferences or awards ceremonies.
• Strong relationship-building skills with artists, sponsors, funders, venues and partners.
• Experience managing budgets and governance requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including copywriting and public presentation.
• High level of digital literacy, including Microsoft Office and online collaboration platforms.

Desirable

• Written and spoken Irish.
• Understanding of inclusive practice and EDI principles.
• Awareness of child protection responsibilities.
• Experience working with sponsors or funders.
• Experience chairing or presenting public events.

Further Information

Reporting to: Deputy CEO

Location: 17 North Great George’s Street, Dublin 1. Hybrid or office-based, with a minimum of two office days per week.

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Contract: Permanent, subject to a six-month probation period.

Hours: 40 hours per week, including a one-hour paid lunch break. Flexible between 8am and 5.30pm. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required, with time off in lieu.

Salary & Benefits

• €40,401.76 per annum
• employer pension contribution up to 5%
• 25 days annual leave
• flexible working
• €35 monthly phone allowance
• €3.20 daily remote-working allowance
• approved travel expenses paid in line with company policy

Children’s Books Ireland is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds and communities. The appointment is subject to references, and Garda vetting may be required.

Interviews: Wednesday 4 November 2026 in a Dublin city-centre location.