Managing Editor, Rté Radio 1

RTÉ is Ireland's national public-service media organisation. We are embarking upon an ambitious and exciting 5-year transformation strategy to update the way we run the organisation. Our mission is to serve as an independent source of stories, news, information, and entertainment for Ireland, reflecting the diversity of its people and providing experiences that enrich the lives of all.

This sense of purpose motivates us to deliver to the highest standards in an environment that is collaborative, supportive, and engaging. Attracting and retaining the best talent is key in delivering to our audiences. We want our people to thrive in an environment that values their output.

Meet the team:
RTÉ Radio 1 is the most listened to radio station in Ireland. Its wide range of award-winning programmes sets the standard for quality, variety, and popular appeal in Irish radio. It is a centre of excellence in Public Service Broadcasting; from agenda setting current affairs, arts, drama & documentary strands, music, sports, and entertainment programming.

RTÉ is seeking to appoint a creative, energetic and dynamic Managing Editor to join our Radio 1 team. Reporting to the Head of Radio 1, this role will be critical as RTÉ Radio 1 embarks on a significant period of transformation.

As Managing Editor you will lead, inspire and manage creative teams, to produce content cross platform that delivers on the needs of our target audience and edit output to the highest editorial standard and in line with RTÉ editorial guidelines.

The role carries with it the duty to reflect RTÉ’s public service remit and to participate and engage at senior level with the development of RTÉ Radio 1’s future strategy. It also involves a significant line management role including budgeting and staff performance.

This role will be a key member of the Radio 1 management team and will deputise for the Head of Radio 1 as required.

About the role:

• Support the development, management, and creation of content for Radio 1 with a view across the schedule and all genres
• Work closely with the editors, presenters, production, technical and support teams across Radio 1 to ensure excellent editorial standards and audio quality for our audiences
• Assess and oversee the RTÉ Radio 1’s internal production processes, ensuring an infrastructure that facilitates a creative environment
• Ensure RTÉ Radio 1’s output meets RTÉ’s obligations as Irelands Public Service Media, addresses the needs of key stakeholders, reflects culture in Ireland and contemporary society
• Provide creative, positive and collaborative leadership across Radio 1
• Manage resources in accordance with the annual programme and business plan and agreed performance measures
• Promote an open, inclusive team environment that inspires innovative, distinctive output, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Maximise Radio 1’s share of audience in all areas, delivering programming of the highest editorial quality while maintaining our public service remit
• Cultivate new opportunities for RTÉ Radio 1 and forge innovative digital strategies with a particular emphasis on digital audio and podcasting
• Foster a high-performance culture through regular feedback, recognition, and effective performance management
• Take a lead role in continuing RTÉ’s journey of transformation in responding to ongoing change
• Establish and maintain all relevant internal and external stakeholder relationships and fostering positive engagement with stakeholders in the areas of political and public affairs
• Source and develop new “on air” and “off air” talent

About you:
The successful candidate will have considerable experience in a senior editorial leadership role within the radio or audio industry, with a proven ability to provide effective leadership to the Radio 1 teams, oversee content creation, programme development, and production processes across all platforms.

• Proven senior leadership experience in leading large creative teams, guiding and developing talent in the creation of high quality, engaging audio content
• Recognised experience of making a diverse range of audio and digital output, with a clear editorial vision, specifically an understanding of developing and delivering appropriate content to multiple platforms and have a proven ability of making judgements on matters of editorial sensitivity.
• Significant experience making sound editorial decisions under pressure, particularly in live broadcasting and crisis situations, balancing sensitivity, accuracy, and editorial independence.
• Deep understanding of Irish audience behaviours and RTÉ's content commissioning and production processes.
• Demonstrable ability to think strategically about programmes and their scheduling and/or the ability to contribute towards strategy for the channel/department
• Highly effective influencing and diplomatic skills with the ability to build trust-based, high-stake partnerships and relationships with a range of internal and external partners and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of identifying potential in team members and helping them progress within the organisation.
• Ability to foster an inclusive, supportive, and collaborative team culture that encourages diversity of thought and creativity.
• An excellent understanding of new platforms and technologies is essential for this role.
• Strong commercial and financial budgetary acumen with an ability to interpret audience insights are essential for this role.
• Keen to challenge the status quo and take initiatives to drive positive ongoing change

If you are interested in applying for this exciting opportunity, please apply by submitting your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter specifically outlining your suitability for this role.

Please submit as one document when completing this online application process.

This appointment will be made on a fixed term contract for a duration of three years on a personal contract, €95,000 to €120,000 p.a. depending on experience.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 27th June 2025.

Cuirfear fáilte roimh iarratais ó dhaoine go bhfuil dearcadh dearfach acu i leith na Gaeilge. Applications are welcome from people who have a positive outlook to Irish.

Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of what we do – both on-air and behind the scenes. We are committed to building a more inclusive environment and tackling under-representation while embedding inclusion at every stage of the employee journey.

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, without regard to gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, social experience, race and ethnicity, disability, civil and family status, religious belief, and membership of the Traveller Community.

We are eager to provide reasonable accommodations for potential and existing employees with any kind of disability. Should you wish to request an accommodation for your interview, we encourage you to let us know when you apply.