Chief Executive Officer

Irish Planning Institute; Dublin; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

Flexible working arrangements

Employer-supported PRSA arrangements

Cycle to Work Scheme

Job summary

The Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all-island professional body for planners, seeks a Chief Executive Officer to provide strategic leadership, governance and operational oversight.

Reporting to the Board, the CEO will drive membership services, policy and advocacy, accreditation, education and events, while representing the Institute with government and stakeholders.

Qualifications

• The Successful Candidate will have a relevant third-level qualification in planning, public policy or related discipline.
• Experience in senior leadership or executive management within a professional body or similar sector.
• Strong strategic leadership, governance, and delivery of corporate objectives.
• Proven financial management, budgeting, risk oversight and board reporting.
• Stakeholder engagement with government bodies, members and external partners.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and advocacy skills.
• Knowledge of corporate governance, compliance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and governance oversight for the Institute.
• Lead operations, governance, membership services and events.
• Drive policy, advocacy and accreditation activities for planners.
• Represent the Institute with government, partners and stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a small professional team.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Governance & compliance

Financial oversight

Policy advocacy

People leadership

Public speaking

Relationship management

Education

Third-level qualification in planning/public policy

Job description

The Irish Planning Institute, the all-island professional body for planners, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

Role Summary

The Chief Executive is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and operation of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all-island professional body for planners, which is a company limited by guarantee. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive leads the Institute's strategy, governance, membership services, policy and advocacy work, accreditation, education and professional development activities and events, while acting as its principal representative with members, government and stakeholders.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Strategic Leadership, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
• Operational and Organisational Management
• People Leadership and Governance Support
• Financial Management and Business Development
• Governance, Risk and Compliance

The Successful Candidate Will Have

• A relevant third-level qualification in planning, public policy, sustainable development, the built environment, management or a related discipline.
• A minimum of five years' senior leadership or executive management experience, ideally within a professional body, membership organisation, public sector organisation, higher education institution, consultancy, representative body, regulatory environment, or a related sector.
• Demonstrated experience of strategic leadership, organisational development and successful delivery of corporate objectives.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, risk management and reporting to boards or governance bodies.
• Proven experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management, including working with government departments, public bodies, professional members, partner organisations and external stakeholders.
• Excellent written, verbal and public communication skills, with experience representing an organisation externally and advocating on policy or professional issues.
• Demonstrated knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, risk management and board-led organisations.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving and decision‑making skills.
• A commitment to professional standards, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a small team while fostering a positive, collaborative and high‑performing organisational culture.

Remuneration and Benefits

• 30 days’ annual leave
• Flexible working arrangements
• Employer-supported PRSA arrangements
• Cycle to Work Scheme