Work with Us

Would you like to contribute to the future of Literature in Ireland? Join the Irish Writers Centre Board of Directors! 

Position: Board member

Role type: Voluntary (unpaid)

Time commitment: The board meets 6-7 times annually

Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 11 June 2026

About the Irish Writers Centre

Founded in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is the national resource organisation for Irish writers, supporting writers of all types and at all stages of their careers. From its historic home at 19 Parnell Square, Dublin, the Centre delivers over 150 creative writing courses and masterclasses annually, alongside island-wide development programmes such as the National Mentoring Programme, residencies, bursaries and more. Championing contemporary Irish literature through events, festivals and performances, the Centre plays a vital role in Ireland’s thriving literary landscape and remains a welcoming space for anyone with a story to tell. Community remains at the heart of our strategy which underlines our ambition to foster connections between writers across this island.

This is a particularly exciting time for the organisation as we celebrate the last 35 years and implement the final year of our 2022-2026 Strategy link here.

Who are we seeking?

The Irish Writers Centre is seeking to add a new member to its Board of Directors to build on its current skill-set of board expertise. We are actively looking for writers* who are engaged in the literary community on the island of Ireland. We encourage writers at any stage and any genre/form to apply for this role.

We particularly welcome applications from candidates who come from backgrounds and communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the literature sector.

*Writers will need to consider their involvement carefully as Board members cannot be employed by the Irish Writers Centre in any capacity – for example as a course facilitator or conducting a masterclass – for the duration of their term.

The Board of Directors is responsible for:

• Setting strategies and ensuring their implementation is delegated effectively to the executive team
• Overseeing and maintaining the financial health of the organisation
• Ensuring the highest standards of governance and transparency
• The appointment of senior executives to the organisation

Directors of the board are both company directors and charity trustees and should understand the legal duties of the role, as explained by the Charities Regulator and the Arts Council’s Practical Guide for Board Members of Arts Organisations. Directors are responsible for the strategic direction of the organisation and for ensuring the highest standards of governance are upheld, in accordance with the Charities Governance Code.

Time commitment

Board members are elected for a maximum of two three-year terms. The Irish Writers Centre is a registered charity and this is a voluntary and unpaid position. The board meets 6-7 times annually, including the annual general meeting. The meetings happen on a weekday between 6-30pm-8.30pm at the Irish Writers Centre. Board members are invited to attend Irish Writers Centre events where possible. We welcome applications from people with previous board or trustee experience but this is not essential.

Further information on our current board, governance and other policies can be found on our site.

How to Apply

• A brief statement/cover letter outlining how your background and experience meets the requirements of the organisation as detailed above, as well as a summary of your relevant experience, and how you can contribute to Irish Writers Centre’s mission.
•  Attach your CV or biography (a statement outlining your arts practice or roles, responsibilities and achievements). If relevant, please include details of any service as a board Director, Trustee or any other voluntary/community work, but please note that no previous experience as a board Director or Trustee is required.

Please compile all the specified documents into a single attachment as a WORD Doc or a PDF. Applications should be submitted by 5pm on Friday 11 June 2026 by email to  management@irishwriterscentre.ie.

Board appointments will be skills and experience based, and should the open call process not yield candidates with the required skills and experience, the company reserves the right to make direct appointments of appropriately qualified individuals.