Join Our Team
Welcome to the Irish Deaf Society’s careers page! We’re thrilled that you’re considering joining our team. As a leading advocacy organisation for the Deaf community in Ireland, we’re committed to improving the lives of Deaf people and promoting equal access to all areas of society.
We’re looking for passionate, dedicated people who share our vision and want to make a difference. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out in your career, we offer a positive and inclusive workplace where you can grow and thrive.
At the Irish Deaf Society, you’ll have the opportunity to work on a range of projects and initiatives, from raising awareness about Deaf culture to advocating for policy changes that benefit the Deaf community. You’ll collaborate with a diverse team of experts, including Deaf and hearing professionals, to bring about positive change and make a real impact.
If you’re committed to making a difference and want to join a positive and inclusive team, we encourage you to explore our current job openings and apply today. Don’t see a current opening that matches your skills and experience? Keep checking back for upcoming job opportunities – we’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our team.
Thank you for your interest in the Irish Deaf Society. We look forward to hearing from you!
Current Job Openings:
Advocacy Administrator
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Term: Permanent contract subject to probation.
Salary: From €35,000 to €40,000 depending on experience
Starting Date: As soon as possible subject to notice and availability of successful candidate
Location: Primary workplace is IDS offices in Dublin 7, Hyrid, majority work hours from office due to role requirements.
Application Deadline: Friday 6th February 2026
Interview: Tuesday 17th February 2026
Role Description
Overview of the Job
The Advocacy Administrator works closely with the Advocacy Manager and oversees the administration of the Deaf advocacy service.
Main duties and responsibilities
- To prepare report about Advocacy activities and achievement including working with the team to coordinate gathering and analysis of information about services and projects, including proof reading of the monthly management reports.
- To work with the Research & Policy Officer and Advocacy team to support the preparation of policy submissions
- To market, manage and develop Deaf Awareness Training provided to corporate and state clients. Creating and providing course materials for Deaf Awareness Training, as well as giving presentations and seminars to other organisations to raise awareness of Deaf people.
- Work with the manager to review and develop administrative systems and procedures and to support communication with the Advocacy team as required by the manager.
- Work with the team to research, propose and support on applications for grants and funding schemes applicate to the advocacy service
- Review and answer correspondence, relating to the advocacy service through various channels
- To provide advocacy on Deaf-related issues to the individuals and groups
- Support the Advocacy team managing admin tasks including phone bookings related to engagement with the Peer Advocate Network and IDS National Council of Deaf organisations as needed.
- Support with community events (e.g. ISL Week)
- To work with the manager to monitor quality performance of a program or project.
- Manage advocacy client queries
- Perform other duties consistent with this role, as required.
Key Competencies
Essential:
- Fluency in Irish Sign Language.
- Be highly organised, accurate and with strong attention to detail.
- Have experience managing relationships with external organisations and stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams.
- Be IT proficient with strong skills in Office Productivity Tools (e.g., MS Office) and collaboration and training tools such as MS Teams / Zoom and similar modern office solutions.
- Be able to work to deadlines and measurable objectives.
- Have a proven ability to work under their own initiative, and as part of a team.
Qualifications
- Bachelor in Deaf Studies, Trinity College - Deaf Studies or equivalent
- Community development or social service qualifications an advantage
Experience
Essential experience:
• Relevant experience in comparable position.
Desirable experience:
• Experience in the Deaf community an advantage.
• Experience in the Community and Voluntary sector.
Submitting your Cover letter and CV
Please send a cover letter (save as either MS Word or PDF documents) explaining why you are suitable for the role with your CV by email to jobs@irishdeafsociety.ie by the end of the day on Friday 6th February 2026, please make sure to add “Advocacy Administrator” in the subject field of your email.
Interviews will be on Tuesday 17th February 2026. If you are unable to attend for interview on this date, please state so clearly in your email so that we can organise an alternative date.
**If you are unable to attend for interview on this date, please state so clearly in your email.
You can find out more about the Irish Deaf Society at: www.deaf.ie, www.facebook.com/IrishDeafSociety, www.twitter.com/IrishDeafSoc
Advocacy: Development Officer
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
Term: Permanent contract subject to probation.
Salary: Starting salary €40,000 to €45,000 per annum depending on experience
Benefits: 22 days annual leave, time off in lieu, additional days leave during Christmas break, 6 weeks paid sick leave.
Starting Date: As soon as possible subject to notice and availability of successful candidate
Location: IDS offices in Dublin 7, required to work from office full-time.
Application Deadline: Friday 6th February 2026
Interview: Tuesday 17th February 2026 (candidate meeting time to be confirmed)
Role Description
Overview of the Job
The Development Officer will manage and support the National Council members, who are part of IDS's network of Deaf-led organisations throughout Ireland. The appointed person will be responsible for developing strategies to identify their needs, facilitate their participation in decision-making processes, and create appropriate services to meet those needs. Also, the appointed person will be expected to assist the Advocacy Manager and the Advocacy Department in achieving the objectives of the IDS Strategic Plan 2023-2025. This role involves regular out of hours work and travel to regional locations throughout Ireland.
