Development Executive Higher Executive Officer

Role Overview

The Development Executive is a key role within Screen Ireland’s Production and Development team, contributing to the creative development of screen content across both the Irish and English languages. While fluency in Irish is not essential, a strong understanding is highly desirable and will be advantageous. The postholder will support and contribute to a broad portfolio of development projects spanning feature film, TV drama, and animation, with a particular emphasis on Irish language content.

This role requires strong editorial insight and a deep understanding of screenwriting, storytelling, and the Irish audiovisual landscape. Working collaboratively within the Production and Development team, the Development Executive will support and contribute to project evaluation, talent development, and the delivery of high-quality, original screen content that aligns with Screen Ireland’s wider strategy and funding priorities.

The postholder will work collaboratively with film and Television creators and internal colleagues, providing structured feedback to support creative growth, and championing diverse and compelling content capable of reaching Irish and international audiences.

The role reports to the Development Manager and may evolve in line with organisational priorities.

Function Overview

The Production and Development function at Screen Ireland is to oversee and support the creation and advancement of film and television projects. This involves providing funding, guidance, and resources to film and Television creators to facilitate the development, production, and distribution of high-quality Irish films and television content. Additionally, the team are responsible for talent development initiatives and industry collaborations to promote the growth and sustainability of the Irish film and television sector.

Project Development Oversight

• Support and contribute to the development of individual projects across the slate, assisting talent at all stages of the creative lifecycle.
• Support the review and assessment of applications for development funding, providing structured feedback and recommendations in line with Screen Ireland’s editorial standards.
• Provide clear, constructive editorial direction to writers and creative teams—both verbally and in writing—to enhance the quality, originality, and viability of screen projects.
• Contribute to shaping the development trajectory of projects, including narrative, structure, tone, audience alignment, and market positioning.

Slate and Organisational Development

• Support the coordination and delivery of development activity across Screen Ireland’s project slate in collaboration with the Development Manager and relevant team members.
• Assist in the rollout of development schemes or initiatives aimed at supporting creative talent, storytelling diversity, and project readiness.
• Help track project progress and gather information to support internal planning, reporting, and evaluation processes.

Governance and Reporting

• Attend and contribute to internal review meetings and cross-functional working groups.
• Ensure that all development activity is conducted in line with public sector governance, organisational policies, and EDI principles.

Operational and Team Support

• Provide input into continuous improvement of development processes, templates, and workflows.
• Support the delivery of workshops, training sessions, or public engagements as required.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues across departments to ensure consistency, knowledge-sharing, and joined-up working.

This job description is not intended to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities.  Additional duties may be assigned based on business operational needs.

Team Leadership

• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, managers, and external partners to support effective teamwork and cross-functional communication within a dynamic creative environment.
• Willingness to take ownership of assigned responsibilities while contributing to a culture of support, innovation, and accountability across the Production and Development team.

Analysis and Decision Making

• Strong editorial and analytical skills, including the ability to assess creative content and development proposals, provide clear written recommendations, and support effective funding decisions.
• Confident in using data and digital systems to inform decision-making, track progress, and contribute to continuous improvement of schemes and workflows.

Delivery of Results

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality outputs across complex and fast-paced project portfolios.
• Strong planning, coordination and organisational skills with an adaptable and proactive approach to managing competing demands.

Interpersonal and Communication Skills

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing assessments, feedback notes, and reports for a variety of audiences.
• Skilled at developing and maintaining productive working relationships with stakeholders including writers, producers, broadcasters, and funding bodies.

Specialist Knowledge and Expertise

• A sound understanding of film and television development processes, including script evaluation, project assessment, and editorial direction.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Teams), with an openness to learning and applying new digital tools as required.

Drive and Commitment to Public Service Values

• A clear commitment to public service values, including integrity, transparency, and the delivery of high-quality service in the public interest.
• Demonstrated commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work, and supporting a positive organisational culture.
• Enthusiasm for the Irish screen industry, with the ability to represent Screen Ireland with professionalism and passion at sector events and in stakeholder engagement.

Desirable Attributes 

• A strong command of the Irish language is highly desirable and would be considered a significant advantage.
• Strong project management and coordination skills, with the ability to plan, implement and track initiatives from concept through to delivery.
• An innovative and entrepreneurial mindset, with the confidence to contribute fresh ideas, design impactful initiatives, and support talent development in creative and practical ways.
• Understanding of corporate governance and compliance within the public sector, including awareness of accountability, transparency, and funding oversight obligations.
• A deep and diverse appreciation for screen content, with eclectic tastes, cultural curiosity, and a willingness to support original and ambitious ideas, balanced by the ability to critically and objectively assess applications, project progress, and development outcomes.
• Knowledge of the Irish screen sector and broader cultural landscape, with an understanding of industry funding mechanisms, development processes, and sectoral challenges.
• Experience or interest in supporting initiatives that promote sustainability, wellbeing, and diversity, equity and inclusion in the screen sector.

PAS Competency Framework

In accordance with the PAS Competency Framework, candidates will undergo assessment and interviews focusing on the following Core Competencies: 

• Team Leadership
• Judgement, Analysis & Decision Making
• Management & Delivery of Results
• Interpersonal & Communication Skills
• Specialist Knowledge, Expertise and Self Development
• Drive & Commitment to Public Service Values

* The candidate should possess a comprehensive understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion principles and demonstrate a commitment to promoting and embedding these values within Screen Ireland. This includes fostering an inclusive culture and championing diversity in all aspects of Screen Ireland’s practices and decision-making processes.