Assistant Arts Officer

Clarecoco; Ireland; On-site; EUR 53,000 - 61,000; Full time

Job summary

Clare County Council is seeking an Assistant Arts Officer to help develop, manage, and co-ordinate the Arts Office programme across County Clare, focusing on community participation and deeper engagement with participants.

The post reports to the County Arts Officer and involves mentoring artists, managing projects, and delivering major initiatives such as Bealtaine, Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture Night with a view to aligning local activities with national cultural policy.

Qualifications

• Holder of an ordinary degree (level 7 or higher) in Arts or a related discipline.
• Three years of relevant arts development/administration experience.
• Proven knowledge of public service and local government in Ireland.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of Clare Arts Plan (Nourish 2026–2029) through programme delivery across youth, community and climate actions.
• Develop, commission and evaluate programmes, festivals and participation opportunities countywide.
• Promote arts activities and audiences through campaigns, newsletters and public engagement.

Skills

People management

Communication

Problem solving

Decision making

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Administration

ICT competence

Customer service

Teamwork

Workload prioritisation

Adaptability

Initiative

Confidentiality

Health & Safety

Education

Ordinary degree in Arts/Cultural discipline

Tools

Word

Excel

Job description

Clare County Council/ Comhairle Contae an Chláir is the authority responsible for Local Government in County Clare. The corporate headquarters are located at Áras Contae an Chláir, New Road, Ennis and there are four Municipal Districts (Ennis, Shannon, Killaloe, and West Clare) which are supported through area offices in Ennis, Scarriff, Shannon, Ennistymon and Kilrush. There are 28 elected members, approximately 990 staff and an annual operating budget of €204 million in 2026.

Clare County Council provides a diverse range of services across a large geographic area. Key services areas include Planning, Placemaking & Economic Development, Rural & Community Development, Housing Services, Housing Activation & Delivery, Capital Infrastructure Delivery, Land Activation, Derelict Sites and Property, Transportation, Mobility and Health & Safety, Climate Action, Environment & Water Services, Fire Service, Building Control & Major Emergency Management, Tourism, Festivals & Events, Libraries, Arts & Cultural Services, Enterprise and Investment, along with and sports & amenities. These operations are supported by internal services which include ICT & Digital Services, Corporate Services & Governance, Finance, People, Culture and Organisational Development functions.

There is a diverse demographic across urban and rural communities with tourism bringing seasonal changes in population and activity in the county. The Shannon estuary, Shannon Airport, industrial zones, and geographic location between larger urban areas, coupled with the unique landscape and heritage add to the diversity of activity in the County. Local democracy is strengthened through the Municipal Districts and changes in legislation and regulation have placed greater emphasis on the role of the Local Authority in driving economic activity, ensuring accountability, accessibility and innovation while placing the customer and the community to the fore of service delivery.

The Competition

Clare County Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the above competition. Clare County Council will, following the interview process, may form a panel for the post of Assistant Arts Officer from which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. Positions will be offered in order of merit as per the panel. This panel will exist for 12 months and may be extended for a further period of 6-12 months at the discretion of the Chief Executive.

Job Description

The Assistant Arts Officer (Grade V) is a key post within the Arts Office. The Arts Office sits within the Tourism, Festivals, Libraries & Cultural Services Directorate.

The position supports the development, management and co-ordination of the Arts Office programme, assisting in the planning and delivery of projects countywide, with an emphasis on greater participation by members of the community and deeper levels of engagement with participants.

This role will assist in delivering on Strategic Actions in our Framework Agreement with the Arts Council including, but not limited to, assisting our work with young people, older people and in the area of cultural diversity and in evaluating same.

The role will encompass the need to develop further meaningful and deeper consultations and conversations with targeted communities. The Assistant Arts Officer will be pivotal in enabling the beginning of deeper long term conversations which will inform planning and policy going forward. They will have a real commitment to public engagement in this process.

The Assistant Arts Officer will work with, manage and mentor artists (of all disciplines), service providers, and communities of interest and place. This rewarding role will facilitate the development of current programmes and the creation of new artworks and projects throughout the county.

The post holder will oversee management and promotion of arts programmes and projects and will support the delivery of the Council’s policies, responding to the unique needs and desires of the people of this rural county with challenging, stimulating and inspiring programmes which are new, diverse and engaging.

