Swim Ireland is the National Governing Body for Swimming, Water Polo, Diving and associated Aquatic Disciplines on the island of Ireland.  Swim Ireland’s Head Office is based at Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15. Swim Ireland is a private limited company with approx. 55 employees. For further information, please see our website at  www.swimireland.ie

We are currently recruiting for a newly created role of Community Support Manager to join our dynamic team. The successful candidate will be responsible for the further development and implementation of an action plan to deliver more aquatic programmes to communities across the country with a special focus on hard-to-reach groups together with driving local activation through our Get Swimming Officers and Local Sports Partnerships.

Community Support Manager

Reporting Structure

The role holder will report to the Head of Education and Community responsible for managing the Get Ireland Swimming team.

Key Areas of Responsibility

  • To support the development of programmes and actions to get all demographics, with a particular emphasis on hard-to-reach groups, participating in the aquatics.
  • Deliver on relevant objectives within the Swim Ireland strategy, DEIB Action Plan, Women in Sport Strategy and Communications Framework.
  • To manage the budget in conjunction with the Head of Education & Community.
  • To collate, evaluate and analyse evaluation data as required.
  • Line manage Get Ireland Swimming Officers and Programme Officers and recruiting, training, and supporting staff reporting to the role holder.
  • Stakeholder Management – maintain and develop existing relationships with:
  • Local Sports Partnerships, Local Authorities, Facility & Aquatics Academy partners, Community Agencies, Health Promotion Charities/ Organisations, Contractors and Consultants, Sport Ireland & Sport Ireland Institute, Service providers (website developers, event management software etc.)
  • Establish new relationships with individuals and organisations.
  • Identify opportunities to influence policy changes and funding opportunities.
  • Ensure partnerships are mutually beneficial, monitored and maintained.
  • Programme Development and Delivery – the role holder is required to be up to date on National Sports Policy, Local Authority Sports Plans and Strategies and to be familiar with other relevant research, contributing where possible to consultations and research.
  • Develop programmes for key target groups, including hard to reach audiences, from concept through to evaluation setting clearly defined outcomes for programmes and direct reports, including tangible measures of success.
  • In conjunction with the Swim Ireland Governance, Evaluation and Inclusion Manager, create and manage use of evaluation and reporting tools for all programmes.
  • Manage programme budgets, funding applications and ensuring allocation of funding is aligned to objectives outlined in funding applications (including but not limited to Healthy Ireland, Dormant Accounts and Women in Sport).

Other duties as required.

Education and Experience

  • Relevant experience in a similar role
  • Project management and delivery experience
  • People Management experience
  • Relevant Qualification (e.g. event management/strategic and people management would be beneficial)
  • Thorough industry knowledge

Key Qualities

  • An expertise in developing and leading the implementation of programmes to support more people participating in sport and physical activity.
  • Excellent communication and administration skills.
  • Well-developed networking skills.
  • Attention to detail.
  • Strong work ethic and ability to work in a dynamic environment.
  • Flexible and adaptable attitude.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Team player and ability to work on their own initiative.

Essential Requirements

  • Be eligible to work in Ireland on a full-time basis.
  • Full clean driving licence and access to a car.
  • Excellent working knowledge of IT and software packages including MSOffice, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
  • Strong knowledge of Community and Participation programmes in sport.
  • Knowledge and experience of designing, delivering, and evaluating successful participation programmes and events.

Applicants should note that this list is not exhaustive and is subject to change as required as appropriate.

Remuneration and Location

  • The package will include a salary commensurate with qualifications and experience to commence at circa €40,000 per annum.
  • Position Tenure: 3 year fixed-term full-time contract.
  • Position Location: Swim Ireland Head Office, Irish Sport HQ, Sport Ireland Campus, Blanchardstown, Dublin 15.

Appointment will be made subject to satisfactory:

  • Garda Vetting; and
  • Suitable reference checks.

Applications should be made for the attention of the HR Manager – chloekinahan@swimireland.ie and should include a Cover Letter and up to date CV.

Closing date for applications is Monday 15th January 2024 @ 12pm.

Interviews will be held in Irish Sport HQ the week commencing 29th January 2024.

Swim Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer