Creative Schools Assistant (Open Competition)

A. Details       

Position: Creative Schools Assistant 

Grade: Clerical Officer (CO) 

Whole time equivalent: Full-time - 35 hours per week. 

Reports to: Programme Manager, Creative Schools and/or Manager, Creative Schools 

Duration: Permanent

Role closing date: 12 noon, Thursday 30th April, 2026.

B.           Department & Role Overview

The Arts Council is the Irish Government’s agency for supporting and promoting the arts in Ireland. We work in partnership with artists, arts organisations, public policy makers and others to build a central place for the arts in Irish life. 

The Creative Schools Assistant will provide key clerical and administrative support to Creative Schools, in line with the Creative Schools project plans. The Creative Schools Assistant will be a member of Creative Schools department and will work closely with all members of the department as well as supporting the work of contractors including Creative Associates. 

C.           Key Functions/Responsibility Areas (including but not limited to)

Provide administrative support and assistance to the Creative Schools Team:

• Management of Creative Schools email in-boxes.

• Respond to emails, phone calls and other correspondence.

• Set up POs and process invoices to external suppliers.

• Assist with the planning, organisation and note-taking of meetings.

• Support for and attendance at internal and external events as required.

• Support the collation and dissemination of information.

• Ensure records and files are accurate and up to date.

• Maintenance of data including stakeholder contact information.

• Prepare itineraries and organise travel.

Contribute to the effective running of the Creative Schools Award including supporting schools to apply and to manage their payment requests and other requirements.

• Process grant payments to schools and related administration in line with Arts Council guidelines and procedures (ensure compliance with Arts Council payment guidelines).

• Ensure that bank details and compliance with Child Safeguarding requirements are submitted as required.

• Verify tax compliance and other reporting requirements are in order.

• Provide regular updates on school payments at Creative Schools Team meetings.

Assist with the co-ordination and administration of training across Creative Schools

• Assist with organising venues, catering and helping to prepare materials and equipment for training. 

• Manage invitations and attendance lists. 

Assist with the co-ordination and administration of Creative Associates which may include:

• Process payments to Creative Associates and related administration in line with Arts Council guidelines and procedures.

• Communications with Creative Associates.

• Assist with the co-ordination of Garda vetting and reference checking.

Note: roles and responsibilities within the Arts Council are subject to change as per on-going and future organisational requirements and developments. Other duties appropriate to the grade that may be assigned from time to time.

D.           Key qualifications, skills and experience required

• A minimum of one to two years’ experience in a similar role.

• A proven record of excellent administration, including strong attention to detail.

• Very organised approach to prioritising and processing work, including record keeping.

• Strong ICT skills, including MS Office, in particular Outlook, Word, and Excel.  Prior experience of other ICT packages is desirable.

• Experience dealing with invoices, payments, or other financial tasks.

• Strong verbal and written communications skills and confidence dealing with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Flexible and enthusiastic in the context of a busy and demanding workplace.

• A demonstrated commitment and ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to work on her/his own initiative.

• A commitment to high standards of public service.

• The ability to communicate through the Irish language, both verbal and written, is desirable but not essential.