Work with Us
Join the Irish Writers Centre as Chair of the Board
The Irish Writers Centre is seeking an experienced professional to lead its Board as the organisation enters an important new phase.
Established in 1991, the Irish Writers Centre is the national resource centre for writers on the island of Ireland. It supports writers at every stage of their careers through professional development, information, advice, resources, opportunities and networks. With over 1,000 members and a large network of facilitators and mentors, the Centre is supported by public funding from the Arts Council of Ireland and Arts Council of Northern Ireland, with approximately half of its income generated through courses, events and other activities.
The opportunity
The current Chair will step down in April 2027, following a period of significant transformation for the organisation and its Board.
Over recent years, the Board has overseen the delivery of a strategic plan, appointed a new CEO and strengthened governance across the organisation. The Board is finalising Strategy 2027–31, due to launch in January 2027, with a new brand identity to be unveiled in November 2026.
The incoming Chair will work closely with the CEO and Board to provide strategic leadership and strong governance, support effective decision-making and help the organisation build on its position as an important national resource for writers. The role also includes an ambassadorial dimension. The Chair will represent the Centre with relevant stakeholders and supporters, including public-sector partners, and attend selected events and activities.
About you
We are looking for an experienced professional with relevant Board experience, sound judgement and a commitment to good governance. You will have contributed meaningfully to the governance and development of an organisation, ideally one of a similar scale and complexity.
Previous experience as a Chair or Deputy Chair, while not essential, would be desirable. Experience or exposure to the arts, cultural or literary sector, while valuable, is not essential. Experience of developing and managing relationships with public-sector stakeholders would be valuable in supporting the Centre’s engagement and advocacy.
Above all, we are looking for someone who is genuinely interested in the mission of the Irish Writers Centre and has a strong interest in writing and literature. The role offers the opportunity to contribute your experience and judgement to the development of writing and literature in Ireland, alongside a Board and team committed to the Centre’s mission.
For further information and to express interest, please contact John Deely at Pinpoint at recruit@pinpoint.ie. A more detailed information document is available.
Closing date: Wednesday, 4th November 2026 at 5pm.
