Competition deadline extended to 4.00pm Thursday 11 September 2025. Galway City Council is currently inviting applications from suitably qualified persons for the post of Head of Tourism, (5 Year Contract) (analogous to Grade VIII) which future relevant vacancies may be filled subject to sanction approval from the Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government. The Head of Tourism is a new key senior management position within the City Council and is assigned to a service delivery area or to support a functional area as required. The Head of Tourism will work under the direction and management of the Director of Urban Development or analogous grade or other employee designated by the Chief Executive as appropriate. The Head of Tourism will work as part of the Directorate's senior management team and will oversee the implementation of the City's plans and projects and to support engagement substantively with the wider public authority environment as well as key tourism stakeholders across the City. The duties to be assigned include the following although this list is not exhaustive and may be reviewed from time to time as organisational needs require : The Head of Tourism will report directly to, and support, the Director for Urban Development. They will have the following tourism specific responsibilities at a senior management level: Managing the internal tourism affairs of the Council within the framework of the Corporate Plan and Management Team Objectives. Ensuring that the Council progresses implementation of the Galway City Tourism Strategy in partnership with key stakeholders. Managing external relationships across a broad range of business activities, i.e. Galway Tourism, Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland, Bord Fáilte, the relevant State and semi-state Agencies, Shannon Heritage, Shannon Group, local tourism interests, other stakeholders, etc. To lead and direct the resources of the Tourism Department staff team to deliver their work programme. Development of investment proposals in the Galway City tourism product and management of local and international funding opportunities to ensure continued investment in the tourism package in Galway City. To drive and develop the marketing of the City in line with the broader Corporate approach. Building capacity and animation on tourism in the City in line with the Social and Economic Development objectives. Leading and directing the Council's tourism social media offering and liaison with the Communications Unit. Attendance at relevant events and seminars both locally and internationally as appropriate in order to build linkages with industry and investors. Align the Tourism strategies and resources with those of the wider directorate and across the organisation as a whole to ensure positive synergies are generated.
This vacancy is suitable for Remote/Blended working
