Chief Executive Officer: Irish Planning Institute

The Irish Planning Institute, the all-island professional body for planners, is seeking an experienced and strategic leader to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer.

 

Role Summary

The Chief Executive is responsible for the strategic leadership, management and operation of the Irish Planning Institute (IPI), the all-island professional body for planners, which is a company limited by guarantee. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Chief Executive leads the Institute’s strategy, governance, membership services, policy and advocacy work, accreditation, education and professional development activities and events, while acting as its principal representative with members, government and stakeholders.

 

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • Strategic Leadership, Policy and Stakeholder Engagement
  • Operational and Organisational Management
  • People Leadership and Governance Support
  • Financial Management and Business Development
  • Governance, Risk and Compliance

 

The Successful Candidate Will Have

  • A relevant third-level qualification in planning, public policy, sustainable development, the built environment, management or a related discipline.
  • A minimum of five years’ senior leadership or executive management experience, ideally within a professional body, membership organisation, public sector organisation, higher education institution, consultancy, representative body, regulatory environment, or a related sector.
  • Demonstrated experience of strategic leadership, organisational development and successful delivery of corporate objectives.
  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, financial oversight, risk management and reporting to boards or governance bodies.
  • Proven experience of stakeholder engagement and relationship management, including working with government departments, public bodies, professional members, partner organisations and external stakeholders.
  • Excellent written, verbal and public communication skills, with experience representing an organisation externally and advocating on policy or professional issues.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of corporate governance, compliance, risk management and board-led organisations.
  • Strong critical thinking, analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
  • A commitment to professional standards, equality, diversity and inclusion.
  • The ability to lead, motivate and develop a small team while fostering a positive, collaborative and high-performing organisational culture.

 

Remuneration and Benefits

  • Competitive salary
  • 30 days’ annual leave
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Employer-supported PRSA arrangements
  • Cycle to Work Scheme

To Apply

For a copy of the full Job Specification or for informal and confidential enquiries about the role, please contact [email protected].

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter to the above email address by 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday, 11 November 2026.