The Assistant Arts Officer will work with internal and external partners to create opportunities to engage in the arts throughout the county, at all ages, as creators, spectators, and participants. The Assistant Arts Officer will also support the wider work of the Arts Office. This post reports to the County Arts Officer, and through them, to the County Librarian and Director of Services. The postholder is expected to use initiative, work to a high standard, and have excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Essential Skills & Experience for the role

The ideal candidate must be able to demonstrate that they have sufficient experience and a proven track record in the following:

• Managing people (performance and development management)
• Communicating effectively across different levels within an organisation
• Problem solving
• Decision making
• Project management
• Stakeholder networking and engagement
• Administration and report writing
• Operation of ICT systems and standard office software packages
• Customer Service
• Working Effectively as part of a team
• Planning and Prioritisation of workloads
• Dealing effectively with conflicting demands
• Working under pressure to tight deadlines
• Adapting to change
• Acting on own initiative
• Maintaining confidentiality
• Health & Safety Management

Desirable Skills & Experience for the role

• have knowledge of National Arts Policy and Clare Arts Policy and sector.
• have proven experience of, or direct involvement in, at least one of the following: any artform discipline, work in community arts, arts development, project management or other relevant area
• have a solid understanding of artistic best practice
• have a proven ability to manage a diverse workload, multi-task, and have initiative and drive to work alone and also take direction and engage as part of a small but effective team
• demonstrate ability to achieve successful delivery of tasks within prescribed deadlines and budgets
• possess excellent verbal and written communications skills
• demonstrate an ability to foster positive relationships with a broad range of individuals, groups and organisations
• be familiar with standard office information, communication and data processing technologies and ability to use Word and Excel applications
• have knowledge of public administration and Local Government in Ireland

Duties

The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require.

The duties will include but will not be limited to the following:

• To support implementation of the Clare Arts Plan, Nourish 2026 - 2029 through programme delivery across key areas such as activities for youth, community and older people and climate actions.
• Develop, commission and evaluate programmes, festivals, initiatives and participation opportunities across the county eg. Arts and Disability programmes, Arts in Education programmes, Youth Theatre etc.
• Assist in the programming and promotion of national and local initiatives such as Bealtaine Festival, Cruinniú na nÓg, Culture Night, local festivals etc.
• Devise and administer bursaries, residencies, commissions, mentorships and professional development supports for artists.
• Work with Arts Office staff members to ensure complimentary activities are taking place in order to maximise resources and enable maximum participation by artists and communities.
• Promote arts activities, audience development, communications campaigns (including social media, press releases, radio interviews, designing posters etc.) newsletters and public engagement activities.
• Assist and lead on strategic planning initiatives.
• Implement and review arts plans; prepare reports; support policy development; collect evidence and data; align local actions with national cultural policy.
• Represent the Arts Service and Clare County Council at internal and public meetings, events and functions as required.
• Develop and maintain relationships with artists and communities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships and close working relationships with appropriate agencies, networks, and individuals including the Arts Council of Ireland, Creative Ireland, Music Generation, national arts resource organisations, the HSE/ Healthy Ireland/ Age Friendly Ireland and LCETB.
• Support and develop new partnerships at local, national and international level.
• Manage grants, budgets, procurement, funding applications and financial reporting.
• Input into the annual Arts Council application process and other grant funding opportunities as they arise.
• Ensure good governance in how the Arts Office conducts its programmes and ensure compliance with procurement, health and safety, safeguarding, equality, governance and data protection requirements.
• Support and supervise staff, supervise projects, deputise for the County Arts Officer and contribute to organisational plans and development.
• Work in a flexible manner in line with the organisation’s corporate objectives and role and be willing to perform such other appropriate duties in relation to the arts in the region as may arise from time to time as assigned by the Council.
• Travel throughout the county as required by the role.
• Taking responsibility for tasks that will be assigned from time to time at the discretion of the Arts Officer or local authority.
• Any other duties that may be assigned.

Qualifications for the post

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

1. Character

(a) Each candidate must be of good character.

2. Health

(a) Candidates shall be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.

