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 looking for an experienced Research Manager to lead our team of genealogy researchers and act as the professional and public face of the Irish Family History Centre, Research Department.

You will be leading our ...

Research and Client Engagement

• Meet with clients remotely to understand their research goals and prepare appropriate search strategies (research proposals).
• Prepare custom quotes for clients based on their research goals, as required.
• Manage genealogy projects from first enquiry through to the final report and/or presentation.
• Oversee complex archival research projects that may also include genetic genealogy.
• Maintain accurate records for each project and supervise progress.
• Review reports to ensure they are accurate, clearly written, and that research meets the clients’ objectives as set out in the initial consultation phase.
• Ensure all research complies with ethical, legal and data protection requirements.

Team & Workflow Management

• Assign research projects to the most suitable researcher based on their skills and experience.

• Support and supervise researchers as they complete their assigned projects.
• Review work and provide constructive feedback to the team.
• Respond to client feedback and identify ways to improve our service.
• Coordinate with the Centre Manager to manage schedules, subscriptions and research resources.
  
  

Staff Development

• Support researchers in developing their skills and knowledge. This may include coaching, mentoring and continuous professional development in-house and externally.
• Plan staffing to match the workload, including express orders, VIP and group visits.
• Encourage the sharing of knowledge and best practice.

Client and Public Engagement

• Co-ordinate the team to prepare and deliver genealogy research and presentations for individual clients including VIP guests, and visiting groups.

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

• Contribute to education in EPIC and the Irish Family History Centre (public talks, workshops, courses).

Product & Service Development

• Help develop and improve our genealogy services and products.

• Work with the Sales and Operations teams in EPIC to prepare bespoke proposals for high-value projects.

You will bring essential skills and experience including...  

• Proven experience leading and managing a team of researchers.  
• Proven experience in archival research in genealogy and /or history (including local history, archaeology, or a related discipline).
• An excellent knowledge of sources and repositories, beyond the online databases of FMP, Ancestry, MyHeritage etc.
• An excellent knowledge of Irish and British history, with the ability to place family histories in their wider social and historical context.  

• Experience of using genetic genealogy as part of genealogical research.

• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills. 

• Discretion and sensitivity in handling confidential client information. 
• Familiarity with ethical and data protection issues relating to genealogical research. 

You should also have:

• A qualification in Genealogy, History or a related discipline, or a proven track record of professional experience demonstrating equivalent knowledge and expertise.
• An understanding of the commercial side of a research business, including client satisfaction, turnaround times and financial performance.

• Experience working collaboratively across teams and building strong professional relationships.

Apply for the job:

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 lve to hear form you! Along with your CV please include a short cover letter, outlining your interest and suitability for this exciting role. 

Even if you don’t tick every box in the description, we’d still love to hear from you. If this role excites you and you feel you could be a great fit, get in touch.

For a confidential conversation about the position, please contact Nathan Mannion, Head of Programmes and Exhibitions (nmannion@epicchq.com). 

Closing date for applications is Tuesday 4th August 2026 

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.