About IDS
The Irish Deaf Society (IDS) is the national Deaf-led representative organisation of 5,000 Deaf people whose preferred language is Irish Sign Language (ISL). Our mission is to achieve equality and rights of Deaf people in Ireland. The ambition of full access to citizenship and society is sought through the empowerment and mobilisation of the Deaf community.
See more information about IDS and our Mission and Strategic Plan 2023 – 2025, in the ‘About’ section of our website: www.deaf.ie.
Role Purpose: Advocacy Development Officer
The Advocacy Development Officer supports Deaf-led groups and individuals to address community needs and achieve their goals through activities such as capacity building, project management, and advocacy. The role involves working with stakeholders to implement initiatives, secure funding, build partnerships, and empower Deaf communities to drive social change, strengthen advocacy, and improve quality of life.
Main duties and responsibilities
Advocacy & Community Engagement
- Engage directly with Deaf individuals, groups, and organisations with respect for Deaf Culture and ISL.
- Coordinate and support regional engagement activities, including meetings, consultations, and community initiatives.
- Build and maintain relationships with local, regional, and national Deaf organisations to gather views and inform IDS advocacy, research, and policy development.
- Support Deaf individuals and groups to understand their rights and participate effectively in advocacy and decision-making processes.
- Raise awareness of Deaf issues in the community and through public engagement initiatives.
Development & Capacity Building
- Design, develop, and deliver advocacy and community development initiatives that respond to identified needs.
- Lead capacity-building programmes for Deaf-led groups, including training in governance, leadership, volunteer management, and sustainability.
- Assist groups in planning, developing, maintaining, and evaluating structured programmes, projects, and community resources.
- Support strategic planning and organisational development to ensure long-term sustainability of Deaf-led initiatives.
Projects, Sustainability & Funding
- Develop and manage development projects, defining objectives, timelines, outcomes, and evaluation methods.
- Identify funding opportunities aligned with IDS priorities and support the preparation of funding applications, reports, and compliance.
- Support innovative approaches such as pilot projects, partnerships, or social enterprise initiatives.
Strategic Advocacy & Partnerships
- Build and maintain partnerships with statutory bodies, funders, and other stakeholders to advance Deaf advocacy and community development goals.
- Represent IDS on relevant committees, working groups, and forums.
- Contribute to policy advocacy by providing evidence from community engagement and development initiatives.
Monitoring, Learning & Reporting
- Gather, analyse, and report on community and project feedback, goals, outcomes, and performance indicators.
- Produce reports, submissions, and briefings to demonstrate the impact and value of development and advocacy work.
Organisational Support
- Advise the Advocacy Manager on emerging issues and strategic development priorities.
- Undertake administrative and coordination tasks necessary to support advocacy and development initiatives.
- Perform other duties aligned with the purpose of the role as required.
Key Competencies
Language & Community Knowledge
- Fluency and excellent proficiency in Irish Sign Language (ISL).
- Experience working or volunteering within the Deaf community, including engagement with regional Deaf clubs and organisations.
- Strong understanding of community development principles and engagement practices.
Project & Development Skills
- Ability to plan, organise, and manage projects from start to finish.
- Experience in capacity-building initiatives, programme development, or community-led projects.
- Knowledge of funding processes, grant applications, and fundraising activities.
- Skilled in careful planning, scheduling, and management of tasks and goals.
Communication & Leadership
- Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills, particularly in interactive settings.
- Strong leadership, influencing, and mentoring abilities to support Deaf-led initiatives.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and community groups.
Administration & IT Skills
- Strong organisational skills, including accurate record-keeping, reporting, and data analysis.
- Competent in computer systems and office software; good command of English.
Practical Requirements
- Personal contact and travel within regional communities as required.
- Clean driving license and access to a car.
- Availability to attend occasional evening meetings or weekend activities.
- Flexibility in working arrangements to meet the needs of the role and community initiatives.
Personal Attributes
- Highly motivated and proactive.
- Strategic thinking and innovative problem-solving skills.
- Adaptable and able to work independently as well as part of a team.
Submitting your Cover letter and CV
Please send a cover letter (save as either MS Word or PDF documents) explaining why you are suitable for the role with your CV by email to jobs@irishdeafsociety.ie by the end of the day on Friday 6th February 2026, please make sure to add “Advocacy Development Officer” in the subject field of your email.
Interviews will be on Tuesday 17th February. If you are unable to attend for interview on this date, please state so clearly in your email so that we can organise an alternative date.
You can find out more about the Irish Deaf Society at: www.deaf.ie, www.facebook.com/IrishDeafSociety, www.twitter.com/IrishDeafSoc