Each candidate must, on the latest date for receipt of completed application forms:

(a) Hold an ordinary degree (level 7 or higher on the National Framework of Qualifications) in an Arts or Cultural discipline, Arts Administration, Event Management, Festival/Event related studies, project management or related discipline.

AND

(b) Have at least three years satisfactory relevant arts development and administration experience including experience in the area of programme development and budget management.

(c) Have a satisfactory knowledge of public service organisation.

(d) Hold a full clean, Class B driving licence.

Failure to upload proof of essential educational qualifications in your application form will deem you ineligible for this competition.

Non-Irish Qualifications must be accompanied by a determination from Quality and Qualifications Ireland (QQI) to establish their comparability against the Irish National Framework of Qualifications, overseas qualifications must also be accompanied by a translation document.

Competency 1 Leading, motivating and managing people

• Effectively manages performance of individuals and teams to achieve operational plans, targets, and objectives.
• Lead, motivate and engage employees to achieve quality results and to deliver on operational plans and high-quality customer service.
• Develops staff potential.
• Manages underperformance or conflict.
• Understands effective communications at all levels within the organisation.
• Actively listen to others.
• Ability to foster and maintain productive working relationships within the organisation and with relevant stakeholders externally.

Competency 2 Delivering Results

• Makes timely informed and effective decisions and shows good judgement and balance in making decisions or recommendations.
• Contributes to the development of operational plans and to the development of specific team plans.
• Ensures compliance with council and external agency procedures and protocols.
• Demonstrates ability to manage resources to ensure they are used effectively to deliver quality outcomes in line with operational and team plans.
• Displays the ability to assist in the management of complex projects within legal requirements.
• Takes responsibility for challenging tasks and delivery of same.

Competency 3 Knowledge and understanding of the role/ local government

• Understanding of the role of the Arts Officer and the Arts Office in the Local Authority
• Range and depth of relevant experience.
• Demonstrates required specialist knowledge, understanding and training for the role.
• Up to date with current developments, trends and best practice in their area of responsibility.
• Experience of working as part of a team and with artists and community groups. Experience of preparing and presenting reports.
• Understanding of the structures and environment within which the local authority sector operates.

Competency 4 Personal Effectiveness

• Is self-motivated and maintains a positive constructive and enthusiastic attitude to their role.
• Manages time and workload effectively with particular reference to statutory obligations and timeframes.
• Demonstrates the required specialist technical knowledge, understanding and training for the role.
• Personal Motivation, Initiative and Achievement; is enthusiastic about the role and sets realistic goals to achieve high quality outcomes.
• Behaves in an honest, trustworthy, and respectful manner and is transparent, fair, and consistent in dealing with others.

The salary shall be fully inclusive and shall be as determined from time to time. Holders of the post will be paid at the appropriate point on the salary scale in accordance with the relevant Department Circular. Where the appointee has been serving elsewhere in the public service in an analogous grade and pay-scale and will be moving without break to another part of the public sector at an analogous grade, the appointment may be made at the appointee’s current point of scale. The rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government pay policy. Starting pay for new entrants to the sector will be at the minimum of the scale.

THE current salary scale applicable to the post (June 2026): €52,761 - €54,337 - €55,946 - €57,589 - €59,244 - €61,173 (LSI1) - €63,109 (LSI2)

The current annual leave entitlement is 30 days per annum. Clare County Council’s holiday year runs from 1st January to 31st December. Granting of annual leave, payment for annual leave and arrangements for public holidays will be governed by the provisions of the Organisation of Working Time Act, 1977 (as amended).

Working Hours

The working hours effective from 1st July 2022, provide for a five day, thirty-five hour working week. The post may require flexibility in working outside of normal hours, including evenings and/or weekends, as necessary.The provisions of Clare County Council’s Leave Policy is applicable to this grade at the current time.

Age

Each candidate must be under 70 years of age on the latest date for receipt of completed Application Forms for the office if they are deemed not to be new entrants to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

However, the age restriction of 70 years does not apply to "new entrants" to the Public Service as defined by the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.

Candidates must, by the date of any job offer, be:

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a spouse or child of an EEA or UK or Swiss citizen and has a stamp 4 visa; or
• A person awarded international protection under the International Protection Act 2015, or any family member entitled to remain in the State as a result of family reunification and has a stamp 4 visa or
• A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.

