Manager – Cultural Groups

🌟 JOB ALERT 🌟

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated professional to join EIL/AFS Ireland as Manager of the Cultural Groups Department.

ABOUT EIL/AFS IRELAND

EIL/AFS Ireland is an Irish non-profit organisation based in Cork. Our mission is to provide intercultural learning experiences that enrich lives and inspire global citizenship to people of all ages and backgrounds. We offer a wide range of educational and cultural exchange programmes, including Study Abroad, Volunteer Abroad, Language Learning, and Global Citizenship Education, as well as Explore Scholarship Travel Awards and Cultural Group Education Programmes. As an educational charity, EIL/AFS Ireland is committed to promoting inclusion, equality, environmental sustainability, and global peace.

Learn more about who we are and what we do HERE.

THE OPPORTUNITY

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated professional to join EIL/AFS Ireland as Manager of the Cultural Groups Department.

This full-time leadership role will oversee the planning, delivery, and development of EIL/AFS Ireland’s cultural and academic group programmes, facilitating meaningful learning experiences for over 1,500 participants annually. The role has a strong operational and partnership focus, with particular responsibility for managing EIL’s longstanding collaboration with Road Scholar – the “University of the World for Lifelong Learners” – as well as a diverse portfolio of cultural immersion events and educational programmes delivered across Ireland.

The Manager will lead departmental operations to ensure the highest standards of programme quality, participant experience, and partner engagement. Working closely with international partners, programme educators/facilitators, service providers, and internal teams, they will ensure the smooth delivery of enriching, person-centred programmes that align with EIL/AFS Ireland’s mission of fostering global understanding and lifelong learning.

Road Scholar programmes are designed to open minds to new ideas and deepen understanding of the world’s peoples, places, cultures, histories, and environments. The Manager of Cultural Groups will play a central role in translating this ethos into impactful, well-managed experiences that are often transformational for participants.

The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership, excellent organisational and relationship-management skills, and a collaborative, solutions-focused approach. They will bring strategic insight alongside hands-on operational capability, ensuring the continued growth, sustainability, and innovation of EIL/AFS Ireland’s cultural group offerings.

Key Competencies

The postholder ensures the successful delivery of group and faculty-led programmes by leading teams effectively, demonstrating strong time management and forward planning, and managing resources responsibly. The role actively fosters a positive, inclusive organisational culture, embraces organisational change, and supports continuous improvement, while building strong, values-led partnerships. The role balances strategic oversight with practical decision-making, particularly during the summer programme season.

Key Responsibilities
  • Lead, support, and develop a team of Programme Coordinators and seasonal Group Leaders.
  • Plan and oversee the delivery of group programmes, ensuring quality, safety, and positive participant experiences, with a strong emphasis on forward planning and effective time management.
  • Manage departmental budgets and resources with care, transparency, and accountability.
  • Build, negotiate, and maintain strong relationships with partners and vendors in Ireland, as well as overseas partners, faculty leaders, accommodation providers, and service partners.
  • Liaise closely with Road Scholar in the U.K. to support programme alignment and delivery.
  • Act as a point of escalation for operational issues, safeguarding concerns, and risk management.
  • Work collaboratively with the Senior Management Team (SMT) to support effective programme delivery.
  • Ensure programmes reflect EIL / AFS Ireland and Road Scholar’s mission, values, and commitment to intercultural learning.
  • Provide weekly reports to the Head of Programmes (HoP) and monthly reports to the CEO, ensuring accurate and timely communication and oversight.
Qualifications

Essential

  • A third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher) in a relevant discipline such as:
    • Business, Management, or Accounting
    • International Education or Education
    • Social Sciences, Humanities, or Cultural Studies
    • Tourism, Hospitality, or Programme Management
      (or equivalent relevant professional experience)

Desirable

  • A third-level qualification (Level 7 or higher) in a relevant discipline such as:
    • A postgraduate qualification in:
      • Management or Leadership
      • Accounting, Finance, or Business
      • International, European, or Intercultural Studies
    • Professional training or certification in one or more of the following:
      • Budget management or financial reporting
      • Project or programme management
      • Safeguarding and child protection
      • Risk management, health & safety, or compliance
    • Sector-recognised accreditation relevant to educational travel or programme delivery.
Skills & Experience
  • Proven people leadership skills with experience managing and developing permanent and seasonal teams.
  • Strong time management and forward planning abilities, with experience overseeing multiple programmes or operations simultaneously.
  • Demonstrated experience in programme, operational, or service delivery, ideally within education, travel, or youth-focused environments.
  • Sound understanding of budget management, financial oversight, and responsible use of resources.
  • Proven ability to build, negotiate, and maintain effective relationships with partners and vendors in Ireland and overseas, including U.K.-based partners.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with experience reporting clearly and regularly to senior leadership.
  • Ability to act as a point of escalation for operational issues, safeguarding concerns, and risk management.
  • Strong alignment with the mission, values, and commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and intercultural learning of EIL / AFS Ireland and Road Scholar.
Benefits
  • Full-time role with a hybrid working model.
  • Salary: €45,000, depending on experience.
  • Benefits include pension contribution, 22 days annual leave, flexible working options, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and growth opportunities.

APPLICATION DETAILS

Application Deadline: Noon, Friday, 13th February 2026
How to Apply: Please email your CV and a cover letter (outlining your interest in the role, relevant skills, and experience) to [email protected]

**Applicants must have the right to work in Ireland at the time of application.**

Applicants will be shortlisted based on the information provided. Interviews will take place in person at: Classic House, 11–13 Washington Street, Cork, T12 NHP1.

EIL/AFS Ireland is an equal opportunity employer.