Contract:  Full-time, five-year contract 

Location: Dublin 

Salary: €70,000  

BACKGROUND   

Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann champions the power of poetry to transform and enrich lives.  

Established in 1978 as the flagship organisation for poetry on the island of Ireland Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann delivers an extensive programme under three pillars: engagement and education, publishing, and live literature readings and public-facing programmes. 

A key focus for Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann today is the culmination of its ambition to secure a permanent home for poetry in Ireland for the first time in its history. Poetry Ireland House / Áras Éigse Éireann at Number 11 Parnell Square East, Dublin 1 will have performances spaces and an education and workshop area. It will also house the new Seamus Heaney Poetry Library - a resource for poetry readers and academics, the curious and those new to and interested in poetry. The public opening is currently planned for Spring 2026 when Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann looks forward to welcoming everyone to this new, universally accessible, all-island cultural hub dedicated to celebrating, supporting and promoting poets and writers and connecting people with poetry. 

THE ROLE 

Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann is looking for a confident, collaborative, and reflective leader with a deep commitment to poetry and Ireland’s cultural sector. The role of Director combines artistic and executive leadership and is a rare opportunity to shape the future of the organisation and of poetry in Ireland. They will work alongside a dedicated and motivated team and board to deliver Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann’s vision: connecting poetry and people.  

The Director will take responsibility for Poetry Ireland / Éigse Éireann’s artistic and strategic direction, leading on programming, partner and stakeholder relationships, fundraising and public engagement. They will oversee the organisation’s operations, ensuring it remains vibrant, relevant, and financially sustainable. 

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with imagination, integrity and purpose who will take the helm of a revitalised organisation as it moves back to its exceptional, newly restored home. You may be an experienced arts manager, a creative producer, or working at a senior level in publishing or another relevant field.  

If you have a passion for poetry, proven experience in artistic programming and strategic planning, and the ability to inspire others while delivering on organisational goals we’d love to hear from you.