Terms and Conditions of Employment

CANVASSING

Any attempt by a candidate or by any person(s) acting at the candidate’s instigation, directly or indirectly, to canvass or otherwise influence in the candidate’s favour, any member of the staff of Clare County Council or person nominated by the County Council to interview or examine applicants, will automatically disqualify the candidate for the position being sought.

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS

It is the responsibility of the candidate to declare if they are in receipt of any convictions/prosecutions and to bring this to the attention of the People & Culture Officer without delay.

GARDA VETTING

Successful candidates may be subject to Garda Vetting in advance of appointment to the position in line with the requirements of the National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Acts 2012 to 2016.

HEALTH

For the purpose of satisfying the requirements as to health, it may be necessary for the successful candidate, before they are appointed, to undergo at their expense a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by the local authority. On taking up appointment, the expense of the medical examination will be refunded to candidates.

LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT

It is a condition of employment that successful candidates will be required to participate in training programmes relevant to the skills necessary for the performance of the duties attaching to the post. In addition, there are many opportunities for further professional and personal development.

OUTSIDE EMPLOYMENT

The position is whole-time, and the employee may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

The post-holder will be expected to abide & adhere to the policies & procedures applicable to Clare County Council. These include but are not limited to:

• Code of Conduct for Employees
• Attendance Management Policy & Sick Leave scheme
• Grievance
• Performance Management & Development System
• Confidentiality
• Information Communications & Acceptable Usage Policy and Social Media Policy
• Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy
• Dignity at work

PRIVACY

Please refer to the Candidate Privacy Notice

PROBATION

Where persons who are not already permanent employees of a local authority are appointed, the following provisions shall apply:

• there shall be a period after such appointments take effect during which such persons shall hold such office on probation;
• such period shall be eleven months, but the Chief Executive may at their own discretion extend such period;
• such persons shall cease to hold such employment at the end of the period of probation unless during such period the Chief Executive has certified that the service of such persons is satisfactory;
• such period at (a) above may be terminated on giving one weeks’ notice as per the Minimum Notice and

Terms of Employment Acts;

• there will be assessments during the probationary

RECRUITMENT

An eligibility exercise may be carried out, if required, on all applications received to determine if applicants satisfy the essential qualification criteria outlined in the Job Specification Document.

Shortlisting:

Clare County Council may short-list based on an examination of the application forms received. In this instance, an expert board will examine the application forms against a pre-determined criteria based on the requirements of the position.

Short-listing does not suggest that other candidates are necessarily unsuitable or incapable of undertaking the job, rather that there are some candidates, who based on their application, appear to be better qualified and/or have more relevant experience. It is therefore in your own interest to provide a detailed and accurate account of your relevant qualifications/ work experience on the application form and also to demonstrate sufficient evidence if competencies are required for this position. Shortlisting may also take the form of a short interview.

Competency Based Competitions:

If the recruitment competition is competency based, candidates will be expected to demonstrate sufficient evidence within their application form of competence under each of these. Competencies for the competition will be outlined in the Job Specification Document. Please take particular note of these when completing the application form as any short-listing or interview processes will be based on the information provided by candidates in the application form.

Competitive Interviews:

Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of the local authority. The number of persons to be invited shall be determined by the Local Authority. Candidates will be required to pay any expenses incurred by them in attending the interview.

A panel may be formed on the basis of such interview. Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the local authority that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panels, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.

REFERENCE/DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE

Each candidate may be required to submit as references, the names, and addresses of two responsible persons to whom they are well known but not related, at least one of whom must be a recent former employer and/or current employer. Candidates may be required to submit documentary evidence to the local authority in support of their application.

The admission of a person to a competition, or invitation to attend an interview, is not to be taken as implying that Clare County Council is satisfied that such person fulfils the requirements of the competition or is not disqualified by law from holding the position and does not carry a guarantee that your application will receive further consideration. It is important, therefore, for you to note that the onus is on you to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements for the competition before attending for interview. If you do not meet the essential entry requirement but nevertheless attend for interview you will be putting yourself to unnecessary expense. Prior to recommending any candidate for appointment to this position, Clare County Council will make all such enquiries that are deemed necessary to determine the suitability of the candidate.

