Research Manager

At the Irish Family History Centre (IFHC), part of EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, we help people around the world discover their Irish roots and family stories. We’re now looking for a Research Manager to lead our team of genealogists, deliver world-class research services, and act as the professional and public face of IFHC.

This is a role for someone with deep expertise in genealogy, proven leadership skills, and the ability to combine meticulous research with outstanding client service.

You will be leading our....

Research Process & Client Engagement

Assess client enquiries, prepare tailored proposals, and manage delivery from start to finish

Apply advanced skills in traditional and genetic genealogy (autosomal DNA, mtDNA, Y-DNA)

Ensure all work complies with ethical, legal, and data protection standards

Maintain accurate client records and oversee project tracking systems

Review and quality-check all reports before deliver

Team & Workflow Management

Allocate projects based on staff expertise and client needs

Balance workloads, monitor performance metrics, and ensure deadlines are met

Coordinate with the Centre Manager on scheduling, subscriptions, and research tools

Respond to client feedback and drive continuous improvement

Staff Training & Supervision

Provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development for the research team

Support capacity planning and guide staff through changes or reassignment
Foster best practice and knowledge-sharing across the team

VIP & Public Engagement

Deliver tailored research presentations to VIPs and special groups

Represent IFHC/EPIC at events, talks, courses, and public programmes

Act as a genealogy spokesperson in media appearances (TV, radio, podcasts)
Contribute to training and educational activities

Product & Service Development

Help shape and refine genealogy services and packages

Collaborate with Sales and Operations on bespoke or high-value offerings

You will bring essential skills and experience including...

Strong knowledge of Irish history and heritage in a genealogical context

Extensive experience in genealogical research, including traditional and genetic genealogy (autosomal DNA, mtDNA, and Y-DNA).

Proven ability to manage complex research projects to a high standard

Leadership and people-management experience with a mentoring approach

Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills

Ability to manage workflow, allocate projects, and meet competing deadlines

Proficiency with genealogy databases (Ancestry, Findmypast, RootsIreland) and openness to new technologies

Familiarity with ethical, legal, and data protection issues in research

Experience representing an organisation publicly (talks, training, media)

High level of discretion and sensitivity when handling client information

You might also have...

Recognised qualifications in History and/or Genealogy

Experience in contributing to product or service development in a research or heritage context

Familiarity with commercial metrics (e.g., revenue, client satisfaction, turnaround times)

Strong stakeholder management skills and the ability to collaborate across departments

If you’re passionate about family history and genealogy, ready to lead a skilled team, and excited to help people worldwide uncover their roots, we’d love to hear from you!

Apply for the job:

Along with your CV please write a short cover letter, outlining your suitability for this exciting role.

At The Irish Family History Centre at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, we are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, religion, disability, or any other protected characteristic. We strive to create an environment that embraces and celebrates the differences among our employees, promoting a culture of fairness, equality, and mutual respect.

Research Manager

Job Description