Development Executive

Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland

At Fís Eireann/Screen Ireland we are looking for new Talent to join our growing team. You will become part of a talented and diverse community of employees whose mission and passion are to promote and support the development of Irish Film, Television Drama, Animation, Documentary, Visual Effects and Digital Games Industries. 

As the national agency for the Irish film, television drama, animation, and documentary industry, Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland is the creative partner to the sector, investing in talent, creativity, and enterprise.  We are inspired by original storytelling that will emotionally move audiences at home and abroad. Through a wide range of practical funding supports across development, production, distribution, promotion and skills development, Screen Ireland supports the sector at every stage. We support filmmakers in their creative pursuit to share valuable artistic, cultural, and commercial stories on screen.

OUR CULTURE & COMMITMENTS

At Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland, we are proud to foster a workplace culture built on creativity, inclusion, and respect. We place equal importance on wellbeing, lifelong learning, sustainability, and equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We actively support our employees to thrive personally and professionally, offering opportunities to grow their skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and be part of a collaborative community. We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the audiences we serve and the stories we support on screen. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who meet the requirements of the role, and we celebrate the unique contributions that each person brings to our organisation.

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.

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.

JOB GRADE / REPORTING LINE

JOB GRADE               
It is anticipated that in order to have the required skills and competencies, the Higher Executive Officer posts will be at the First Point level.

REPORTING LINE(S)
This role reports to the Development Manager and works closely with the Heads of Television and Feature Film, as well as the wider Production and Development team, to ensure effective communication and team synergy. Reporting structures may be reviewed periodically to reflect business needs.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

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.

KEY REQUIREMENTS ESSENTIAL

• A relevant third-level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Film, Television, Media Studies, Communications, Business, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Teams) and confidence working with digital systems, tools, and internal databases
• Minimum of three years’ experience in a comparable role within screen content development, production, public sector, or arts and cultural organisations.
• Demonstrated script development and editorial expertise, including experience providing structured story and script analysis, and delivering clear, constructive feedback.
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong working relationships with a range of stakeholders, including creative talent, funders, and broadcasters.
• A collaborative team player with the ability to contribute positively to a dynamic, strategic, and creative working environment.

KEY SKILLS - PAS CAPABILITY FRAMEWORK

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

• Building Future Readiness
• Evidence-Informed Delivery
• Leading and Empowering
• Communicating and Collaborating

*Accessible Plaintext of the Capability Framework for the various public sector grades is available at: Capability Framework

1.      Core Capability: Building Future Readiness
The postholder will demonstrate adaptability, innovation, and strategic awareness in anticipating and responding to change. They will confidently embrace digital tools and emerging technologies to enhance efficiency and impact, remain alert to sectoral and organisational developments, and translate insights into practical actions. A commitment to continuous learning and knowledge sharing will support both individual growth and the organisation’s long-term resilience.

2.      Core Capability: Evidence-Informed Delivery
The postholder will make sound, evidence-based decisions that support effective planning and measurable outcomes. They will use research, data, and analysis to inform recommendations, apply critical thinking and judgement in problem-solving, and monitor progress against objectives. A strong results orientation and commitment to continuous improvement will ensure the delivery of high-quality outputs that align with organisational priorities.

3.      Core Capability: Leading & Empowering
At this level, leadership is demonstrated through ownership, initiative, and collaboration. The postholder will take accountability for achieving agreed objectives, support and guide colleagues to perform effectively, and foster a positive, inclusive, and respectful team culture. By modelling professionalism and working collaboratively across functions, they will help achieve shared goals and organisational success.

4.      Core Capability: Communicating & Collaborating
Effective communication and collaboration are central to this role. The postholder will communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally in all formats, tailoring their approach to different audiences. They will build strong, productive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, contribute actively to team discussions, and use tact, diplomacy, and influence to achieve outcomes and maintain constructive working relationships.

5.      Core Capability: Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 
The postholder will actively promote and apply equality, diversity, and inclusion principles in all aspects of their work. They will foster a culture of respect, fairness, and belonging, ensuring inclusive communication and equitable participation in organisational processes. Through awareness, learning, and role modelling, they will contribute to a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued and where Screen Ireland’s commitment to inclusive practice is consistently upheld.

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.

ROLE DETAILS AND TERMS

• This position is at the Higher Executive Officer level and is remunerated at €59,435 per annum. This role will be filled in line with Public Pay Policy at the first point of this Salary Scale unless the successful candidate is appointed from an existing public sector role. Application of 1 February 2026 pay adjustments.
• This is a full-time, fixed-term, three-year contract.
• The successful candidate will be required to sign the Screen Ireland Code of Conduct.
• The role will have a 6-month probation period.
• Will report directly to the Development Manager.
• The post will be based in Dublin/Galway.
• Annual leave (excluding bank holidays) of 29 days.
• Start Date as soon as possible.

ELIGIBILITY TO COMPETE & CERTAIN RESTRICTIONS ON ELIGIBILITY

Citizenship Requirement Eligible candidates must be: 
 

• A citizen of the European Economic Area (EEA). The EEA consists of the Member States of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway;
• A citizen of the United Kingdom (UK);
• A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or A non-EEA citizen who has a stamp 4 visa1 or a stamp 5 visa.

To qualify, candidates must be eligible by the date of any job offer.