RETIREMENT

• The compulsory retirement age for new entrants who joined the public service on or after 1st January 2013 is 70 years. Minimum retirement age is in line with State Pension age changes, as
• There is no mandatory retirement age for ‘New Entrants’ who joined between 1st April, 2004 and 31st December 2012 to the public service, subject to being in a state of health to render regular and efficient service. 65 years is the minimum age at which a person may retire.
• For employees who joined the public service prior to 31st March 2004, minimum retirement age is 60 while 70 is the maximum retirement age.

It should be noted that the terms of Paragraph 13 of Circular Letter EL 02/09 - Incentivised Scheme of Early Retirement (ISER) may need to be considered in some instances. It is a condition of this scheme as set out in the Department of Finance Circular 12/2009 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.

RESIDENCE

The holder of the post shall reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof as determined by Clare County Council.

SAFETY & WELFARE

The holder of the post shall co-operate with the terms of Clare County Council’s Safety Statement and Major Emergency Plan. They shall familiarise themselves with the safety rules and procedures and make proper use of all safety clothing and equipment. Failure to comply with the terms of the Safety Statement may result in a disciplinary action.

If required, the successful candidate shall wear protective clothing and have on their person at all times a valid Safe Pass card. Should they not hold a valid Safe Pass card, a course shall be undertaken to attain the card.

SICK LEAVE

The terms of the Public Service Sick Pay Scheme will prevail.

SUPERANNUATION

The terms of Local Government Superannuationapply.

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration plus 3.5% of net pensionable remuneration (i.e. pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependant or qualified children).

Persons who become pensionable officers of a Local Authority who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required in respect of their superannuation to contribute to the Local Authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.

All persons who become pensionable employees of a local authority will be required in respect of the Local Government (Spouses and Children’s Contributory Pension) Scheme to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 1.5% of their pensionable remuneration in accordance with the terms of the scheme.

From 1 January 2019 onwards, public servants will pay an additional superannuation contribution (ASC). ASC confers no additional pension benefits and therefore should not be included in pension scheme benefit statements.

TAKING UP APPOINTMENT

The local authority shall require a person to whom an appointment is offered to take up such appointment within a period of four weeks and if they fail to take up the appointment within such period or such longer period as the local authority in its absolute discretion may determine, the local authority shall not appoint them.

TRAVEL

When required to do so, holders of the post shall hold a full driving licence for class B vehicles and shall drive a motor car in the course of their duties and for this purpose. If you are required to travel as part of your official duties, Clare County Council as your employer must be indemnified on your insurance policy. Travelling expenses and subsistence expenses necessarily incurred in the course of official duties will be refunded in accordance with appropriate rates in line with the relevant Department Circulars and Clare County Council’s Travel and Subsistence Policy. If during your employment, your licence is revoked, even temporarily, or if you receive endorsements on your licence, which may affect your duties, you are obliged to notify the Council immediately.

WORK BASE

Clare County Council reserves the right to assign you to any department, premises or district in use by the Council, now or in the future. Changes in location of employment will not result in payment of disturbance money or other compensation. The person appointed will be required to provide themselves at their own expense with the necessary mode of travel to and from work.

BLENDED WORKING

There will be an opportunity to apply for Blended Working periodically in line with the PMDS process. Blended working applications are considered based on business needs and role suitability.

Blended working arrangements are not an entitlement, or term of employment. Such arrangements are not guaranteed on a permanent basis. Rotating blended working opportunities among employees may be required in order to support employee mobility and career development. While Clare County Council is committed to facilitating blended working where practical, not all roles will be suitable for blended working.

YOUR RIGHT TO INFORMATION AND APPEAL

The Council is committed to offering feedback to candidates who request it, and to dealing with such requests in a timely and efficient manner. In this regard, Clare County Council will automatically forward the marks awarded to you at interview and comments made by the Interview Board.

The Council will consider appeals in relation to eligibility, short-listing, and final decisions of interview boards. Such appeals must be made by candidates in writing within 7 working days of notification of the relevant decision. On receipt of appeal, the selection decisions will be re-visited, and the candidate will be informed of the outcome of this review.

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