Community Engagement Manager

About the organisation

The Irish Film Institute (IFI) is Ireland’s national body for film culture. Based in its historic Eustace Street home in Temple Bar, it brings audiences together through three cinemas, the IFI Irish Film Archive’s research and access services, the IFI Film Shop and Café Bar, as well as digital platforms including IFI@Home, IFI Archive Player, IFI@Schools and IFI International.

The IFI’s work is built around three core commitments: exhibiting the best independent, Irish and international cinema; preserving and promoting Ireland’s moving image heritage; and educating audiences of all ages through film-based learning and critical engagement. The organisation values creativity, mutual trust, respect, and a strong sense of community.

Role overview

The Community Engagement Manager will shape and deliver an inclusive, long-term community engagement approach across the organisation. The role is focused on deepening relationships with diverse communities, widening access to film culture, and helping ensure that the IFI feels relevant, welcoming and representative to all audiences.

A key part of the position is supporting equality, diversity and inclusion in public-facing work and helping to embed these principles across the organisation. The postholder will act as a committed advocate for the role of film and the arts in education, creativity, inclusion and community connection.

Contract and working arrangement

This is a 2-year part-time contract working 2 days per week. The position is based onsite in Dublin, County Dublin, Ireland, with hybrid and flexible working options available. Some evening and weekend work will occasionally be required, and the role may include off-site outreach activity.

Salary and benefits

The salary for this role is €43,000 to €54,000 pro-rata, depending on experience.

Benefits include hybrid and flexible working, 24 days of annual leave pro-rata, a bike-to-work scheme, enhanced sick pay, IFI Film Shop and Café Bar discounts, local business discounts, free cinema tickets, and access to a pension scheme.

Key responsibilities

• Shape and implement a community engagement strategy in partnership with senior leaders and relevant departments, making sure it supports wider organisational goals.
• Deliver the community-focused elements of the IFI’s EDI action plan and contribute to broader equality, diversity and inclusion work.
• Identify key priority communities, including those that are underrepresented or marginalised.
• Develop and sustain relationships with community groups, grassroots organisations, educational bodies, advocacy groups and representative organisations.
• Serve as the main contact for community partners.
• Work alongside programming teams to create inclusive activities such as community screenings, workshops and talks.
• Help programming teams identify and present diverse voices and filmmakers, and create audience development initiatives aimed at specific groups.
• Build constructive relationships with artists and creative practitioners while ensuring projects stay aligned with the IFI’s values and objectives.
• Support community-led programming ideas and opportunities.
• Recognise and remove obstacles that limit participation.
• Make sure all engagement work follows safeguarding, child protection and vulnerable adult policies, and coordinate closely with the Designated Liaison Person on safeguarding risks linked to outreach, education and community activity.
• Design outreach initiatives and campaigns aimed at increasing participation from underrepresented audiences.
• Run community consultations, forums and feedback sessions.
• Collect insights to guide programming and organisational decisions.
• Ensure community feedback is reflected in future planning.
• Collaborate with programming, education, archive and marketing teams to deliver a joined-up approach to public engagement.
• Create KPIs and evaluation methods covering partnership numbers, audience diversity, participation and engagement outcomes.
• Spot opportunities for funding, sponsorship and partnership support, and help prepare funding applications when needed.
• Take part in the IFI EDI Working Group.
• Monitor and report on impact as part of organisational reporting.
• Work with HR to support inclusive working practices across the organisation.
• Help build staff understanding of community engagement and EDI principles.
• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for visitors.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will bring practical experience in community engagement, outreach or audience development, ideally within the arts, film, cultural or non-profit sector. They should be confident in building partnerships, designing inclusive programmes, and working across teams in a complex organisation.

Strong knowledge of equality, diversity and inclusion is essential, along with an understanding of the barriers that can prevent people from taking part in cultural activity and how those barriers can be addressed. Excellent communication, relationship-building, stakeholder management, project management and organisational skills are also important.

Desirable background

Additional experience that would be an advantage includes a qualification in an EDI-related subject, knowledge of film exhibition or archive work, involvement in education or youth programmes, experience working with children, young people or vulnerable adults, familiarity with safeguarding checks and vetting procedures, collaboration with artists or freelance facilitators, experience with funding applications, and evaluating social impact or community programmes.

Additional information

The employer treats all applications confidentially and is committed to equal opportunities. Support can be provided for applicants who need assistance during any part of the application process. The organisation is principally funded by the Arts Council.