Job Title: Operations Manager (New Role) 

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer 
Location: Dublin-based with occasional national travel 
Employment Type: Full-time, 6-month contract with the potential for extension. 
Salary: €45,000- €55,000 (Commensurate with experience)

About Connections Arts Centre (CAC)

Connections Arts Centre (CAC) is a not-for-profit social enterprise, supporting neurodivergent adults, and adults with intellectual disabilities in Ireland.

CAC exists to enhance inclusivity and empowerment by tackling inequalities faced by individuals with disabilities, through the provision of accessible, innovative training, arts, and community education programmes. These specialised programmes cater to and support diverse learning requirements, ensuring that barriers to inclusion and participation for the disability community are overcome. CAC runs initiatives like Creative TY Connections and Connecting Artists, blending creativity with social inclusion and sustainable change.

Connections Arts Centre is a values-led organisation. We recruit individuals who are not only skilled and experienced but also deeply aligned with our values of inclusion, creativity, inclusion and integrity.

Website: https://www.connectionsartscentre.ie/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/connections-arts-centre/

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager is a key leadership role responsible for ensuring the smooth, effective, and scalable delivery of CAC’s operations. You will lead the implementation of our operational strategies, oversee daily processes, manage cross-functional teams and relationships, and contribute to the delivery of our strategic goals in alignment with our mission of inclusion through the arts.

With national ambitions and a growing platform, we are seeking an Operations Manager who will help us scale sustainably while protecting the values and culture that drive our work. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a mission-driven environment, balances structure with flexibility, and wants to use their operational skillset to make a real social impact.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Lead and coordinate day-to-day operations across CAC’s programmes, events, and digital platforms.
• Support the CEO in implementing the strategic plan, setting and monitoring organisational goals and KPIs.
• Maintain a culture of accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

Team Management

• Line-manage project staff, freelancers, and volunteers across CAC’s programmes.
• Ensure team clarity, motivation, and development through structured feedback, regular check-ins, and performance planning.
• Promote wellbeing, inclusion, and strong internal communication.

Programme & Partnership Delivery

• Ensure high-quality delivery of CAC’s education, community, training and creative programmes.
• Oversee partner and venue coordination, logistics, and scheduling.
• Develop strong working relationships with collaborators, funders, and service providers.

Finance & Risk

• Assist the CEO and Finance Manager in preparing and monitoring budgets.
• Support cost-control, procurement, and value-for-money initiatives.
• Maintain a risk register and lead on health and safety and data protection compliance.

Systems & Infrastructure

• Oversee CRM, project management, and communication systems for internal use.
• Lead efforts to improve workflows and documentation.
• Manage CAC's digital and physical assets (equipment, space, subscriptions).

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in an operational or management role, preferably in the arts, education, or not-for-profit sector.
• Strong leadership, planning, and team coordination skills.
• Experience managing budgets, operational systems, and cross-functional projects.
• Ability to problem-solve, adapt, and lead in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and digital communication skills.
• Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and the creative empowerment of people with disabilities.
• This role requires Garda Vetting

Desirable

• Experience in a scaling organisation or start-up social enterprise.
• Good working knowledge of digital tools and platforms, with the ability to oversee implementation and continuous improvement of tech solutions, especially CAC’s accessible online learning platform.
• Understanding of relevant legal and compliance obligations (e.g., HR, GDPR, safeguarding).

What We Offer

• A meaningful role in a purpose-led, growing organisation.
• A collaborative, inclusive workplace culture.
• Opportunities for personal and professional development.
• We offer flexible working arrangements, a values-driven culture, and opportunities for personal and professional development as part of a growing, purpose-led organisation.

How to Apply

Please note that interviews will be held on a rolling basis and may commence upon receipt of suitable applications.

Please send your CV, references, and a short cover letter outlining your interest and experience to miriam@connectionsartscentre.ie by 23 August.