Friends Manager

The National Gallery of Ireland ('the Gallery') is Ireland's major national cultural institution devoted to the collection and care of fine art. Comprising over 17,000 paintings, drawings, watercolours, miniatures, prints, sculpture and decorative arts, the institution's extensive holdings include masterpieces by many of the most celebrated figures in the history of western European art. In addition, the Gallery houses the most representative collection of historic Irish art. Funded mainly by the State, the Gallery employs more than 180 staff and provides free access to the public 361 days a year. In 2023, the Gallery received numerous awards and accreditations. These included the Triple Lock Standard, which recognises Irish charities that have achieved excellence in governance, financial reporting, transparency and ethical fundraising.

The Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland (FNGI) was established in 1986 to support the activities of the Gallery by recruiting membership, to encourage an appreciation of painting, sculpture and architecture. It is a self-funding organisation with charitable status (RCN 20158958). It is committed to promoting the Gallery and its collections and to expanding awareness and appreciation of the visual arts through a range of educational and social events. Members play an important role in supporting the Gallery in various aspects of its work and can avail of a number of benefits related to membership.

The FNGI wishes to recruit a Friends Manager for a 12-month specified-purpose contract. The purpose of this role is to ensure the effective management, revenue growth and service delivery of FNGI.

Reporting to the Head of Development, (National Gallery of Ireland - or nominated deputy), the successful candidate will:

•          Lead the team in delivering the Friends annual action plan to increase membership and income, with an emphasis on growth, sustainability and exceptional programming

•          Coordinate an excellent customer service for FNGI members

•          Write detailed reports to account for all FNGI activity

•          Have responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of the FNGI team

•          Manage membership systems, and liaise with system providers

•          Manage the day to day operations of the office and Friends desk, including organisation of rostering, cover for leave and the day to day duties of relevant team members

•          Manage the database(s) (Ticketsolve & E-tapestry)

•          Ensure membership administration is efficient, with clearly documented policies and drive continuous improvement and development in this area

•          Develop and maintain accurate membership records

•          Ensure GDPR compliance is upheld

•          Work closely with the Finance Department regarding payment run schedules, to ensure direct debit payments and Purchase Order deadlines are met

•          Collaborate with the Development Department on donor prospecting and stewardship

•          Manage customer complaints as and when required 

•          Collaborate on budgeting and re-forecasting, as required

•          Carry out other duties and responsibilities as requested by the line manager

The successful candidate will have:

•          Previous work experience in a membership organisation and/or customer service environment, with an enthusiasm and interest for working in an arts, heritage cultural institution

•          A professional, polite and courteous manner with excellent interpersonal skills coupled with confidence, drive, integrity and enthusiasm

•          A proven track record of managing membership systems and database management.

•          A third level qualification (NFQ Level 8 or above) in business, finance or other related discipline

•          A commercial acumen with an aptitude for analysing progress and measuring success against set targets 

•          A proven ability to lead and motivate team members to achieve results to a consistent high standard

•          A flexible and energetic approach to work

•          Strong project management ability with previous work experience of managing budgets

•          Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail coupled with a methodical and organised approach to office administration

•          A proven ability to work under pressure and be willing to be a supportive in a small, busy organisation

•          An ability to develop and implement practical and effective processes and procedures

•          A responsible work ethic, with a proven ability to work on own independently with minimal supervision

•          Excellent communication skills – both oral and written 

•          High proficiency in Microsoft Office programmes and databases including box office/ticketing and CRM systems

•          A general knowledge of GDPR and national data protection laws

•          An understanding of Ticketsolve and E-tapestry systems (desirable)

Note: This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. The job description may be subject to review in the view of new structures and / or the changing needs of the Gallery. All employees are required to be compliant with Gallery screening, security and Garda vetting procedures.

Conditions of employment

This job description is a guide to broad areas of responsibility and accountability and should not be regarded as a comprehensive listing. This may be subject to review in view of new structures and/or the changing needs of the FNGI. All employees are required to be compliant with FNGI screening and Garda Vetting procedures. The post will be subject to a satisfactory medical check and successful completion of a successful probationary period. Applicants must be fluent in English and be eligible to work in Ireland.

Citizenship Requirements

Eligible candidates must be:

1.        A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway; or

2.        A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK); or

3.        A citizen of Switzerland, pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or

4.        A non-EEA citizen who has a valid work permit.

To qualify candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.

Salary: €50,400 gross per annum

Duration: 12-month specified-purpose contract

Working hours: Full time, 5 days a week – 35 hours per week (net of breaks). Please note, flexibility is required and the successful candidate may be required to work occasional early mornings, late evenings and weekends.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 28 November 2024

Interviews will be scheduled in December 2024.

How to apply: To apply for this position please submit a

•          Cover Letter of not more than two pages

•          CV of not more than two pages

Candidates should note that panels may be formed from which future positions may be filled.

Any personal data that you provide when applying for this position shall be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice.

At the Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland, we value equity, diversity and inclusion. We recognise the benefits it can bring to our staff and our visitors interactions. We celebrate difference and want our people to be representative of all communities. If you require reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please do not hesitate to let us know.

Friends of the National Gallery of Ireland is an equal opportunities employer