Head of Connected Hubs and Digital Innovation

About the WDC

The Western Development Commission (WDC) is a statutory body whose role is to promote the social and economic development of the western region of Ireland. The WDC works with a range of stakeholders to support sustainable and inclusive growth in the region and has a strong track record of delivering impactful initiatives and programmes.

Culture of the WDC

At the WDC, we are committed to creating a positive and supportive work environment where employees can thrive and make a difference. Our culture is defined by teamwork, innovation, and a deep sense of purpose. We value diversity, respect for different perspectives, and a willingness to learn and grow. If you are passionate about making a difference in the western region of Ireland and want to be part of a dynamic and collaborative team, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Purpose of position

The successful candidate will be appointed on a Temporary Specified-Purpose Contractto lead the ongoing development of the Connected Hubs programme (National Hub Network) during this defined period. The role will ensure continuity, strategic direction and effective programme management for this national initiative. The role will also contribute to the Western Development Commission's (WDC) work in digital innovation, supporting regional development through digital adoption.

The person appointed will be responsible for the governance, management and development of the Connected Hubs programme (National Hub Network), liaison with the Department of Rural and Community Developmentand the Gaeltacht (DRCDG) and engaging with state, community and private stakeholders to deliver on strategic outcomes. The successful candidate will have demonstrable project management experience. Experience in the development of remote working policy, peer network development involving coworking, enterprise, remote and community led hubs. Experience in digital transformation and digital innovation is also a requirement.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Chief Executive of the WDC and form part of the WDC's senior management team.

Key responsibilities

The Head of Connected Hubs and Digital Innovation will be responsible for the development and growth of the Connected Hubs programme (National Hub Network). This work will align with the strategic goals of the WDC strategy, 'Unlocking Potential, Driving Change' and Our Rural Future, the Government plan for Rural Development, led by the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Gaeltacht, and the pending National Hub Strategy which is nearing final approval.

The job holder will:

• Provide leadership for the further development of the Connected Hubs Programme (National Hub Network) by building on existing growth opportunities and identifying new opportunities.
• Manage the hubs budget and team (currently four direct reports) and associated deliverables.
• Liaise with the Department of Community and Rural Development and the Gaeltacht and the Hubs Network representatives.
• Lead external and internal stakeholder communication and manage engagement to ensure effective delivery of the project objectives
• Be responsible for the identification and tracking of project risk and risk management
• Ensure on-time delivery of specific outputs, reporting and project templates
• Contribute to WDC digital innovation projects and strategic priorities.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen digital ecosystems and regional innovation.
• Support policy development and research related to remote and hybrid working and digital inclusion.
• Ensure compliance with public sector governance, procurement, and reporting requirements.
• Work as part of the WDC's senior management team.

The above is not, and does not purport to be, a comprehensive list of all duties involved and consequently, the post holder may be required to perform other duties as appropriate to the post which may be assigned to them from time to time and to contribute to the development of the post.

Eligibility Criteria and Experience Experience

Essential Criteria:

Applicants must by the closing date of application have the following:

• Proven track record in the management and delivery of complex projects and associated budgets across IT and business-related projects (five years' experience).
• Demonstrable experience of strong stakeholder engagement and partnerships skills.
• Proven track record in successfully delivering fixed price contracts and public sector procurement.
• Knowledge of remote, blended and hybrid work policy or practice as it applies in regional development.
• Knowledge of digital innovation, digital policy, or technology-led initiatives.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Desirable Criteria

• Level 8 qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience in community and enterprise development initiatives.
• Strong team leader with experience of building and leading a team of both direct reports and non-direct reports.
• Project management qualification (e.g., PRINCE2 / PMP or equivalent).

Key Competencies

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

Further details on the Civil Service Competency Framework is available here.

Conditions

All appointments are subject to the Western Development Commission Act 1998 and staff must agree to the WDC Code of Business Conduct under the Code of Practice for the Governance of State Bodies.

Contract Type: Temporary (Fixed-Term and Specified-Purpose) Duration: Up to 3 years. This contract is linked to the secondment of the substantive post holder. The appointment will terminate upon the return of the substantive post holder to their role, or on 10th May 2029, whichever is earlier.

Probation: The appointment is subject to the satisfactory completion of a 6-month probationary period.

Due to the nature of this role, the successful candidate will hold a full driving license and have access to transport as this post will involve travel nationally. When absent from home and your designated office location on official duty, you will be paid accordingly. The candidate should also be prepared to undertake occasional international travel in the undertaking of their duties.

The WDC Head Office is in Ballaghaderreen, Co. Roscommon. WDC staff are also located in Galway, Letterkenny and Sligo. The successful candidate may seek to be located in Ballaghaderreen, Galway or Sligo in line with the remote working policy of the WDC.

The salary scale for this post will be equivalent to that of the Civil Service Assistant Principal Standard Scale:

The salary scale for this post is the Assistant Principle (AP) Standard Scale as follows (effective 1st February 2026):

€82,290 - €85,320 - €88,393 - €91,475 - €94,553 - €96,329 - €99,433 LSI1 - €102,550 LSI2

In addition:

• A further general round increase of 1% will apply on 1st June 2026.

Please note: The starting salary for the person appointed to this post will be the first pointon the above scale unless the successful application has previous public sector experience as per circular 08/2019.

Remote First

At the WDC, we follow the Government's / our parent Department's guidance in extending remote working to all employees. In order to provide flexibility and opportunities for dynamic collaboration and work / life balance. We believe in harnessing technology to drive innovation and maximize efficiency, empowering our team to thrive in a flexible work environment. We promote in-person collaboration and attendance at our offices located in Sligo, Galway, Letterkenny and Ballaghaderreen, when it is required or warranted. New staff or those on probation may initially work on-site more frequently until completing role induction, as decided by their manager or the CEO.

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

As part of the application process, applicants are required to submit the following documentation:

1. A comprehensive curriculum vitae (CV), detailing experience relevant to the position (maximum of three pages);
2. A short cover letter or personal statement (maximum of two page) outlining the applicant's motivation for applying for the post and demonstrating how their skills and experience meet the requirements of the position.

Both documents should be combined and submitted as a single Word document or PDF, saved using the format FirstName.Surname.

Applications stored on personal online storage sites (e.g., OneDrive, Cloud, DropBox, etc or applications in other file formats (e.g., Google Docs) will not be accepted.

Please note that omission of any or part of the two requested documents, in a single document, will render the application incomplete. Incomplete applications will not be considered for the next stage of the selection process.

Please email your application to

Closing Date:

Monday 18th May 2026 at 5pm

The WDC is an equal opportunities employer.

Canvassing will disqualify.

Ba bhuntáiste é líofacht sa Ghaeilge.