Chief Operating Officer

Open Competition for the role of

Chief Operating Officer
Permanent Full Time

Contract of Employment

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About IMMA

The Irish Museum of Modern Art, based in what was the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, an extraordinary 17 th century building, set upon a hilltop of 48 acres overlooking the river Liffey, is a witness to at least a millennium of change. All of which feeds into our contemporary thinking and commitment to celebrate this remarkable site. At IMMA we have begun to create a space unique with contemporary culture. This is a space where local and global connect, a space where contemporary art and contemporary life meet, challenge and inspire one another.

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Role Purpose

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a strategic leadership role responsible for the effective and integrated management of IMMA's core operational and corporate services. This includes Finance, Governance, IT, Visitor Experience & Security, Operations, and Strategic HR. The COO ensures that these functions work cohesively to support IMMA's mission, values, and long-term goals.

Aligned with IMMA's Strategic Plan , the COO will play a key role in supporting the museum as:

• A Catalyst for Change: Managing the Strategy Action Plan to advance sustainability, inclusion, and social progress through operational leadership.
• A Radically Public Space: Developing IMMA's visitor facilities and partnerships to ensure that IMMA is welcoming, accessible, and responsive to diverse communities.
• A Centre for Research and Innovation: Establishing the infrastructure for IMMA's Global Learning and Research Centre to enable digital transformation and cutting-edge research.
• A Global Connector: strengthening IMMA's international partnerships, visibility, and public profile.

The postholder will lead change management initiatives, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and develop stakeholder engagement strategies that strengthen relationships across departments and with external partners.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, the COO will contribute to strategic planning and decision-making at the highest level, and act as a public-facing ambassador for IMMA's operational vision.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Change Management

• Lead and implement organisational change aligned with IMMA's strategic priorities and its role as a Catalyst for Change.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial, operational and corporate services, supporting innovation and sustainability.
• Embed IMMA's brand values: Collaboration, Bold Thinking, Creative, and Ethical into operational decision-making.
• Lead the Strategy Action Plan to support the Director and SMT in delivering IMMA's strategic and institutional goals.
• Lead external partner engagement strategies, ensuring IMMA's operational priorities are communicated effectively to funders, policymakers, and the public.
• Work with the Director to increase IMMA's public profile through strategic communication and advocacy.

Operational Oversight

• Oversee the Strategic management and development of Finance, Governance, IT, HR, Operations, Visitor Experience and Security.
• Develop and implement strategies to enhance internal collaboration and external partnerships to develop IMMA as a Centre for Cultural Innovation.
• Work with the Director and Head of Audiences and Development to advance relationships with the Department of Foreign Affairs and international partners to reinforce IMMA's reputation as a Global Connector.
• Maintain strong relationships with IMMA's sponsoring Department and other government agencies to ensure that IMMA's goals and operational delivery correspond with the Department's priorities.
• Support the Head of Operations in the management of IMMA's facilities to ensure that the highest standards of service delivery in operational processes, ensuring compliance with current Health and Safety regulations.
• Work with the Head of Operations on the strategic development of IMMA's commercial events and all commercial contracts.
• Support the Head of Visitor Experience and Security in the strategic development of visitor experience, fire safety and security across IMMA's campus and off-site facilities.
• Advance IMMA's strategy to be a radically public, purpose-driven institution in collaboration with all members of the SMT.
• Support IMMA's ambition to develop a new Global Learning and Research Centre and optimise infrastructure in line with the Master Development Plan.
• Liaise with IMMA's sponsoring Department to access funding for IMMA's capital projects and ensure the timely delivery of those projects.
• Act as IMMA's Chief Risk Officer and lead on risk management, procurement, and resource planning.
• Act as Head of Governance, Data Protection and Procurement to ensure compliance with relevant Government Codes and circulars.
• Represent IMMA in sectoral networks, public service forums, and media engagements, acting as a key spokesperson on operational and strategic matters.
• Represent the Director in meetings with the OPW.

People & Culture

• Work closely with the Director and the HR Managers to plan for the strategic development of the organisation.
• Work closely with the HR Managers to support workforce development, wellbeing, and performance. Promote a culture of inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
• Respect and uphold the HR Manager's functional independence in managing grievance procedures and sensitive HR matters, while maintaining strategic alignment.
• Support IMMA's commitment to diversity, equity, and access, as outlined in its strategic goal to be a Radically Public Space.
• Support the development of internal communications and external messaging that reflect IMMA's values and strategic priorities.

Digital Transformation & Systems

• Oversee IT strategy and infrastructure development to progress IMMA's research facilities
• Champion digital innovation and ensure systems are secure, scalable, and responsive to organisational needs.
• Support IMMA's ambition to be a Centre for Research and Innovation through digital transformation, including investment in digital archives and online learning platforms.

IMMA Board

• You may be appointed to the role of Secretary to the IMMA Board, at the discretion of the IMMA Board, and, if so appointed, will report to the Chair on all Board governance matters and will assist the Chair in ensuring relevant information is made available to the Board and its committees
• As the champion of Strategy Delivery, you will play a key role in liaison between the IMMA Board and Executive in the communication of Board priorities and Executive updates.

What We Are Looking For

The successful candidate will have:

• Extensive senior leadership experience in operational or corporate services, ideally with experience of the public, cultural, or non-profit sector.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage complex projects across diverse functions.
• Strong strategic planning and change management skills, with a track record of delivering organisational improvements and innovation.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with experience in public representation, media engagement, and stakeholder advocacy.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement capabilities, with the ability to build and maintain relationships across departments and with external partners.
• Deep understanding of governance, compliance, and public sector accountability, including financial and regulatory standards.
• Experience overseeing capital projects and working with government departments, particularly in relation to funding and strategic alignment.
• Commitment to IMMA's values of inclusion, sustainability, and public engagement, and its brand values: Collaborative, Bold Thinking, Creative, and Ethical.
• High level of integrity, discretion, and accountability in leadership and decision-making.
• A third-level qualification in a relevant discipline such as public administration, business, finance, HR, or cultural management.

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Why Work with IMMA?

At IMMA, we are proud to offer:

• Opportunity to get involved in IMMA's Strategy, development of key themes in response to current global cultural concerns which will shape our programming over the next five years.
• Progressive, hybrid working model.
• The opportunity to work in a beautiful serene historic 17 th Century Building surrounded by 48 acres of Meadows and Gardens - an oasis in Dublin City.
• Free Parking / Secure Bike Sheds.
• Career development opportunities through mentoring, coaching, and training.
• Erasmus + Staff Mobility Scheme funding by European Union.
• Government Pension Scheme
• Employee Wellbeing Committee.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
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