Director General

Role Overview

• Lead the development and delivery of a clear, compelling strategy for the Institute, providing direction, focus and momentum over the next five years.
• Overseeing the preparation, agreement and implementation of the annual IIEA Work Programme.
• Translate strategic ambition into operational priorities, organisational design and measurable outcomes.
• Work closely with the Board within an approved governance framework, operating with a high degree of autonomy while reporting appropriately on strategic, financial and reputational matters.
• Leverage the skills and experience of Board members and sub-committees to support the Institute’s mission and long-term sustainability.
• Continue to foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture that supports delivery, collaboration and accountability.
• Role model the Institute’s values.
• Evolve the organisational structure and capability mix to ensure alignment with strategy.
• Developing staff to fulfil their potential.
• Hold full accountability for the Institute’s P&L, ensuring strong financial management, transparency and control.
• Drive income growth through a combination of:
• Expansion and deepening of the membership base
• Development of project income and grants
• Stronger engagement with corporate members, government departments and embassies
• Maintain an appropriate and sustainable balance between membership income and project or grant funding.
• Articulate clear and compelling value propositions for the Institute’s membership groupings.
• Be highly visible and engaged with members and stakeholders, ensuring the Institute remains responsive, relevant and impactful.
• Build and sustain critical relationships across:
• Corporate organisations
• Irish Government and public service
• Embassies and the diplomatic community
• EU institutions, including the European Commission
• NGOs and international bodies.
• Strengthen the IIEA’s position as a central hub for ideas, insight and dialogue on European and international policy.
• Act as the public face of the IIEA, representing the Institute and its values in national and international forums and with the media.
• Safeguard the Institute’s strict political neutrality, ensuring it remains a trusted, independent platform for debate.
• Build on the IIEA’s strong reputation for convening senior, respected voices from across politics, public service, diplomacy and international affairs.
• Articulate clearly what the IIEA stands for as a modern think tank, and why its work matters in an increasingly complex international environment.

Requirements

• A proven track record of significant results delivery at a senior level ideally in a think tank, policy, strategy, consulting or public service context, with excellent networking and influencing skills.
• Strong team leadership credentials with excellent staff engagement, communication, management and development skills.
• Strategic mindset, experienced in driving membership and revenue growth and budget management.
• Excellent knowledge of International and European affairs, policy making and its relevant stakeholders.
• Strong personal alignment with the mission, values and independence of the IIEA.
• Energetic, motivated and outward-facing, with the drive to lead the Institute through its next phase of development.
• Astute, with excellent judgement and a strong instinct for balance and neutrality.
• A natural connector and relationship-builder.
• Comfortable combining intellectual leadership with operational and commercial rigour.
• Ambitious, passionate, collaborative and values driven leader with an ability to lead change and drive innovation.