Job Vacancy: Director Revenue Development

This is not your average leadership role.

This is an opportunity to:

• Drive ambitious growth strategies
• Expand international audiences and partnerships
• Champion culture, heritage, tourism, philanthropy & storytelling
• Grow retail, e-commerce and visitor experiences
• Develop major events and fundraising initiatives
• Build sustainable income streams that protect and preserve a national treasure for generations to come.

You’ll work across commercial strategy, marketing, fundraising, events, partnerships and innovation — all while helping safeguard a world-class heritage destination.

We’re looking for a visionary leader with the creativity of a marketer, the instincts of an entrepreneur, the energy of a fundraiser and the strategic mindset to deliver real impact.

If you are someone who thrives on big ideas, meaningful work and making things happen — we’d love to hear from you. This is a rare opportunity to combine purpose with ambition.

Job Title – Director of Revenue Development  

About Russborough

Russborough, a stunning 18th-century Palladian house located in Blessington, County Wicklow, is managed by the Alfred Beit Foundation, an independent charity dedicated to preserving this historic estate, its 200 acres of parklands, and impressive art collection.

Role Purpose  

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Director of Revenue Development will play a pivotal role in ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of this cultural landmark. You will lead the strategic expansion and optimisation of diverse revenue streams by maximising communications, marketing, commercial, fundraising and philanthropy programmes. This mission-critical role will drive sustainable income to bridge operational funding gaps by growing net revenue operations and strengthening partnerships across business and community networks. You will also define a strategic vision for growth and improve the systems and processes that support the business function.

You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive income growth while aligning with the Foundation’s mission to preserve and promote Russborough’s heritage.

As a senior member of the management team, you will contribute to all significant operational and strategic matters of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Revenue Stream Leadership and Strategy: Develop and implement a comprehensive revenue generation plan that integrates commercial, communications, marketing and fundraising functions, delivered through existing teams. Identify opportunities for synergies to maximise revenue generation.
• Business Planning and Delivery: Direct the design and delivery of business plans to identify and access new markets and initiatives, while shaping the corresponding commercial strategies.
• Retail Operations (Onsite and Online): Manage and grow revenue of the onsite gift shop. Expand the online store to reach worldwide markets through SEO optimization, digital marketing, and partnerships with global e-commerce platforms. Monitor inventory, sales analytics, and customer feedback to achieve sales targets and improve profitability.
• Income Diversification: Drive the diversification of income streams and spearhead growth initiatives, including the enhancement of e-commerce and digital sales across all channels.
• Relationship Management: Develop and maintain high-value strategic relationships with prospect sponsors, corporates and donors.
• Event Expansion: Focus on scalability and innovation to appeal to diverse audiences.
• Philanthropy and Fundraising: Work with the CEO to build and nurture a recurring revenue stream from donations and philanthropic partnerships to support preservation efforts. Develop donor cultivation strategies, including major gifts, legacy giving, corporate sponsorships, and crowdfunding campaigns. Organise fundraising events and leverage storytelling about Russborough’s history to inspire global philanthropists with ties to Ireland.
• Market Expansion and International Focus: Conduct market research to target international customers interested in Irish heritage, using data-driven insights to tailor marketing efforts. Build partnerships with diaspora organisations, travel operators, and online influencers to promote Russborough globally.
• Financial Oversight and Reporting: Set revenue targets, track performance metrics (e.g. KPIs for sales, attendance, repeat visitors), and prepare budgets and forecasts. Use analytics tools to optimise pricing, promotions, and resource allocation. Report progress to the CEO and Board and identify risks or opportunities in a dynamic economic environment.
• Team Leadership and Collaboration: Lead and motivate a team across revenue functions. Foster a collaborative culture with other functional areas to ensure seamless operations.
• Sustainability and Compliance: Ensure all activities align with heritage preservation standards, environmental sustainability (e.g. eco-friendly retail products), and legal requirements, including data protection for online sales and charitable fundraising regulations.

This is a full-time position based at Russborough House & Parklands, with potential for hybrid working. Travel may be required for international marketing or partnership development. Salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits including pension, and estate access privileges.

Required Skill Sets

• Strategic and Analytical Skills: Proven ability to develop and execute revenue strategies, with strong data analysis skills to interpret sales trends, customer behaviour, and financial metrics using tools like Google Analytics, CRM software and e-commerce platforms (Shopify).
• Marketing and Digital Expertise: Proficiency in digital marketing, SEO, social media campaigns, and content creation to promote products and experiences globally. Experience in targeting niche audiences, such as cultural enthusiasts or diaspora communities.
• Retail and E-Commerce Management: Hands-on knowledge of retail operations, inventory management, merchandising, and online sales platforms. Ability to curate product lines that resonate with lifestyle and heritage themes.
• Event Planning and Execution: Strong organisational skills for managing large-scale events, including budgeting, vendor coordination, risk assessment, and audience engagement.
• Fundraising and Donor Relations: Knowledge of philanthropic strategies and excellent interpersonal and networking skills to build relationships with high-net-worth individuals and corporations.
• Leadership and Team Management: Ability to inspire and lead diverse teams.
• Communication and Negotiation: Exceptional written and verbal communication for marketing materials, proposals, and stakeholder negotiations. Fluency in English; additional languages (e.g., for international markets) advantageous.
• Technical Proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite, financial software, and emerging technologies.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Heritage Knowledge: Understanding of cultural heritage management, with a passion for Irish history and the ability to weave storytelling into revenue initiatives.

Required Experience

• Professional Background: At least 8-10 years in revenue generation roles, preferably within the heritage, tourism, non-profit, or cultural sectors (e.g., museums, historic sites, or estate like properties).
• Proven Revenue Track Record: Demonstrated success in growing multiple revenue streams, such as increasing memberships, boosting retail sales through online expansion, securing significant sponsorships, scaling events.
• International Market Experience: Experience in global marketing and sales, particularly targeting diaspora or international audiences. Familiarity with promoting tourism abroad.
• Retail and E-Commerce: 5+ years managing retail operations, including onsite shops and online platforms.
• Event Management: Experience organising revenue-generating events, from concept to execution, in a venue setting.
• Leadership Roles: Prior experience leading teams of 5+ people, with a track record of achieving financial targets in a mission-driven organisation.
• Educational Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in Business, Marketing, Hospitality, Heritage Management, or a related field.
• Desirable: Experience in the Irish tourism sector or with similar historic properties. Knowledge of sustainability practices in heritage preservation.

Please send applications along with a CV and cover letter to sarah.duffy@russborough.ie

Closing date: Friday May 22nd.