Audience Development Researcher

CIFF is seeking an Audience Development Researcher to shape and deliver a focused fixed term research project that will inform a coordinated, long-term strategy for audience growth for CIFF. 

**Please visit https://corkfilmfest.org/about-cork-film-festival/jobs-and-vacancies/ for access to full job description before applying**

This role is not simply about collecting data. It is about generating clear, actionable insight that will shape how the Festival understands, engages, and grows its audiences, current and potential. The successful candidate will lead a structured research process – combining data analysis, qualitative engagement, and strategic interpretation – to identify opportunities for broadening participation and strengthening audience relationships.

The successful candidate will be experienced in collecting and analysing audience data and trends, conducting focus groups and have the necessary skills to generate insights for organisations and/or the arts & culture sector. 

The Audience Development Researcher will design the research framework in consultation with the Festival team, and manage data collection and solicit feedback from identified target groups (existing and potential) referencing a wide range of programmes & strands – industry events (filmmakers), the Festival programme (audiences), accessibility & EDI (audiences, filmmakers, stakeholders), sustainability (internal & external stakeholders) & young people’s projects (beneficiaries). 

In addition to CIFF’s internal research, the Audience Development Researcher will engage with local sectoral groups (e.g. Screen Cork, Arc Cinema, etc.), and via the national reach of the Cultural Cinema Partnership (CCP)* to support shared audience research across the sector. The role will contribute to shared learning across the Cultural Cinema Partnership, supporting sector-wide understanding of barriers to participation and strategies for widening access to cinema audiences in Ireland. The role will help develop a framework for collecting and analysing audience data, and facilitate collaboration to generate cross-sector insights. 

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Manage the research design and planning 
  • Devise and articulate core research questions in collaboration with the Festival team
  • Design effective research methodology (qualitative and quantitative)
  • Establish a clear project plan, timeline, and defined outputs
• Data Collection & Analysis: 
  • Analyse existing audience data (ticketing, demographics, attendance patterns, etc.); 
  • Identify trends, gaps, and areas for further investigation; 
  • Design and deliver audience surveys where appropriate
• Qualitative Research 
  • Initiate contact and manage and facilitate focus groups and interviews with participant groups/ audience communities and individuals from wide range of programmes, strands, partner groups 
  • Ensure inclusive and accessible approaches to participant recruitment
  • Identify structural, cultural, and practical barriers to participation and engagement, and translate findings into recommendations that actively support more equitable access to CIFF programmes. 
• Insight Generation and Reporting 
  • Conduct thematic analysis of qualitative and quantitative findings
  • Synthesize data into clear insights
  • Identify distinct audience segments, behaviours, and needs
  • Work in partnership with the Head of Marketing and Communications and Head of Development to develop sectoral report for dissemination
  • Develop practical, prioritised recommendations for audience development strategy and action plan
  • Present findings to internal/external  stakeholders in an accessible and engaging format
  • Ensure engagement formats are accessible and inclusive across in-person and digital settings
• Attend meetings with  Cultural Cinema Partnership (CCP) where required (may require travel in Ireland) and local/regional groups as required
• Efficiently manage the administrative functions associated with the role including reporting, coordinating and communicating with target groups and the CCP
• Represent the Festival in a professional manner.

Key information about this role:

• Independent Contract role
• Duration: Immediate start until December 2026
• 2 days per week (flexible, to be agreed in consultation with CIFF) 
• Indicative working hours are 9.30am–5.30pm on contracted days, with flexibility required depending on project needs, events, and stakeholder availability. 
• CIFF is based in Cork City, with flexibility for hybrid and remote desk based work. However, the role will require in person attendance in Cork City and County for workshops, stakeholder engagement, and Festival activity as required. 
• Fee: €160 per day (2 days per week equivalent) 

Application:

Please send your CV and a covering letter of no more than two pages outlining your interest and suitability for the role. Email to jobs@corkfilmfest.org, with Audience Development Researcher the subject line. The closing date for applications is Friday 22nd May, 5.00pm.

Short-listing of candidates will be on the basis of the information contained in their CV and covering letter. 

Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to attend an online interview on Friday 29th May. 

Commencement of the role is as soon as possible.